Celebrating Our Past Events, Library

Celebrating our Past Events

UFV Library loves to celebrate and share knowledge with our faculty, students, and departments through events. On this page we highlight some of our favourite events. Click through the links for photo albums on UFV's Flickr or videos on UFV's YouTube channel.

2025-2026
Writer in Residence Launch January 2026 In collaboration with the English department, the Library welcomed Richard Kelly Kemick, an award-winning poet, journalist, fiction writer, podcaster and playwright, as Writer in Residence for 2026. Richard applied to be Writer in Residence, after attending as a presenter at the Fraser Valley Writers Festival in 2024. The launch event allowed students to connect with Richard, listen to readings from his novels, and learn about his advice on writing. His major works include his short story collection Hello, Horse, the poetry collection Caribou Run, and the stage play Amor De Cosmos: A Delusional Musical.


Freedom to Read 2026 February 25, 2026 3rd Annual Freedom to Read Pictures 3rd Annual Freedom to Read Video The 3rd Annual Freedom to Read event took place in the atrium outside the library. Readers shared their favourite banned books. Banned books refers to books that were banned or censored at some point in their history within North America. Dr. Tracey Ryder-Glass, Kenley Neufeld, Colleen Bell, Smitty Miller, among others spoke at the event.


Open Education Strategy Launch and Celebration March 5, 2026 Open Education Strategy launch photos This launch highlighted the Open Education In-Action Initiatives and was a chance for the Open Education Team to celebrate their successes. During this event, they discussed the Open Education Strategy, Zero Textbook Cost Implementation plan, Open Education Micro-Grant Program and the Open Education website.


Writer in Residence Launch January 2025 Writer in Residence 2025, Leanne Dunic launch photos In collaboration with the English department, the Library welcomed Leanne Dunic as Writer in Residence for 2025. This event allowed students to meet Leanne, listen to her words of wisdom about writing, and listen as she discussed her novels. Leanne has published Salt Rich, Wet, and One and a Half for You.


Freedom to Read 2025 February 2025 The 2nd Annual Freedom to Read event took place in the SUS Building on the Abbotsford Campus. Readers include President Dr. Joanne MacLean, Garry Fehr, SUS Executive members, and members of the library team.


Art Installation of J. Luke Pike's Cedar Carving in Mission March 2025 J. Luke Pike's Carving installation photos The library hosted a cultural event at the Mission Campus to celebrate the installation of commissioned artwork by Stó:lō artist J. Luke Pike. The newly installed pieces—a large cedar sturgeon carving, a pair of carved cedar canoe paddles, an owl painting, a Canadian geese painting, and a sturgeon painting—together enhance the Library’s Indigenous art collection and reflect the principles of reconciliation and reciprocity in embedding Indigenization at UFV, while contributing to a culturally safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning space and strengthening relationships with Indigenous artists and Elders. The ceremony featured Elder drumming, song, and cedar brushing, honouring the installation and providing cultural grounding for the artworks’ placement within the Mission Library. Attendees included UFV leadership, Elders, faculty, and staff from across the institution. This installation represents a meaningful step in advancing UFV’s commitments to Indigenous engagement and place-based learning within the library.


Breathe: Protecting Health from Wildfire Smoke March 2025 March 2025 Science Café, Breathe photos This science café focused on concerns about the impacts of wildfire smoke on health and ways to protect yourself from smoke-filled skies. Part of March for Sustainability, twenty attendees were able to make a diy air cleaner from a fan and supplies provided. Speakers included Dr. Luisa Giles, Assistant Professor with the School of Kinesiology; Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol, Associate Professor with SFU Health Sciences; and Prem Gundarah, a SFU co-op education student and a BREATHE Program Coordinator.


