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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

50 Remarkable Alumni: Tara-Lynn Kozma-Perrin combines artistic talent, activist roots, and managerial skills to support art community 

Tara-Lynn Kozma-Perrin is an artist. She’s also a community builder. And an experienced public servant.   Combine those three superpowers and you have all the necessary ingredients for bringing communities to life. And UFV helped her develop those skillsets. Twice.  Her first degree was a Bachel ...

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Alumna’s passion for accessibility brings IT into the future

“I’m one of those forever students,” says UFV alumna Shana Smith (BA ’16). “I just love learning.”  So much so that she didn’t want to leave — after graduating with a major in English and a minor in Media and Communication, she continued on as an employee. Shana now brings her creat ...

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UFV researcher links wildfire smoke to mental health

Luisa Giles always feels unsettled when wildfire smoke starts drifting into the Fraser Valley. She knows that the sun will be turning red, the blue sky will turn grey and soon she’ll be spending a lot more time indoors.  “When I’m stuck inside my motivation for anything, especially physical a ...

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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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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.

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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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