Halq'eméylem — Graduate Diploma

Quick Facts

• Credential: Diploma
• Duration: 1 year
• Format: Part time
• Start Date: January, September
• Location: Chilliwack campus at CEP
• Cost: Program eligible for financial aid

Program Description

The graduate diploma in Halq'eméylem is designed to develop advanced knowledge and skills pertaining to the revival, acquisition, and utilization of this endangered language. Graduates will acquire advanced research techniques focused on language restoration and revitalization, as well as strategies to promote the use of the language in society. This program emphasizes an increased understanding of the Stó:lō worldview.

The curriculum aims to connect current Halq'eméylem teachers with prospective teachers, language revivalists, Stó:lō communities, local agencies, and educational institutions. Through various immersion opportunities, students will explore ways to incorporate, promote, and sustain the Halq'eméylem language in their daily lives, both inside the classroom and within the Stó:lō communities.

The graduate diploma is intended for students who aspire to:

• Improve their fluency and proficiency in the Halq'eméylem language.
• Contribute to language revitalization efforts.
• Transmit knowledge and culture through the Halq'eméylem language.
• Enhance opportunities for sharing the Halq'eméylem language.
• Immerse themselves in the Halq'eméylem language and Stó:lō worldview.
• Advance Halq'eméylem sustainability through innovative curriculum development or community-driven revitalization plans.

Entrance Requirements

This diploma is designed for students who wish to combine it with another program; however, direct admission is also available. Students must ensure they fulfill course and program prerequisites.

1. Completion of the Advanced Proficiency Certificate in Halq'eméylem.
2. Completion of the Graduate Certificate in Halq'eméylem with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.00.
3. A bachelor's degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with a minimum CGPA of 3.00 in the last two years of the undergraduate degree.

Exceptional admission or competency-based admission may be granted for students who do not meet the stated requirements. Such applicants must demonstrate their capacity for advanced work in the field, as evidenced by:

• A portfolio showcasing a minimum of five years of experience in Halq'eméylem language teaching, learning, or revitalization, including:
  • Language resources or products, such as video and audio material, artwork, or translation work.
  • Examples of language programs, community events, interviews, stories, written work, and reports.
  • Experience collaborating with linguists, educators, anthropologists, or ethnobotanists.
• A complete CV/résumé highlighting interest and experience in language teaching, learning, and revitalization.
• Letters of reference affirming both academic and professional achievements in the field and the likelihood of success in graduate-level studies.

Halq’eméylem – Graduate Diploma: A Detailed Extraction

Degree Overview:

Goal:

The Halq’eméylem graduate programs aim to foster advanced expertise in reviving, acquiring, and utilizing this endangered language. Graduates gain comprehensive research methods for language restoration and acquisition, alongside the knowledge and strategies to revitalize its societal usage. This includes deepening their understanding of the Stó:lō worldview.

Impact:

Connecting existing and aspiring Halq’eméylem instructors, language specialists, Stó:lō communities, local agencies, and schools is at the program’s core. Immersion opportunities foster incorporating, sustaining, and promoting the Halq’eméylem language in participants’ daily lives, the classroom, Stó:lō communities, and interactions with Stó:lō citizens.

Outcomes:

The graduate diploma equips participants to:

• Enhance their Halq’eméylem fluency and proficiency.
• Contribute to language revitalization efforts.
• Transmit Stó:lō knowledge and culture through the language.
• Broaden opportunities to share the Halq’eméylem language.
• Immerse themselves in the language and the Stó:lō worldview.
• Develop and promote sustainable use of the Halq’eméylem language through innovative curriculum projects or community-driven revitalization plans.
• Please note this section combines information presented under "FEATURES:" and "The graduate diploma will prepare students who want to:"

Careers:

• Language instructors in Stó:lō communities and organizations
• Cultural advisors for government agencies, businesses, and schools
• Indigenous language specialists with expertise in curriculum development, research, or translation

Other:

• Offered part-time, with options for intake in January and September.
• Eligible for financial aid.

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, just east of Vancouver. Enrolling approximately 15,000 students per year across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, as well as a growing presence in Chandigarh, India, UFV is a comprehensive university that combines the variety of a large institution with the small class sizes and personal connections of a community-focused one. Students come to UFV to learn in a hands-on environment where they know their instructors and are known in return.

UFV is situated in the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship with what they refer to as S'olh Téméxw (Our Sacred Land), and UFV expresses its gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in this territory.

Changemaking

At UFV, changemaking is not a slogan; it is the organizing principle of the university's identity. As a designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, UFV prepares students to lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to stronger communities through innovation, reciprocity and a shared commitment to positive social change. Changemaking at UFV means turning knowledge into action, connecting learning to the real challenges facing communities in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia and the world beyond.