Celebrating Black Canadians October 2025 Fourth Annual Welcome Back event photos Fourth Annual Welcome Back event video The fourth annual welcome back event featured remarks from UFV Leadership and student representatives, a reading by Mike Joko (Advisor, Human Rights) from his novel, Grand Vitaah's Journey, a presentation by Dr. Edward Akuffo (Associate Professor, Political Science) and a panel of UFV faculty, staff and students, moderated by Margaret Waruiru (Administrative Assistant to the AVP, Institutional Research and Integrated Planning). The panel, titled “Black and Thriving at UFV”, brought together five voices from across the university community to share lived experiences, reflect on what it means to thrive in academic and campus spaces, and highlight the ongoing contributions of Black students, educators, and professionals at UFV. Panelists were Dr. Edward Akuffo, Dr. Opeyemi Adesina (Associate Professor, Computing), Sarah Eke (Business Analyst), Blessing Maksha-Achoba (Office Coordinator, UFV Student Union Society), and Joshua Egwuterai (student).


Women: Working in Extreme Environments November 2025 Woman do it all and sometimes they do it in extreme environments, like fighting fires, saving lives in remote locations, working in the Arctic or in space. One of our most popular science cafés, four amazing women came out to speak on their careers and research. Dr. Jelena Brcic, an Associate Professor from UFV's School of Business, spoke on her research focusing on teams in extreme environments including space with her latest focus on women in Canadian Search and Rescue. Sandra Riches, Executive Director of BC AdventureSmart, spoke about her work with BC search and rescue groups, volunteers, and industry partners to make BC adventures accessible but also safer. Kelsi Paul is a volunteer with Central Fraser Valley Search & Rescue and discussed her experiences of women in Canadian Search and Rescue. Krista Minar is an Assistant Fire Chief with the Chilliwack Fire Department.


2024

Writer in Residence Launch 2024 January 2024 Writer in Residence 2024, Julia Dovey photos In collaboration with the English Department, UFV Library held a welcome event for Writer in Residence for 2024, Julia Dovey. She gave a talk about her professional journey as a writer and read excerpts from her latest published novel. Julia read from A Matter of Mountains and Molehillls, and has also published Lipstick Tattoo, and Potatoes and Pink Vodka.


Chronic Pain Science Café February 2024 February Science Café 2024, Chronic Pain photos The audience learned about the latest in pain science and how your body, your thoughts, emotions, and relationships influence your experience of chronic pain. UFV's School of Kinesiology shone at this event as Assistant Professor Cynthia Thomson, PhD, spoke about her latest chronic pain control trial; Assistant Professor Luisa Giles, PhD, shared her lived experience with chronic pain and how it has influenced her research into the biopsychosocial model of pain; and Faculty and Practicing Kinesiologist Brian Justin, MKin, shared how somatic movement and fitness training can help with pain management.


Freedom to Read 2024 February 2024 The inaugural Freedom to Read event took place in 2024 in the SUS building. It was created through discussions of literary freedom and the desire to celebrate UFV supporting Freedom to Read. The event took place during Canada's Freedom to Read Week and included many volunteers reading their chosen book which had been banned in North America at some point in its publication. Speakers included UFV Leadership, SUS Executives, and members of the library team.


Cherokee and Eastern Woodlands Traditional Tattoos - Jerrid Lee Miller March 2024 Jerrid Lee Miller event photos Jerrid Lee Miller is a Cherokee Nation citizen, US Army veteran and the current Language Archivist for the Cherokee Nation Language Department. He is working in tandem with both the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in developing a shared digital repository that will focus on language preservation and revitalization efforts for their shared digital materials. That’s his day job. His true passion is cultural revitalization efforts to include traditional tattooing, resurrecting dormant art practices, taking care of his family and anything Cherokee related. Miller presented a guest lecture at UFV Library in March 2024 about his passion for cultural revitalization including traditional tattooing and resurrecting dormant art practices.


Sustainability: Plants, Pests & Pollinators Science Café March 2024 March Science Café 2024, Plants & Pollinators photos Included in the March for Sustainability events, this Science Café looked at the ecological wonder and potential of a home garden through the lens of insects and their allies. Dr. Renee Priya Prasad, Department Head & Associate Professor in UFV's Agriculture Technology Department shared her research interests in agricultural pest control including biological control. Dr. Sandra Gillespie, Associate Professor, UFV Biology Department shared her focus on native pollinators.


