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50 years of vibrant community connections

50 years of vibrant community connections

Explore the stories of resilience, transformation, and connection that make UFV a unique and inclusive gathering place for learners, leaders, and seekers.

St’elt’elawtexw | Community

Long before Canada was formed, the Stó:lō (People of the River) lived and thrived on the land on which UFV is located. UFV gratefully recognizes and honours the contributions that Indigenous people have made — and continue to make — to our community.

Celebrating community across the Fraser Valley

Community engagement is at the heart of UFV's mission as it embodies our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. Whether it's through partnerships like CityStudio, tackling pressing civic challenges, or contributing to initiatives like accessible tourism in collaboration with local organizations, we seek to bridge the gap between education and community connection.

We believe that learning should extend beyond the classroom, and by working closely with our communities, we can address real-world issues and drive positive change.

Together, we shape UFV's identity and a brighter future for all.


Engaging Learners
Yoystexw Ye Totilthet


Transforming Lives
Ayeqet Kw’e Shxwaylexws


Building Community
Thayt Kw’e St’elt’elawtexw

Welcome to St’elt’elawtexw

The language spoken by the Stó:lō people is Halq’eméylem, the “Upriver dialect” of Halkomelem. Halq’eméylem is primarily spoken in the upper and central Fraser Valley, the Lower Fraser Canyon, and in communities near Harrison Lake. St’elt’elawtexw means “community” in Halq’eméylem.

At UFV, St’elt’elawtexw is woven into our fabric, and we are grateful for the connections we have with the individuals and organizations who contribute to our collective impact.

Watch the video to learn the proper pronunciation of St’elt’elawtexw.

Susan Mide-Kiss headshot

 

On our 50th anniversary, we celebrate through reflection and by honouring the people and places who came before and made us who we are today.

Susan Mide Kiss | Vice-President, Community Engagement

Honouring our community

UFV 2024 Community Report

Spotlight

Featured community stories

Stories from the community

UFV’s Dr. Madison Pesowski investigates how young children think about ownership

Humans like to own things. As individuals, we strive for houses and cars, RVs and big-screen TVs. Nations seek to own resources, staking their claim to resources like oil and critical minerals.  But when does the awareness of ownership begin? When do we first conceive of the idea that something is ...

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UFV Theatre presents Macbeth by William Shakespeare

With the highly anticipated directorial return of Emeritus Associate Professor Bruce Kirkley, UFV Theatre brings Macbeth to the stage on March 20 – 29. This will be the second production of their 2024-2025 season. In addition to its run at UFV Abbotsford’s Blackbox Theatre, it will also ...

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New UFV degree program inspires community connections   

Wind fluttered through the banners over Montrose Avenue, where UFV’s newest degree program made its mark on the Abbotsford community. The Bachelor of Regional and Community Planning (BRCP) is a four-year degree that draws connections between environmental studies, art, natural sciences, policy and ...

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Whether you are a student, an alum, a staff, a faculty member, an organization or group in the Fraser Valley community, or someone eager to make a positive impact, there are countless ways for you to get involved.

 

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Share your UFV-Fraser Valley community initiatives. Submissions may be featured on the UFV blog or the next edition of the St’elt’elawtexw | Community Report.

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