A Pre-Festival, Community Event

Collecting Memory

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

at Chilliwack Museum and Archives

FOR AGES 15+

We’re putting Chilliwack’s 2SLGBTQIA+ history on the record, and you’re invited to shape it.

We’re hosting a special memory-sharing event by and for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to help shape the upcoming Collecting Memory exhibit at the Chilliwack Museum and Archives.

This exhibit will centre voices that have been systemically excluded, pushed to the margins, or left out of Chilliwack’s public history—including those from our own 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Register Here

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

at Chilliwack Museum and Archives

45820 Spadina Avenue, Chilliwack, BC

Registered Clinical Counsellor RCC

PRESENTING SPONSOR

JILL HALL

(She/Her)

Registered Social Worker RSW

Registered Clinical Counsellor RCC

Check out Jill

Jill is a queer white cis woman with a deep passion for social justice. As a social worker and therapist, she has spent years walking alongside folks who have been made marginal, supporting them through all kinds of life paths and challenges. Jill is committed to challenging the dominant narratives that shape a world that often fails to work for so many.

She believes in the importance of leaning into discomfort because the unknown and uncertain often hold the keys to moving through feeling stuck. Her approach to counselling is collaborative and grounded in respect. Jill sees her clients as the experts in their own lives and shows up as a curious co-conspirator who creates space that feels warm, welcoming, and free of judgement, pressure, or unsolicited advice.

Jill isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions, the ones that help gently challenge the perspectives that might no longer be serving. Her work is all about showing up together, honestly and openly, to find new ways forward.

Event Overview

In collaboration with the Chilliwack Museum, the Chilliwack Pride Society invites Two-Spirit, trans, and queer community members to share their experiences of growing up or living in Chilliwack. Through a series of creative activity stations, you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your story, and, if you wish, contribute your work to this fall’s exhibit. You’re also welcome to donate or loan personal artifacts to the Museum for inclusion in the exhibit or its archive.

This gathering is about reflection, connection, and making space for voices that are typically excluded. If you’re 2SLGBTQIA+ and have ever called Chilliwack home, we want you to be part of it.

Allies are welcome, but only as a guest (+1) of someone sharing their story. This event is intended for folks aged 15 and up. Parents or guardians accompanying a younger participant are absolutely welcome.

ARTIFACTS

Collection of artifacts will happen on a separate date. Please indicate on your registration form that you will be lending or donating an artifact(s), and the museum curator will be in touch with you.

Artifacts Ideas List

Activities Overview

You’re welcome to lend your work to the museum for their upcoming Collecting Memory exhibit, or keep it just for yourself if you prefer.

ZINES

Zines are handmade booklets created in a DIY spirit. They’ve long been a powerful tool for self-expression in queer and trans communities. During the event, you’ll get to make your own zine using magazines, stickers, markers, and anything else that inspires you. Bring personal photos if you like.

It’s a creative, low-pressure way to share your story, your feelings, or just reflect on who you are.

POSTCARD TO A SIGNIFICANT PERSON

In this one, you’ll write a postcard to someone meaningful, whether they’re still in your life or not. This could be a family member, a mentor, a friend, a past partner, your future self, or even someone you’ve never been able to speak openly with.

The postcards won’t be mailed. Instead, they’re a symbolic way to say what’s been held inside, offering connection, closure, or just a way to express what matters most to you.

LETTER TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF

This activity is all about looking back with kindness. You’ll write a letter to your younger self...maybe the kid who didn’t know how things would turn out, or the teen who needed a little more love and support.

It’s a chance to reflect, celebrate your journey, and offer the reassurance you wish you had. You don’t have to share it unless you want to. It’s for you, first and foremost.

Artists in Action

Chilliwack 2SLGBTQIA+

Multi-Disciplinary

Tommy Green

(He/Him)

We’re thrilled to welcome Tommy Green to Collecting Memory for a special live painting experience! A multidisciplinary painter, lino printmaker, graphic designer, and digital artist, Tommy’s work has lit up Chilliwack’s back alley through Mural Fest, and now he’s bringing that same creative energy to our event. His live piece will be an evolving work of art rooted in identity, memory, and queer experience. Even more special? Tommy will be donating the finished painting to the Collecting Memory exhibit and archive as a lasting contribution to Chilliwack’s queer history.

Check out Tommy

Multi-Disciplinary

CJ Artistry

(She/They)

We’re so excited to have CJ Artistry as our event photographer for Collecting Memory. A multi-disciplinary artist working in photography, mixed media, and digital design, CJ believes that “art can heal the soul”, and their work beautifully reflects that. They’ll be capturing authentic moments throughout the event, turning memory into art.

CJ also creates everything from custom portraits and prints to hand-drawn journals, resin palettes, and coloring books. Check out their social media to see what they’re working on and which markets they’ll be popping up at this year.

We’re incredibly grateful to CJ for generously sharing their time and talent with the community.