Celebrating our Gift from Japan: A Cultural Tribute at UFV Library September 2024 Third Annual Welcome event photos Third Annual Welcome event Video This special event brought together students, faculty, and esteemed guests to honor the rich cultural contributions of Japan and to highlight the collaborative spirit between UFV and Japanese institutions. One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of the "Read Japan Project," a generous initiative by the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research and Nippon Foundation. In 2023, the UFV Library received 27 Japan-related books, a donation facilitated by the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver. These books, along with a symbolic plaque, now enrich the library’s collection, supporting both curriculum and research at UFV. Dr. James Mandigo, UFV’s Provost and Vice-President Academic, underscored the significance of the library’s partnerships with Japanese institutions. A special moment during the event was the introduction of Deputy Consul General Satomi Okagaki, who graciously attended and spoke about the enduring friendship between Japan and Canada. Her presence, along with the involvement of UFV’s diverse community, made this event particularly memorable.

2014-2022

Building Solidarity: Anti-casteism at UFV September 2023 2nd Annual Welcome event photos 2nd Annual Welcome event video The UFV Library welcomed students back with a partnership event with the South Asian Studies Institute on September 19, 2023. Building Solidarity: Anti-Casteism focused on creating an anti-caste UFV Campus. Artist Raghavendra K.V. Rao donated an original painting of Dr. Bhirmrao Ramji Ambedkar to UFV Library. This painting hangs in the UFV Library, Chilliwack Campus where it will serve as a reminder of our commitment to anti-caste work. Jai Birdi of CHETNA presented 17 volumes of Dr. Ambedkar’s writing and speeches which were graciously donated to UFV Library from the Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha Ontario. There were speeches by Jai Birdi, CHETNA; Ms Anita Lal, Poetic Justice Foundation; and Mr. Balkaran Singh as well as from Dr. Satwinder Bain, University Librarian, Camille Callison and A/President, James Mandigo.


Drought: Running Dry in the Fraser Valley October 2023 October Science Cafe 2023, Drought photos We're supposed to be in a rain forest, but lately it feels more like a semi-arid desert. Where's all the water? This Science Café looked at BC's drought situation, the Chilliwack aquifer, and the environmental consequences of our changing environment. Eric Gerbrandt, PhD and UFV's 2023 Distinguished Alumni, spoke on the environmental impacts of the changing climate from his perspective as Research Director BC Blueberry Council, Raspberry Industry Development Council, and BC Strawberry Grower's Association. UFV Geoscience faculty Scott Shupe spoke on watershed water quality, explaining how Chilliwack's aquifer worked and the impacts of drought.


Diabetes: Living Well with the Disease November 2023 November Science Cafe 2023, Diabetes photos November is Diabetes Awareness month and is the focus of the November Science Café. Dr. Iris Lesser, Assistant Professor, School of Kinesiology shared her research which looks at innovative ways for diverse populations to engage in physical activity. UFV Librarian Janelle Sztuhar shares her lived experience as a type 1 diabetic for 20 years including her experiences with the disease as a woman, student, and employee, and the changes in technology.


Food Sustainability in the Fraser Valley March 2023 March Science Cafe 2023, Food Sustainability photos The inaugural Science Café looked at how climate change, floods, heat domes, drought, global uncertainty, and rising prices make BC's Fraser Valley farmland crucial to local food security. Lauren Erland, PhD, Director of Berry Horticulture Research shared information about the Berry Environmental Resilience Research and Innovation lab. Her research also focuses on plant growth and climate change resilience. Michelle Superle, PhD, Associate Professor of English shared her pilot program "Dig for Your Rights" which is supervised in local classrooms and how she supports innovative research in food security and sovereignty. Dr. Alan Reid, Associate Professor,Biology, was a wealth of knowledge as he shared information on the Indigenous Garden on the UFV Chilliwack camp at Canada Education Park and the Abbotsford campus pollinator garden.


