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.
St’elt’elawtexw | Community
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.
“The stories in this report highlight how members of UFV and our broader community are rising to today’s challenges — through bold community-driven research, social innovation, and strong leadership. Together, we’re taking a collaborative approach that addresses the complex needs of our world.”
Susan Mide Kiss | Vice-President, Community Engagement
Spotlight
Featured community stories
UFV is now an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus
The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) has been designated as an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, joining a global network of institutions that are reimagining the role of post-secondary education in driving social innovation, equity, and systems-level change.
Stories from the community
Science Café welcomes women on the frontlines of discovery, rescue, and resilience
From outer space to flood zones and frozen frontiers, four women who thrive where most would turn back are coming together to talk about what it takes to work — and lead — in extreme environments. The first Science Café of the 2025–26 academic year takes place at the University of the Frase ...
2025 Fraser Valley Writers Festival comes to UFV
Poets, writers, and readers alike will gather at the University of the Fraser Valley to celebrate the 18th annual Fraser Valley Writers Festival (FVWF) on November 7 and 8. The festival will bring 12 celebrated writers to Abbotsford for a free, two-day event hosted in the lecture theatre (room B ...
Stuff I wish I knew before going to UFV Open House and you should too!
By UFV student Paulina Jiménez Violante If you’re planning to go to UFV’s Open House on Saturday, Oct 18 from 10 am to 2 pm, first of all, that’s awesome! You’re already taking a great step to learn more about where you might study. When I went, I was excited but also a little nervous. [&he ...
Engage with UFV
Get involved
Whether you are a member of UFV’s student, faculty, staff, alumni community or a volunteer, organization, or group in the Fraser Valley (and beyond) eager to make a positive impact, there are countless ways to engage.
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Submit a story for the 2026 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.
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.