University of the Fraser Valley – Indigenization and Reconciliation Award 2026: Remembering Mary Stewart – Education News Canada
June 10, 2026
Language is more than just words; the late Koyalemót Mary Stewart taught this every day. It’s also identity, culture, history, and memory. The Modern Languages professor devoted her life to preserving the Halq’eméylem language and sharing it with others, and has been posthumously honoured with the 2026 UFV Indigenization and Reconciliation Award.
“Koyalemot’s teaching of the language was the growth of Indigenous history, culture, values, and ways of knowing in a way that made people want to know more, understand better, and also share what they had learned. Not only éy swáyel,’ but the longstanding history of our people, and the resilience of all the people who saved and promoted our cultural learning,” explains Swelchalot Shirley Hardman, UFV’s Associate Vice-President of Xwexwílmexwawt.
