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Discover UFV's vibrant community connections

Discover UFV's 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.

Students interacting at a CityStudio in-person Hubbub event.

 
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

 

"As we approach our 50th anniversary in 2024, we honour the past, celebrate our present, and co-create our future, centering the vibrant community that is at the heart of UFV.”

Susan Mide Kiss | Vice-President, Community Engagement

Honouring our community

UFV 2023 Community Report


Community Report Launch | September 12-14, 2023

Catch the highlights of the St’elt’elawtexw Community Celebration at Abbotsford EcoFarm and the Chilliwack and Abbotsford Campus Launch Experiences. 

These events were nothing short of remarkable, featuring interactive showcases and inspiring speakers who shared the unique stories that define UFV's special relationship and deep connection with the Fraser Valley communities we serve. 

View more St'elt'elawtexw pictures on FlickR

Spotlight

Featured community stories

Stories from the community

Learn about UFV Trishaw Rides program at World Bicycle Day gathering

UFV celebrates World Bike Day on Monday, June 3 with a special event from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm on the Chilliwack campus. Staff and students from UFV’s Centre for Education and Research on Aging (CERA) will join the Yarrow chapter of Cycling with Age, along with community cyclists and walkers in a ...

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Mayor Siemens and President MacLean host the first Mayor’s Luncheon at UFV

Abbotsford community members converged at UFV’s Evered Hall on May 23 for the inaugural Mayor’s Luncheon with Mayor Ross Siemens. He shared anecdotes from his education and professional experience and illuminated his upcoming plans and priorities for Abbotsford, before sitting down for a questio ...

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Jeboah M. Godron named new Director of Communications at UFV  

Jeboah M. Godron is the new Director of Communications at the University of the Fraser Valley.   Originally from Victoria, Godron joins UFV from Toronto, where she worked as the Communications Manager for the Métis Nation of Ontario. Previous positions held include Marketing & Communications ...

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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 Fraser Valley-UFV community initiatives. Submissions will be considered for the UFV blog and might be featured on the St’elt’elawtexw | Community website.

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We would love to hear from you. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions, comments, or wish to explore partnership opportunities.

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