Indigenous Student Centre

Welcome

It is with great pleasure and pride that we welcome you to the traditional unceded Territory of the Stó:lō Nation and to S’olh Shxwèlí , “Our Place” or the UFV Indigenous Student Centre. Within these traditional lands exist 24 member bands. Our Indigenous students include those who self-identify as First Nations status & non-status, Métis or Inuit. The purpose of our Indigenous Student Centre is to provide easy-access resources and a friendly, home-away-from-home environment to help our students in reaching their maximum potentials. We work to provide cultural and academic support, to help bridge the gap between the University and Indigenous peoples, and to help facilitate the Indigenization of our Academy.

Indigenous Student Centre is located at both the UFV Chilliwack campus at 45190 Caen Avenue in the “400 Wing”, and on the Abbotsford campus in the Student Union Building, room S1113.

Our cultural events are open to all students, and include lunches, circle meetings, Elder visits and gatherings, workshops, welcoming ceremonies, and several other activities on and off campus.

Our services include:

Advocate for students with other UFV departments
Make referrals and coordinate requests within UFV and to community agencies and other institutions.
Provide academic support, tutoring, and liaison with other UFV departments
Act as a liaison with post-secondary education authorities and First Nation organizations.
Provide information on courses with Indigenous content
Provide academic and trades program information
Assist with applications and admissions processes
Provide information on scholarships and bursaries

Our centres feature:

Videos, books and other resource material with an Indigenous focus
Computer workshops and study skill tips
Computer lab access with internet and email.

Please come in and see us when you can.

Territory acknowledgement

Long before Canada was formed, the Stó:lō (people of the river) occupied the land on which UFV is located. They lived in the Fraser Valley and lower Fraser Canyon of British Columbia and they spoke Halq'eméylem, also known as the upriver dialect.

UFV recognizes and honours the contribution that Aboriginal people have made − and continue to make − to our community. The university supports Indigenous learners and seeks to incorporate indigenous ways of knowing in the curriculum.

Learn more about Stó:lō territory by watching the video:
Beautiful Land of the River

Nearly five percent of UFV’s student body self-identify as Aboriginal people. UFV’s Indigenous Student Centre department provides culturally appropriate delivery of services for current and prospective students, including an Elders-in-Residence program. The Senior Advisor for Xwexwílmexwawt provides leadership for the development of indigenous programs, the recruitment and retention of Aboriginal faculty and staff, and the development of strong links with Aboriginal communities.

Upcoming events @ ISC