The Chat-R reconciliation UFV initiative is transforming discussions at the University of the Fraser Valley. How a hybrid monthly gathering at the University is changing the way we talk—and act—on reconciliation.
Opening Summary
Every first Wednesday, the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) invites students, staff, and community members—online or in person—to join Chat-R: Strategies to support National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. Facilitated by Lorna Andrews, UFV’s Teaching & Learning Specialist in Indigenization, the drop-in format quietly but purposefully fosters real talk around reconciliation, decolonization, and Indigenization—starting this month in a hybrid setup for the first time. (UFV Events Calendar)
Why Chat-R Matters
The Context
What’s missing in standard coverage? Reconciliation often appears in university communications as a checklist or institutional policy. What Chat-R brings to the table is something different: it’s informal, interactive, and human. This monthly session breaks the usual formalities, encouraging participants to “chat”—not lecture—about what reconciliation looks like in our campuses and classrooms.
A hybrid format, in practice
COVID prompted a rethink of gatherings. By going hybrid—with both Zoom and in-person options—Chat-R meets people where they are, bridging physical divides and making space for more inclusive dialogue.
This model complements UFV’s other reconciliation efforts, such as Greg St. Hilaire’s work with Seabird Island Band, which highlights relationship-building as a cornerstone of lasting change.
Behind the Scenes: Unsung Heroes and Challenges
- The facilitator: Lorna Andrews brings compassion and clarity to each session. Her background in Indigenization isn’t just academic—it’s relational. She doesn’t lecture; she holds space.
- Logistics made simple: Choosing a drop-in model eases pressure for attendees. Allowing participants to come and go keeps the conversation fluid and accessible.
- The team’s work: Creating a monthly guided topic, securing room G124, coordinating Zoom—these are small details that bring big impact.
What Drives This Initiative?
- Truth & Reconciliation momentum: This is part of a broader UFV commitment to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Chat-R functions as a monthly pulse-check on progress.
- Institutional culture shift: UFV is building not just policy but a cultural ecosystem where decolonization, Indigenization, and reconciliation intersect—whether through Chat-R or other programs like the “Educators Journey Towards Reconciliation”.
For example, UFV has also partnered with the Stó:lō Nation to create Xwelítem Siyáya, a program designed to deepen allyship across the Fraser Valley. That collaboration was so unique it drew coverage in the Agassiz Harrison Observer.
Chat-R in Perspective
| UFV Program | Format | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chat-R | Monthly hybrid drop-in discussion | Build conversational awareness around reconciliation |
| Xwelítem Siyáya | Part-time, structured non-credit course | Allyship and cultural learning with Stó:lō Nation support |
| Indigenization workshops | Thematic, skill-based | Language, pedagogy, culture integration |
Chat-R stands out for its ease of access and informal tone. It’s less structured than a course like Xwelítem Siyáya but more regular than occasional workshops. That accessibility makes it powerful.
Short- and Long-Term Impacts
Short-term gains:
- Encourages regular reflection among faculty, staff, and students.
- Fosters peer-to-peer learning with minimal barriers to entry.
Long-term potential:
- Normalizes these conversations as part of campus life.
- Embeds reconciliation not just as a program but as a shared value.
Public sentiment: Although formal feedback data is not available, the move to hybrid suggests responsiveness to community needs—both those shy about in-person attendance and those wanting deeper connection.
Call to Action: How You Can Engage
- Join the next Chat-R session—whether you’re near Room G124 or tuning in via Zoom.
- Bring a topic, question, or concern. These sessions are shaped by the people in the room (real or virtual).
- Amplify the conversation. Share Chat-R with colleagues, classmates, or anyone curious about reconciliation as more than a buzzword.
Looking Ahead
Chat-R is quietly reshaping how we talk about reconciliation. It’s not flashy or formal—it’s human. And that matters. As we move forward, people will remember not just the topics covered, but the spirit of those conversations.
Key takeaway: Reconciliation isn’t a destination. It’s an ongoing conversation—best held with openness, regularity, and shared commitment. Chat-R may just be our most approachable step toward making that real.