Out of Shadows September 2022 First Annual Welcome event photos First Annual Welcome event video The UFV Library started the academic year of 2022 with the Indigenous Art Unveiling. The unveiling began with a desire to bring Indigenous art into UFV Library locations that would reflect the Stó:lō community and Stó:lō Téméxw, where UFV is located. University Librarian Camille Callison interviewed Naxaxalhts’I (now Si:yémiya) Dr. Albert (Sonny) McHalsie about infusing Stó:lō knowledge and wisdom into the UFV Library through the use of Indigenous art. These discussions led to collaborative work between learning transformers on Stó:lō Téméxw and UFV Indigenous Affairs, with support from the Provost and VP Academic. The UFV Library then commissioned Una-Ann Moyer to create original artwork based on the knowledge given and confirmed by Naxaxalhts’i that reflects the history of the Stó:lō peoples. Other influences from Coast Salish and Northwest Coast art, and the future of the UFV communities are also represented in the artwork as families traveling in unison towards a shared vision. The library also acquired art from Indigenous artist J. Luke Pike.


Lenore Newman Lost Feast Book Launch January 2020 Lost Feast Book launch photos UFV Library was honoured and happy to host the book launch party for Dr. Lenore Newman. Her book, "Lost Feast: Culinary Extinction and the Future of Food" explores foods that we have loved and eaten to extinction throughout history and what that means for culinary paths in the future. The book launch included an author reading and many refreshments including Lenore's famous nanaimo bars.


Intelligent Lives February 2019 UFV Library partnered with the Workplace TASK program to present the 4th Canadian screening of Intelligent Lives. Intelligent Lives stars three pioneering young American adults with intellectual disabilities who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce. Alyson Seale, MEd, a TASK program instructor led a networking and discussion event after the film.



Red River Cart Presentation 2019 Chilliwack Métis Association gifting of Red River Cart Video Métis Awareness LibGuide (includes display information) UFV President Joanne MacLean was gifted the Red River Cart from the Chilliwack Métis Association. The cart was created as a custom-made to fit the Chilliwack Library's display cabinet. The display, Métis Awareness, Louis Riel and the Road Allowance People, was created from an idea by Shirley Hardman, UFV's Senior Advisor on Indigenous Affairs. She wanted a metal silhoutte of Métis leader Louis Riel, an image that would convey the poverty of the Road Allowance People, a real Red River cart, and household stuff in the cart. It was to paint a picture of poverty and struggle, a context for what life was like for Métis people in Canada who were not allowed to own property. More details of all the parts of the display are available in the LibGuide but the display was made possible through: Shirley Hardman, UFV"s senior advisor on Indigenous Affairs; Josephine Charlie, Indigenous Student Centre, cultural and events assistant, for her advice and for beading and creating the cradleboard; Louis De Jaeger and the Chilliwack Métis Association for donating the Red River cart and lending other display items; Chilliwack Library Team Heather Compeau, Johanna Sawer, Korina Gratton, Leslie Olsen, Lisa Morry, Samantha Gibbs, and Tracy Bergey; Patrick Calihou, Red River car carver; Randy Lamont, artist who created the historical painting in the backdrop and created the Louis Riel silhoutte; Chris James, Smoothlines Welding who built the Luis Riel silhoutte; and Joel Feenstra, Trades faculty for facilitating the Riel silhouttee.



Art of the Book Sept 2018 Art of the Book exhibit photos The Art of the Book 2018 was an international juried exhibition of the work of members of the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild. The exhibit's only BC Lower Mainland stop was the UFV Library and was displayed from September to December 2018. It spent two years travelling across Canada. "We’re very honoured that UFV was chosen to host this exhibit for the entire Lower Mainland region, and we hope to attract book design aficionados from throughout Metro Vancouver,” says UFV Librarian Mary-Anne MacDougall, who is serving as university liaison for the exhibit. “It will also be a great opportunity for our visual arts and graphic design students to see some excellent and innovative designs up close.”


1,000 Ravens 2018-2019 Raven Making workshop photos Raven Making instruction video UFV Library made 1,000 paper ravens to hang in the CEP atrium outside the library as a wish for reconciliation. The Raven-making workshops were held on both the Abbotsford and Chilliwack campuses. This goal was tied to the Sugar Girl display outside the Chilliwack Library which was inspired by Joseph Boyden's short story "The Legend of Sugar Girl". The raven is known to symbolize creation, transformation, knowledge, prestige and hope. The mischievous raven is often a trickster character in Indigenous' true stories. Ironically, the viewer may also see the resemblance to a nun's habit or to an angel. UFV Library believed that through folding 1,000 ravens our wish for reconciliation will be granted. The ravens remain on display in the back windows of the Abbotsford Library.


