Skip to main content
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

Janet Antonio joins UFV as Director, Relationship and Fund Development

  Janet Antonio will be the new Director, Relationship and Fund Development at the University of the Fraser Valley starting August 6. Janet joins UFV from the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks Foundation and CTS Youth Society, where she served as executive director. She brings over 20 years of bro ...

Read the full story

Giacomazzi/Alary family learns about student success during visit to UFV Abbotsford

A local family with a long history of generous support for UFV has come forward once again with financial contributions for student researchers in the Food and Agriculture Institute (FAI). Bruna Giacomazzi, her husband Bob Burnett, joined by her sister Gina Alary, and several other family members re ...

Read the full story

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 ...

Read the full story

 

Engage with UFV

Get involved

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.

 

 

Join our mailing list

Be the first to learn about community engagement opportunities and receive updates on new and current partnerships, events, and news.

Subscribe

 

Submit a story for the 2025 Community Report

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.

Contribute

Contact us

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

Contact us

Contact Us