Academic structure

UFV is organized across six colleges, faculties and a school:

• College of Arts
• Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development
• Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Computing
• Faculty of Science
• School of Graduate Studies

Programs

UFV offers more than 100 programs across academic, vocational, continuing education and trades pathways, including three master's degrees, 21 bachelor's degrees with majors, minors and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs. Programs are available across a wide range of disciplines:

• Arts, humanities and social sciences: Bachelor of Arts in History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Global Development Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more
• Business and management: Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration Diploma and Certificate, Agriculture Management BBA, Trades Management BBA, Accounting Certificate, Marketing and Sales Certificate
• Computing and technology: Computing Science BSc, Computer Information Systems (Bachelor, Diploma, Certificate), Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma, Engineering Physics Mechatronics Diploma, Engineering Common Core Certificate
• Creative arts and design: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design BFA and Diploma, Creative Writing BA and BFA.
• Education: Bachelor of Education, Adult Education Degree, Early Childhood Education Certificate and Diploma, TESL Certificate, Master of Education (Educational Leadership and Mentorship)
• Health sciences: Nursing BSc, Practical Nursing Diploma, Certified Dental Assistant Certificate, Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate
• Social work and human services: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Child and Youth Care BA, Social Service Worker Diploma (Indigenous Focus)
• Trades: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing and Piping, Welding, Automotive Service, Automotive Collision Repair, Cabinetmaking, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Electronics Technician, and Culinary Arts Certificates
• Indigenous studies: Indigenous Studies BA, Stó:lō Studies Certificate, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus) Diploma
• Upgrading and access: Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, Workplace TASK for adults with disabilities

Campuses

• Abbotsford (main campus): 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8 — the largest campus, home to the majority of UFV's faculties, research institutes, library, athletics facilities, housing and student services
• Chilliwack: a full-service campus offering a wide range of programs in the eastern Fraser Valley
• Mission: delivering programs and services for Mission-area students
• Hope: outreach and programming for the Hope community
• Chandigarh, India (UFV India): UFV's international campus, extending the university's reach to South Asia

Sustainability

UFV has achieved a Gold sustainability rating from AASHE (the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education), recognising its performance across environmental, social, and governance sustainability dimensions. Sustainability is embedded across campus operations, curriculum and community engagement, and UFV's Peace and Reconciliation Centre has earned international recognition for its work in restorative justice and reconciliation.

Open education

UFV is a leader in open education in British Columbia, committed to making learning more affordable and accessible through open textbooks, open educational resources and flexible learning models. Students who take courses using open textbooks save significantly on the cost of materials, reflecting UFV's belief that quality education should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial means.

Indigenous UFV

Indigenous affairs and reconciliation are woven through UFV's institutional identity. The Indigenous Affairs office, the Indigenous Student Centre, and dedicated programs in Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies reflect a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous students, honouring Indigenous knowledge and advancing reconciliation with the Stó:lō peoples on whose territory the university stands. UFV is actively engaged in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in its academic programs and institutional culture.

Research

UFV is an active research university, with faculty engaged in applied and community-focused research across all disciplines. The Centre for the Social Sciences and Humanities, the Peace and Reconciliation Centre, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, and multiple research chairs bring structured research activity to the Fraser Valley community. UFV's research approach emphasises community engagement and real-world impact, consistent with its Changemaker Campus identity. Alumni have gone on to achieve notable research and professional milestones, including the development of North America's first mobile, modular soil-washing facility by a UFV alumnus in 2026.

Student life and housing

UFV offers a full range of student services, housing, and co-curricular programming to support student success and wellbeing. The new EverGreen residence on the Abbotsford campus offers modern suites and social spaces. A shuttle bus service connects campuses. Cascades Athletics supports varsity and recreational sport. CIVL Radio gives students a student-run campus radio station. The Academic Advising Centre, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Office, and a dedicated Safe Student Community programme round out UFV's student support offer.

Contact

• Main address: 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2S 7M8
• Phone: 1-604-504-7441
• Toll-free: 1-888-504-7441
• Email: info@ufv.ca

Why UFV

1. A fully accredited Canadian public university enrolling approximately 15,000 students, offering more than 100 programs from trades certificates through to master's degrees
2. A designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, preparing graduates who lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to positive social change
3. Small class sizes with accessible, dedicated faculty across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, plus a growing international campus in Chandigarh, India
4. A Gold AASHE sustainability rating and a nationally recognised Peace and Reconciliation Centre, reflecting UFV's commitment to environmental and social responsibility
5. A leader in open education in British Columbia, making learning more affordable through open educational resources across all programs
6. Deep Indigenous roots, with dedicated Indigenous Affairs and Indigenous Student Centre offices, Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies programs, and active reconciliation commitments on Stó:lō territory
7. Located in the Fraser Valley, one of Canada's most scenic and economically dynamic regions, with easy connections to metropolitan Vancouver