Stetís Ímexstowx Gathering - Walk Beside Us

05/14/2026

Check out a showing of the award-winning short documentary, "The Rewilders" and a panel discussion, which includes Eddie Gardner, Sqwá First Nation Elder, on Sunday, May 31st at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre. Doors open at 2pm. Tickets are $10 each.

This film includes the transformation of Gill Bar to St’óqweleqw, a critical habitat for salmon, sturgeon and wildlife. This was Pelólxw Tribe led using the best of Indigenous and western science, and an intergenerational force.

Full details here:

The Rewilders is a visually spectacular short documentary that follows pioneering conservationists on three continents, working to rewild iconic species like jaguar, elephant, bison and salmon.

04/16/2026

Upcoming series, "Discussing Residential Schools: Local Perspectives", from our friends at UFV PARC and Stó:lō Tourism is a great opportunity to listen and learn.

This series is 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.

Mission:
Wednesday, April 22, 6:00-8:00 pm
Xá:ytem Interpretive Longhouse,
35087 Lougheed Hwy. - Mission B.C.

Hope:
September 9th 6:00-8:00 pm
Spirit of Hope Secondary School
444 Stuart Street - Common’s Room

Chilliwack:
November 18, 6:00-8:00 pm at the Gathering Space,
UFV Chilliwack Campus
45190 Caen Ave, Building A - Chilliwack

Come engage in candid and culturally grounded discussions facilitated by Wi******er Victor. The evenings are stand alone sessions that will start with a short presentation before the floor is opened for thoughtful questions and dialogue. No registration required, information at https://www.ufv.ca/peace-and-reconciliation/events/

You are invited. Cultural Experience Series Events: Mission - April 22nd, Hope September 9th and Chilliwack November 18th. Discussing Residential Schools: Local Perspectives. Everyone welcome.

04/14/2026

Máthxwi First Nation Chief Alice McKay and Semá:th First Nation Chief Dalton Silver speak on the topic of Truth & Reconciliation.

🎥: .films via

09/30/2025

🧡 Don’t forget — tomorrow is Stetís Ímexstowx 🧡
Join us at Thunderbird Square and Civic Plaza from 10AM–3PM for a day of walking together, learning, and reflecting.

This gathering creates space for understanding Truth and Reconciliation and sharing the history of Residential Schools with our community.

All are welcome.

09/20/2025

Story + Drumming with T’it’elem Spath/Stelómeten (Eddie Gardner)

Presented by UFV PARC

📆 : September 30th, 2025

⏰ : 2pm

📍: Front Lawn of the Clearbrook Library

We are honoured to welcome T’it’elem Spath/Stelómeten (Eddie Gardner) to the Stetís ímexstowx stage. Eddie will share story and drumming as the final offering of the day, closing the stage with teachings, song, and spirit. His voice and presence remind us of the power of truth-telling, cultural resilience, and carrying forward with strength.

Join us as we come together to build a deeper awareness of our roles in the path to Reconciliation on September 30th, 2025 for the second annual Stetís ímexstowx (Walk Beside Us) Gathering at Thunderbird Square in Selxwitchel (Abbotsford).

09/18/2025

HISTORY OF MATSQUI FIRST PEOPLES
Presented by Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service

📆 : September 30th, 2025

⏰ : All day

📍: In the rear parking lot of Fire Hall 1

Responding to Call to Action #57, we will host a storyteller from Matsqui First Nation to share of the deep history of Matsqui First Nation and its connection in our community.

Join us as we come together to build a deeper awareness of our roles in the path to Reconciliation on September 30th, 2025 for the second annual Stetís ímexstowx (Walk Beside Us) Gathering at Thunderbird Square in Selxwitchel (Abbotsford).

https://stetisimexstowx.ca/our-time-together/

09/17/2025

SCOOP & CREATE
Presented by Abbotsford Police Department

📆 : September 30th, 2025

⏰ : All day

📍: The south end of The Reach Gallery Museum parking lot

Come together to enjoy a sweet treat and a moment of creativity. At this space, families can share ice cream while engaging in thoughtful, artistic expression through coloring. This booth is a place for connection, conversation, and community.

Join us as we come together to build a deeper awareness of our roles in the path to Reconciliation on September 30th, 2025 for the second annual Stetís ímexstowx (Walk Beside Us) Gathering at Thunderbird Square in Selxwitchel (Abbotsford).

https://stetisimexstowx.ca/our-time-together/

09/16/2025

TWO WEEKS until we gather together to build a deeper awareness of our roles in the path to Reconciliation on September 30th, 2025 for the third annual Stetís ímexstowx (Walk Beside Us) Gathering at Thunderbird Square in Selxwitchel (Abbotsford).

09/14/2025

BEYOND BLANKETS: A STÓ:LŌ LANDS EXERCISE

Presented by UFV PARC

📆 : September 30th, 2025

⏰ : 10:45 AM – 1:15 PM

📍 : Clearbrook Library Learning Space

Beyond Blankets is an experiential learning exercise inspired by Stó:lō Elders and Knowledge Keepers, past and present. It invites reflection, builds cultural awareness, and deepens understanding of the lasting impacts of colonization. Participants must stay for the full activity, be prepared for prolonged standing, and wear socks.

Suitable for ages 18+.

Space is limited; onsite registration opens at 10:35am.

Content Warning: This exercise addresses Residential Schools, smallpox epidemics, assimilation, and the cumulative effects of colonialism.

Join us as we come together to build a deeper awareness of our roles in the path to Reconciliation on September 30th, 2025 for the second annual Stetís ímexstowx (Walk Beside Us) Gathering at Thunderbird Square in Selxwitchel (Abbotsford).

09/13/2025

STORY WALK LIVE – “PHYLLIS’ ORANGE SHIRT”
Presented by Abbotsford Children's Theatre and Literacy Matters Abbotsford

Join Literacy Matters Abbotsford, Abbotsford’s Children’s Theatre, and the Clearbrook Library with a Story Walk Live. This static and interactive storytelling event is where young narrators bring ‘Phyllis’s Orange Shirt’ by Phyllis Webstad to life.

📆 : September 30th, 2025

⏰ : 10:30am – 10:45am, 12pm – 12:15pm, 1:45pm – 2pm

📍: Front lawn of Clearbrook Library

Join us as we come together to build a deeper awareness of our roles in the path to Reconciliation on September 30th, 2025 for the second annual Stetís ímexstowx (Walk Beside Us) Gathering at Thunderbird Square in Selxwitchel (Abbotsford).

https://stetisimexstowx.ca/our-time-together/