OUR TIME TOGETHER
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Time: 10 AM to 3 PM
Location: Civic Plaza – 32388 Veterans Way
DAY-AT-A-GLANCE
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Opening Ceremony on Stage
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM: Story Walk Live
10:30 AM – 3:00 PM: Recorded videos on loop at The Reach Gallery Museum, in Community Arts Space
10:45 AM – 1:15 PM: Beyond Blankets session at Clearbrook Library
11:00 AM – 11:40 AM: Luminous Waters 1 screening at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM: Orange Shirt Art & Education on Stage
12:00 PM – 12:15 PM: Story Walk Live
1:00 PM – 1:40 PM: Luminous Waters 2 screening at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium
1:45 PM – 2:00 PM: Story Walk Live
1:45 PM – 3:00 PM: Circle of Care session at Clearbrook Library
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: T’it’elem Spath/Stelómeten (Eddie Gardner) sharing on Stage
STATIONS
The gathering will start with the Opening Ceremony at IO AM at Thunderbird Square, followed by the opening of
each station.
Presented by The Reach Gallery Museum
Time: Two 45-minute performances happening at 11 AM and 2 PM
Location: Matsqui Centennial Auditorium
A hauntingly beautiful performance inspired by the award-winning children’s book, Semá:th Xó̱:tsa : Sts’ólemeqwelh Sxó̱:tsa / Great Gramma’s Lake. Professional puppeteer Tamara Unroe and students from Abbotsford School District bring giant illuminated puppets to life, recalling the memory of Sumas Lake as it would have been before it was drained.
Presented by Abbotsford Police Department
Time: All day
Location: 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.
Presented by UFV Peace and Reconciliation Centre (PARC)
Time: 10:45 AM – 1:15 PM
Location: 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.
Presented by Abbotsford Fire Rescue (AFRS)
Time: All day
Location: 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.
Presented by Abbotsford Children’s Theatre and Literacy Matters Abbotsford
Time: 10:30am – 10:45am, 12pm – 12:15pm, 1:45pm – 2pm
Location: Front lawn of Clearbrook Library
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 ‘The Orange Shirt Story’ by Phyllis Webstad to life.
Presented by UFV Peace and Reconciliation Centre (PARC), in partnership with Seabird Island Band.
Time: 10:30am – 3pm
Location: The Reach Gallery Museum
Step into a quiet space of listening and reflection at The Reach Gallery Museum, where a series of video mini-documentaries feature residential school survivors and thrivers who share their stories of struggle, resilience, and resurgence. The 10–15-minute videos will play on a continuous loop from 10:30 AM–3:00 PM. The films were made with the permission and collaboration of the Sts’elemeqw Residential School Thrivers society. Drop in anytime to witness these powerful truths and deepen your understanding.
Content Warning: Topics include Residential Schools and the lasting impacts of colonialism.
Presented by Abbotsford School District
Time: 10:30am – 3pm
Location: Abbotsford School District Board Office
Students from the Abbotsford School District are sharing their powerful learning journeys through a series of meaningful projects. These initiatives explore the true history of the land and advocate for a respectful, inclusive path forward. Rooted in truth and reconciliation, the students’ work fosters greater understanding, awareness, and community connection. We appreciate the youth for leading a positive path forward.
Presented by Fraser Valley Regional Library
Time: 10:45 AM – 1:15 PM
Location: Clearbrook Library
Visit the Clearbrook Library to engage in activities and discover FVRL and other community resources that help us “walk together” with Indigenous peoples. Join us to connect with the special meaning of the National Day of Truth & Reconciliation.
Presented by City of Abbotsford Artist in Residence, Vanessa Serroul and Heritage Abbotsford
Time: All day
Location: Matsqui Centennial Auditorium
Artist Vanessa Serroul presents an exhibition of community engaged artworks produced during her 2025 residency that focused on the Halq’eméylem language, environmental stewardship, and stories from the Máthxwi and Semá:th people.
Presented by UFV Peace and Reconciliation Centre (PARC)
Time: 2pm
Location: 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.
Presented by Sumas First Nation with Cheyenne Ned
Time: All day
Location: Front Lawn of the Clearbrook Library
Visitors are invited to learn from a First Nations cedar weaver who will share the richness of their traditional weaving practices. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the work up close and learn about the cultural knowledge and traditional techniques woven into each piece. Cedar weaving is a practice that uses strips of cedar bark to create mats, baskets, and even regalia. At the tent, visitors will see examples of cedar weaving that highlight both functional items and artistic expressions.
Presented by Abbotsford Arts Council with Deanna Wium
Time: All day
Location: Next to Firehall 1
Visit artist Deanna Wium (Cree & Secwépemc First Nation) for a pine needle basket weaving demonstration that honours tradition, connection, and healing. With over 20 years of experience, Deanna draws inspiration from the rivers and mountains of the Fraser Valley. Her practice, rooted in teachings from the Xa’ytem Longhouse, is an invitation to witness Indigenous artistry that nurtures both community and spirit.
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