Human Library 2017 Human Library event photos A human library challenges people's understanding of stereotypes and educates them about diversity. This human library event allowed people to check out human "books" and talk with them about their experiences. The books for UFV Library's event ranged from varying religous perspectives to secual orientation to non-traditional sports and careers to arranged marriage to mental health advocacy. Our books featured a diverse group of speakers, including:
Venerable Yin Kat (Sister Jessie), a Buddhist nun who teaches meditation to federal inmates. Darren Blakeborough, UFV Assistant Professor of Social, Cultural and Media Studies, whose personal and academic interests range from heavy metal to aging, and from professional wrestling to homelessness, challenging assumptions about what it means to be a university professor. Elaine Malloway, who spoke about becoming Chief of Yakweakwioose First Nation in Chilliwack and overcoming challenges as a woman throughout different stages of her life. Shirley Hardman, Senior Advisor on Indigenous Affairs, who shared insights from her many professions and life experiences. Astrid Beugeling, who discussed her involvement with the Chilliwack Players Guild and her work documenting its history back to the 1950s. Kulwant Gill, UUP Instructional Assistant, who spoke about confronting racism, challenging stereotypes, and overcoming cultural expectations. Lisa Axelson, a Chilliwack firefighter, who encouraged people to take chances and pursue the lives and careers they choose. Shonnet Allen, a Chilliwack kayaker inducted into the Chilliwack Community Sports Heroes in 2005, who continues to support and promote the sport.	Carin Bondar, a former ballerina and biologist, who shared her unique career journey and being a role model to women in science especially moms who need to see that you can succeed with family and a career. Tim McAlpine, a graphic designer and entrepreneur who spoke about building his company McAlpine Graphic Communication and its focus on credit unions. Joanna Sheppard, Associate Professor of Kinesiology, whose work emphasizes strong pedagogical connections that support students' physical literacy. Sandy Hill, a practicing Sufi spoke on his long journey around the world experiencing different faiths before settling on Sufism a mystical practice in which a person is mentored by a living spiritual guide. Kaila Mussell, the first professional female saddle bronc rider in North America, spoke on challenging perceptions and stereotypes in a male-dominated sport. Adria Roberts, who spoke about mental health, stereotypes, and stigma. Christina Billingham, a queer artist and filmmaker who spoke on being true to herself later in life after being compelled to live a traditional lifestyle.



Sx̱wōx̱wiyám, Stories of Long Ago February 2016 Sx̱wōx̱wiyám, Stories of Long Ago event photos Sx̱wōx̱wiyám, Stories of Long Ago event video Sx̱wōx̱wiyám, Stories of Long Ago LibGuide with speaker information The UFV Chilliwack library and the Indigenous Affairs office co-presented Sx̱wōx̱wiyám, Stories of Long Ago, at which Stó:lō storytellers led the audience through stories about bear, raven, salmon, and owl and the connection to the land and the water. Storytellers, including David Gutierrez, Mary Sandoval, Glen Malloway, and Joseph Dandurand, addressed the audience throughout the day in the atrium on the Chilliwack campus at Canada Education Park

Newman Western Cookbook Collection Celebration and Launch September 2015 Newman Western Cookbook Collection launch photos The University of the Fraser Valley Library was establishing its own Special Collections showcasing the Newman Western Canadian Cookbook Collection. Along with the pre-existing Heritage Collection (a collection of primarily published materials relating to the people and places of the Fraser Valley), the Newman Collection (titles reflecting the food ways and history of the western Canadian provinces) was established in the fall of 2014. These two resources promise to draw in researchers from outside UFV and the Fraser Valley. Building a solid research collection of culinary titles will be a resource for scholars examining food ways and preferences, agricultural practices, gender roles and material culture, to name just a few. We unveiled our new UFV Cookbook of favourite recipes, Good Food Tells a Story, a cookbook of favourite recipes contributed by UFV staff and faculty, as well as celebrating the MSA Museum's publication of Abbotsford: from Village to City.