Sonny McHalsie, a Stó:lō historian speaking about the draining of Sumas Lake to a group of newcomers on a tour of Abbotsford history, services and attractions in 2019.
10 Indigenous Events, Exhibits and Tours in the Fraser Valley
To mark National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st, 2022
We’ve gathered 10 places and events you can visit to learn about Indigenous history and culture in Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission. If exhibits are temporary, the end date is noted in each listing.
Trethewey House Heritage Site
- Permanent Exhibit on “The River People and the Land: Living within S’ólh Téméxw”
The Reach Gallery Museum
- The Reach Gallery Museum contains local history exhibits and often features Indigenous artists
- An exhibit from the Abbotsford Senior Art Activism Class is bringing awareness to Indigenous over-incarceration (Ends June 21st)
Mission Museum
- Learn about Stó:lō history at the Mission Museum
Mission Arts Centre
- Separately Connected – an Indigenous Art Exhibit (Ends July 3rd)
Kariton Art Gallery
- Beads of Hope exhibit on display at the Kariton Art Gallery (Ends June 25th)
Stó:lō Tourism Tours
- Book a tour through Stó:lō Tourism
- Guided Grounds Tours: Coqualeetza (Chilliwack), St Mary’s Residential School (Mission) and X̲áːytem Interpretive Centre
- Guided Bus Tours: • Bad Rock (Chilliwack/Yale/Hope), Chilliwack Lake, Sumas Region
- Guided Water Tours: Harrison Lake, Harrison River, Fraser River
Fraser River Discovery Centre
- Visitors to the Discovery Centre will learn about the river’s contribution to the life, history, and future of British Columbia and its people through rotating exhibits and hands-on programs
National Indigenous Peoples Day Events
Indigenous Wellness Reconnection Event
- Date: Friday, June 17th – 11:00am – 3:00pm
- Location: Chilliwack Central Park
- Host: Pacific Community Resources Society
- About: Free food, activities and learn about local services
Indigenous Peoples Day Community Event
- Date: Friday, June 17th – 3:00pm – 8:00pm
- Location: Sardis Park
- Host: Wilma’s Transition Society
- About: Live music, vendors and display booths, food trucks and children’s activities
National Indigenous Day Celebration
- Date: Tuesday, June 21st – 5:00pm – 8:00pm
- Location: 615 Lower Landing Rd
- Host: Sqwa First Nation
- About: Vendors, food and an ironman competition
