PARC hosts a wide range of events and programs that create space for dialogue, learning, and community connection. From interfaith conversations and reconciliation-focused workshops to student-led research showcases and creative storytelling events, our programming engages with the most pressing issues of our time (locally and globally).
These events are designed to spark reflection, build relationships, and foster deeper understanding across differences. We are grateful to collaborate with students, faculty, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community partners who help shape and support these meaningful gatherings.
Yálh yexw kw'as hó:y.
Upcoming Events
Discussing Residential Schools: Local Perspectives
A part of the Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre's Cultural Experience Series Events
Featuring Stó:lō Grand Chief Dr. Clarence Pennier, Dr. Dave Schaepe (SRRMC), and Dr. Keith Thor Carlson (UFV), alongside additional researchers from the SRRMC
Wednesday, September 9, 6:00-8:00 pm
Spirit of Hope Secondary School, Hope
444 Stuart Street - Common’s Room
Come engage in a candid and culturally grounded discussion facilitated by Winchester Victor. The evening will start with a short presentation before the floor is opened for thoughtful questions and dialogue.
Participation in previous Discussing Residential Schools: Local Perspectives sessions is not required. All are welcome to join us for one or both of the fall discussions.
Upcoming additional date:
November 18, 6:00-8:00 pm
(Chilliwack)
at the Gathering Space,
UFV Chilliwack Campus
45190 Caen Ave, Building A - Chilliwack
We look forward to continuing these important conversations together.
A Resting Heart: Documentary Screening and Conversation
Debut screening of a documentary that explores ongoing legacies associated with the 1884 lynching of Louie Sam, a 15-year-old Stó:lō boy
Presented by the Peace and Reconciliation Centre (PARC) at the University of the Fraser Valley in partnership with the City of Abbotsford’s Culture City Program Series.
Join us for the public debut screening of A Resting Heart, a documentary produced by the Peace and Reconciliation Centre and Desire Amouzou that explores ongoing legacies associated with the 1884 lynching of Louie Sam, a 15-year-old Stó:lō boy.
In February 1884, Louie Sam was wrongfully accused of the murder of an American settler and taken into custody by British Columbia officials. Before he could face the Canadian justice system, he was taken from custody by a group of approximately 100 American vigilantes from Whatcom County and lynched in Canada near the Canada-United States border. Despite investigations into his death, those responsible were never held accountable.
A Resting Heart follows John Emmery, a descendant of one of the men responsible for Louie murder, as he works to deliver a personal apology to Louie Sam and the Semá:th community. The harm committed by his ancestor is still causing pain and trauma today, to Stó:lō people and settlers both. Through his journey, the documentary invites reflection on accountability, reconciliation, and the difficult work of confronting histories of violence, racism, and colonial injustice.
At the heart of the film are the voices, knowledge, and generosity of spirit of the Semá:th First Nation and Stó:lō community.
Louie Sam’s death is a tragic and criminal part of our history. A Resting Heart honours his memory and creates space for compassion, empathy, healing, and justice. It challenges us to recognize that we all have a responsibility to remember, to learn from, and to respond to the past.
Taking place shortly before September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the evening will begin with opening remarks from Dr. Keith Thor Carlson and will conclude with a brief conversation and Q&A featuring Grand Chief Clarence “Kat” Pennier, Chief Dalton Silver, Dr. Keith Thor Carlson, John Emmery, and Desire Amouzou.
As part of the City of Abbotsford’s Culture City Program Series under the theme of Dialogue, this evening offers an opportunity to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful conversation about history, memory, accountability, and reconciliation.
Event Details
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Matsqui Centennial Auditorium
32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC
This event is free to attend. Advance registration through Eventbrite is requested.
Content warning: This film and conversation include discussion of the lynching of Louie Sam, colonization, racism, anti-Indigenous violence, historical injustice, and the impacts of colonial systems on Stó:lō communities. Attendee discretion is advised.
Past Events
Explore highlights from PARC’s past events and programs where dialogue, learning, and community have come together in powerful ways. This space features recaps, and photos or recordings (when available), that reflect the diverse voices and meaningful moments shared across our gatherings. We invite you to revisit these conversations and continue engaging with the ideas that shape our collective work.
Our past events
