Stetís ímexstowx

September 30, 2024

• 10:00 am – Opening Ceremony

• 10:45 am - 12:15 pm - Stó:lō Plant Medicine with Knowledge Keeper Carol Peters

• 11:00 am – Abby PD Indigenous Youth Badge Art Competition Unveiling Ceremony

• 11:30 am – Story Walk with Abbotsford Children’s Theatre and Literacy Matters Abbotsford 

• 11:45 am-12:30 pm – Luminous Waters Performance 

• 12:00 pm - Drumming 

• 12:30 pm – Story Walk Live with Abbotsford Children’s Theatre and Literacy Matters Abbotsford 

• 1:15 pm - 12:45 pm - Stó:lō Plant Medicine with Knowledge Keeper Carol Peters

• 1:40 - 2:00 pm - Eddie Gardner (T’ít’elem Spath – Singing Bear), Sqwá (Skwah) First Nation

• 1:30 pm – Story Walk Live with Abbotsford Children’s Theatre and Literacy Matters Abbotsford 

• 2:00 pm - Drumming 

• 2:15 pm – 3:00 pm – Luminous Waters Performance 

Story Walk Live - "Phyllis' Orange Shirt" 

Presented by Abbotsford Children’s Theatre and Literacy Matters Abbotsford  

Three presentations lasting approximately 15 minutes at 11:30am, 12:30pm and 1:30pm | 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 ‘Phyllis's Orange Shirt’ by Phyllis Webstad to life.  

Stories of the Beaver & Fire 

Presented by Abbotsford Fire & Rescue Services

10:45am – 3pm | Abbotsford Fire Rescue Station #1

Join us as we explore what Truth and Reconciliation means to our staff and to you as members of our community. Community members will be invited to write a phrase or choose a word that represents what this day of remembrance means to them. These words will be taken, and translated into Halq’eméylem, the language of Mathxwí First Nation and Semá:th First Nation people. These words will then be made into a mosaic to be shared amongst our Fire Halls to remind us of the importance of this Indigenous language and Truth and Reconciliation. Come and learn more about the Halq’eméylem language and alphabet.

After you share your thoughts on the meaning of Truth and Reconciliation, check out our fire apparatus on display and other interactive activities. 

Interactive Art Making  

With City of Abbotsford Artist in Residence Lexi Richards

11am-3pm | Thunderbird Square

Join artist Lexi Richards for an interactive art-making activity. Participants are invited to place flowers within the temporary piece, contributing to a project that serves as a visual commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.  

Every Child Matters Orange Teddy Bear Tee Shirt

Presented by United Way BC – Mill Lake & Babich 

Join United Way British Columbia at the Reach Gallery entrance for a very special teddy bear t-shirt craft event for kids! Children are invited to decorate their very own "Every Child Matters" orange teddy bear t-shirt. Each child can take their personalized t-shirt home to dress their own teddy bear. Be sure to arrive early, as supplies are limited.

10:45am – 3pm | The Reach Gallery Museum 

Where is the gathering being held? 
Thunderbird Square and Civic Plaza - 32388 Veterans Way, Abbotsford, BC V2T 0B3

Will it be rain or shine?
Yes. Some locations have indoor activities and there are some tents throughout, but please be prepared for the weather. 

Is there a cost?
The event is FREE. 

If you would like to make a cash donation to the Sts'elmoqw Residential School Thrivers Society, a donation box will be available. Please note that there will not be an ATM machine on-site.

Where can I park?
There are multiple parking lots surrounding the Thunderbird Square and Civic Plaza. See the map below. Large lots are on the West side of Tims Street, on the North side of South Fraser Way, next to The Reach Gallery, and under the Abbotsford Law Courts. 

Parking is limited, but free.

What if I travel by bus?
Depart at the Civic Centre. Bus Routes 1, 2, 17, 21 and 24 all stop there. 

https://www.bctransit.com/central-fraser-valley/schedules-and-maps/ 

Don't forget that this is a National Day for Commemoration and follows the 'Holiday Schedule' - https://www.bctransit.com/central-fraser-valley/schedules-and-maps/holiday/ 

What food will be available at the gathering? 
We will have Wingerz food trucks joining us on site from 10am to 3pm. 

Where can I find the washrooms? 
The washrooms will be open at The Reach Gallery Museum, Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, and the Clearbrook Library. 

How physically accessible is this gathering?
The site is physically accessible for families with strollers and those who have mobility support.

There are multi-surface pathways.

Are there any age restrictions?  
No. There are age-appropriate learning experiences available across the site. 

Where can I get an Orange Shirt?
While wearing an orange shirt is not mandatory, it lifts others up seeing a sea of orange. Many organizations will sell Orange shirts that donate back to Residential School Survivor charities and support Indigenous artists - look for these. One example is the Orange Shirt Society - https://orangeshirtday.org/merchandise/ 

Sponsors - how can I help?
Please email stetisimexstowx@gmail.com 

Where can I learn more?
There are many great websites to learn more from. Here are a couple: 

https://nctr.ca/ 

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html 

• Abbotsford Children’s Theatre

• Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service

• Abbotsford Police Department

• Abbotsford School District

• City of Abbotsford

• Clearbrook Library (FVRL)

• Literacy Matters Abbotsford

• The Reach Gallery Museum

• Tourism Abbotsford

• University of the Fraser Valley’s Peace and Reconciliation Centre (PARC)

The Raine Mam

Beading and Sewing products

Email: therainemam@yahoo.ca