Welcomed by the Water - Fraser River Discovery Centre
Welcomed by the Water
Fraser River Discovery CentreBasic Details
Explore the connection between Indigenous people and life in and around the Fraser River
- Type
- Program
- Cost
- Fee per class | Fee per student
- British Columbia Location
- BC - SD 33 (Chilliwack), SD 34 (Abbotsford), SD 35 (Langley), SD 36 (Surrey), SD 37 (Delta), SD 38 (Richmond), SD 39 (Vancouver), SD 40 (New Westminster), SD 41 (Burnaby), SD 42 (Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows), SD 43 (Coquitlam), SD 44 (North Vancouver), SD 45 (West Vancouver), SD 75 (Mission)
- Age/Grade Level:
- K, 1, 2, 3
- Curriculum Connected:
- Yes, contact the organization directly
- Subjects:
- Social Studies, Science
- Topics:
- Water, Food, Ecology/Biodiversity, Indigenous knowledge
Explore the connection between Indigenous people and life in and around the Fraser River
Additional Details
- Languages:
- English
- Location:
- In-class/school (indoor), In-class/school (outdoor), Field trip (indoor), Club/Workshops (non-school)
- Format:
- In-person
- Activity Length:
- Single Session (≤3 hours)
Full Description
Prior to European colonization, Indigenous peoples got what they needed from the land and water around them. Indigenous peoples have relied on salmon since the fish became abundant in the Fraser River about 5000-6000 years ago. They used native plants for food, medicine, building materials and more. This program explores the connection between Indigenous peoples, salmon, and the broader Fraser River Basin. Students experience the movement of salmon, storytelling and oral histories, and the many uses of native plants through an Indigenous perspective.
Grades: K-3 Length: 1.5 hours Maximum group size: 30 students
Program Components:
Introduction to the First Salmon Ceremony through a storybook and discussion.
Understand the stages of a salmon’s life cycle and migration by acting out the story of one salmon’s life.
Learn about some of the edible and medicinal native plants in our region, and then create your own plant, including its uses.
Hear the story of how sockeye came to the Fraser River from two First Nations elders. View map of the traditional lands of the First Nations people in the Fraser River Basin, and use a visual metaphor to understand how long the First Nations people have lived along the Fraser River.
Accessibility
- Accommodations for physical disabilities
- Yes: Confirm details with organization directly
- Accommodations for neurodiverse participants
- Yes: Confirm details with organization directly
Full Description
Prior to European colonization, Indigenous peoples got what they needed from the land and water around them. Indigenous peoples have relied on salmon since the fish became abundant in the Fraser River about 5000-6000 years ago. They used native plants for food, medicine, building materials and more. This program explores the connection between Indigenous peoples, salmon, and the broader Fraser River Basin. Students experience the movement of salmon, storytelling and oral histories, and the many uses of native plants through an Indigenous perspective.
Grades: K-3 Length: 1.5 hours Maximum group size: 30 students
Program Components:
Introduction to the First Salmon Ceremony through a storybook and discussion.
Understand the stages of a salmon’s life cycle and migration by acting out the story of one salmon’s life.
Learn about some of the edible and medicinal native plants in our region, and then create your own plant, including its uses.
Hear the story of how sockeye came to the Fraser River from two First Nations elders. View map of the traditional lands of the First Nations people in the Fraser River Basin, and use a visual metaphor to understand how long the First Nations people have lived along the Fraser River.
More Info & How to Register
Visit our website for more information about education programs: https://fraserriverdiscovery.org/education-programs-fraser-river-discovery-centre/
Pre-registration and payment is required at least three weeks in advance. Contact programs@fraserriverdiscovery.org for questions.
Last Updated: September 02, 2025