Meet the Stó:lō People of the River - Our Story

The video opens with a grounding acknowledgment: we are welcomed onto the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Stó:lō people — the People of the River. From the very first words, the speaker invites viewers into a moment of reflection, gratitude, and recognition of the deep roots that extend far beyond present-day Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley.

They honour the courage and resiliency of the ancestors who have lived on this land since time immemorial. This acknowledgment is not presented as a formality, but as a living reminder of the connection between land, culture, identity, and community — a connection that continues through generations.

Central to the message is the belief that every individual carries gifts from the Creator, and that each person has a unique purpose to fulfill within the territory. By embracing traditional teachings, the speaker suggests, we strengthen both ourselves and the generations that follow — guiding the next generation toward the fullness of what the Creator intended for them.

The video also speaks to the shared history between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples — a history marked by broken relationships and injustice. Yet the tone is hopeful. The speaker offers a clear invitation: if all Canadians commit to hearing truth, acknowledging harm, and understanding the past, then a different future becomes possible.

Reconciliation, they remind us, is a path walked with a good heart and a good mind. When we approach one another in this way — rooted in respect, humility, and honesty — all of our lives become enriched. The message is simple yet profound: healing begins when we listen, learn, and walk forward together.