The University of the Fraser Valley, Stó:lō Nation, the Stó:lō Tribal Council, the Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre, and the Stó:lō Grand Chief’s Council have collaborated to launch an allyship and reconciliation program. Xwelítem Siyáya: Allyship and Reconciliation Building is a part-time, non-credit program that educates non-Indigenous Canadians about allyship and building reconciliation. Participants will learn about topics such as lands and resources, settler colonialism, and governance, and will participate in workshops on drum making, cedar bark weaving, and more. “It is important for us to learn to live together in our territory so that we may learn together to protect the land water and resources for our future generations,” said Grand Chief Clarence (Kit) Pennier. UFV’s Peace and Reconciliation Centre Director Dr Keith Carlson added that, through the program, UFV is trying to foster genuine reconciliation while lifting some of the burdens of educating settlers about Indigenous rights, culture, and the impacts of colonialism.
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