OUR TIME TOGETHER
Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Time: 10 AM to 3:30 PM
Location: Civic Plaza – 32388 Veterans Way
DAY-AT-A-GLANCE
10:00 AM: Opening Ceremony on Stage
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM: Semá:th Xó̱:tsa – Luminous Waters Puppet Performance at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium
11:30 AM* – 1:30 PM: Beyond Blankets: A Stó:lō Lands Exercise at Clearbrook Library
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM: Semá:th Xó̱:tsa – Luminous Waters Puppet Performance at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium
2:30 PM – 3:30 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 UFV Peace and Reconciliation Centre (PARC)
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 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 11am.
Content Warning: This exercise addresses Residential Schools, smallpox epidemics, assimilation, and the cumulative effects of colonialism.
To learn more about the Beyond Blankets experience, visit the UFV PARC website here.
Presented by Fraser Valley Regional Library
Time: 11am – 3pm
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 the Sts’elemeqw Residential School Thrivers Society and UFV Peace and Reconciliation Centre (PARC)
Time: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Location: The Reach Gallery Museum
Step into a quiet space of listening and reflection at The Reach Gallery Museum, where a series of mini video 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. 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.
Time: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: On stage on the 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 City of Abbotsford with Lexi Richards
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Thunderbird Square
Join artist Lexi Richards for an interactive art-making activity. Participants are invited to place flowers within a temporary artwork, contributing to a project that serves as a visual commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.
Presented by Abbotsford Arts Council with Vanessa Serroul
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Thunderbird Square
This hands-on installation invites visitors to learn about traditional Salishan knowledge, including food and medicine harvesting and fishing practices rooted in the Fraser River watershed.
Presented by Abbotsford Police Department
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Abbotsford Police Department
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 The Reach Gallery Museum
Location: Matsqui Centennial Auditorium
Presented by Heritage Abbotsford
Location: Under the LEARN flag with Literacy Matters and Abbotsford Children’s Theatre in Thunderbird Square
Presented by Literacy Matters Abbotsford
Time: 11am – 3pm
Location: Thunderbird Square
Drop by the Literacy Matters Abbotsford booth on Thunderbird Square and participate in our free book draw with something for every age group. Also available are: free used books (while supply lasts) and the “Reading Success at Home” booklet with helpful tips for parents. Share your ideas with the Literacy Matters Outreach Coordination about how we can help improve literacy in Abbotsford; meet the onsite coordinator of Reading Buddies who will share information about the program. Application forms for Reading Buddies will be available.
Presented by Abbotsford Children’s Theatre
Time: Stories will be presented throughout the day in paired back-to-back performances with short breaks between each presentation.
Location: Front Lawn of the Clearbrook Library
Join the Abbotsford Children’s Theatre and Clearbrook Library for Story Walk Live. This engaging storytelling experience brings two powerful Indigenous stories to life through live readings performed by young narrators. Follow along with The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad and Semá:th Xó:tsa, as well as Great-Gramma’s Lake by Thetax Chris Silver, Xemabtelot Carrielynn Victor, Kris Foulds, and Laura Schneider. Through storytelling, families can connect with local Indigenous perspectives, culture, and history in an interactive and welcoming outdoor setting.
Presented by Abbotsford Fire Rescue Services
Time: 11am – 3pm
Location: Beside the Clearbrook Library
Families are to participate in a cultural awareness colouring activity that celebrates Indigenous cultures and helps share the values, traditions, and teachings embraced by First Nations communities. This hands-on experience offers a fun and educational opportunity for visitors of all ages.
Meet the firefighters of Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service and get an up-close look at the specialized apparatus and equipment used to respond to fire emergencies. Explore the fire truck, learn about the tools firefighters rely on to keep our community safe, and discover what it takes to respond in emergency situations.
Presented by Abbotsford School District
Time: 11am – 3pm
Location: Matsqui Centennial Auditorium Lobby
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.
SITE MAP
2026 Site Map coming soon!
