Image: Students who participated in BMO Collaboratorium research presented their findings at a showcase gathering last October. / University of the Fraser Valley / Provided
SUMMER RESEARCH

UFV seeks community partners for summer research internship program

May 10, 2025 | 12:07 PM

CHILLIWACK — The University of the Fraser Valley is warming up for this summer’s research internship program– the BMO Collaboratorium.

UFV’s Peace and Reconciliation Centre (PARC) has lined up several projects for the 2025 batch. Canada Research Chair and PARC Director Keith Carlson is excited about what’s in store.

One project involves Carlson and a student videographer interviewing Seabird Island School Elders and knowledge keepers about balancing traditional practices with a 9-to-5 job.

“Hearing how they’ve kept those traditions going might inspire and provide guidance to students who come from families where traditional knowledge has been challenged or eclipsed by the pressures of the outside world,” Carlson explained.

Participants can also create course material for Grade 10 and 11 students at that school, or delve into a research-based project like looking through handwritten records of former Indian agents to detail the history of smallpox.

Carlson said students typically describe their Collaboratorium experiences as “life-changing”.

“My experience working at PARC is something that I will never be able to replicate,” said Mattisen Henrotte. “I do not actually think I will ever work a job that is cooler or will have as big an impact in my personal life and view of the world. Reflecting on the experiences I have had and the hands-on learning that I have done, it’s hard to imagine a career that will be cooler than working at the Peace and Reconciliation Centre.”

Student skills that may be a great fit for the 2025 program include video filming and editing, graphic design, detailed report writing and more.

More partners are needed for this summer’s cohort. Community organizations interested in joining the BMO Collaboratorium are encouraged to reach out at PARCcollab@ufv.ca.