What’s UP at the Archives – May 19, 2025

You’re invited to the 2nd Annual UP CLOSE and PERSONAL
MEET MISSION’S EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN! Join us for an afternoon of inspirational storytelling and engaging discussions with: Judith Ray, an innovative health care professional and community activist,; and Lori Wikdahl, founder of Mission Minor Football and the first MS Walker across Canada! Limited tickets available!
For further information, please call 604-837-7569 or send an email to the Archivist Val Billesberger.

What’s UP at the Archives – May 8th, 2025
National Volunteer Week Event
On May 1st, the Mission Community Archives held a special event to thank volunteers for their invaluable contributions of time, knowledge, and skills to make the community’s documentary heritage accessible. The event was held during National Volunteer Week (April 27th to May 3rd, 2025) the theme of which was “together we make waves”.
Kicking off at 6pm, Archivist Val Billesberger spoke about how volunteers have played an integral role in the Archives operations since it was formally established in 1989. Over the last year, she stated that 38 volunteers logged over 3,250 hours at the Archives, calculating its value at more than $80,000. Assisting with various tasks ranging from cataloguing materials to conducting research, 78% of the volunteers have been members of the staff for more than 10 years.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of 21 volunteer portraits taken by Ellen Nguyen Photography for display on the Archives “Our Volunteers” Wall located in the building’s lobby. The recognition wall was established in 1998 to publicly recognize on an ongoing basis the contributions of volunteers.

What’s UP at the Archives – February 28, 2025

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
Paths & Pathfinders: Women of Mission Program
The Mission Community Archives is once again accepting nominations for the Paths & Pathfinders: Women of Mission Program. Since the inauguration of the program in 1996, the lives of 116 women in the community have been documented, ranging from artists and activists to caregivers and educators to entrepreneurs. Each of their unique stories are housed in the Mission Community Archives. Click here to find more information about the Path & Pathfinders: Women of Mission Program.
We need your help in identifying who will be honoured in 2025. Within your organization, family or workplace there are undoubtedly women who are worthy of recognition. We encourage you to use a nomination form to let us know who they are.
Nominations for this year’s Annual Celebration of Women are being accepted until April 30th, 2025. To be eligible the nominee must have lived or presently reside in the City of Mission, Hatzic Prairie, Hatzic Island, Dewdney, Deroche, Nicomen Island, Lake Errock and/or McConnell Creek.
The nominator must submit, on two pages or less, biographical information about the nominee, including her length of residence in the community, field of endeavor and personal attributes along with 2 letters of support for the nominee from family, friends, organizations etc. Click here to complete the 2025 Nomination form. The deadline is Sunday, April 30th. For further information, please call 604 837-7569 or send an email to the Archivist Val Billesberger.