Management plan implementation

The Fort Langley management plan identifies the long-term strategic direction and vision for the site. It provides a framework for how the site is managed.

The following updates serve as a progress report to partners, interest-holders, and the public.

2023

• Hosted two new temporary exhibits: Che’ Semiahmah-Sen, Che’ Shesh Whe Weleq-sen Si’am / (I am Semiahmoo, I am Survivor of the Flood), developed by Semiahmoo First Nation, and Work of my Ancestors, which features stories from a Kwantlen Elder, Hazel.
• Constructed an accessible ramp and staircase for viewing the Métis Bateau and added interpretive panels that highlight the contributions of Métis peoples to the Hudson’s Bay Company and Canada.
• Worked with stɑl̓əw̓ Arts and Cultural Society to deliver programs for visitors, and provided financial support to the Society to create parking lot banners and refresh the native plant garden.
• Completed management planning Phase 1 consultation and engagement with partners, interest-holders, and Indigenous communities.
• Hosted a virtual, six-session accessibility and inclusion speaker series.
• Launched a new special event, Humbug Holidays, that received a positive response on social media, and resumed hosting large Canada Day events with over 4,500 attendees in 2023.
• Delivered on-site school programs to over 12,000 students from across British Columbia, and continued virtual programs.

2022

• On-site school programming and beloved Brigade Days event resumed.
• Volunteering resumed, with volunteers welcomed back to the site and provided with an updated course of safety and visitor experience training sessions.
• Hosted screenings of Axis Theatre productions Th'owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish and Kwi’ah: The Girl Who Heals, written by Kwantlen poet and playwright Joseph A. Dandurand.
• Hosted the stɑl̓əw̓ Arts & Culture Society’s Summer Social event, with free site admission on the day of August 13, 2022, thanks to a contribution agreement through the Stories of Canada fund.
• Participated in the 100^th Fort Langley May Day parade on May 23, 2022, with the site’s float entry winning 2^nd place in the ‘Family’ category.  
• Completed replacement of the Big House front porch. 

2021

• Gradually increased visitor access, with COVID-19 pandemic precautions in place for the safety of visitors, employees, and all Canadians.
• Developed and delivered new virtual school programming in both French and English, reaching youth from as far away as Ontario.
• Focused heritage presentation on period arts and skills interpretation to revive animation of the site and further restore visitor experience.
• Completed replacement of the site’s wedge and lever fur presses – key pieces for interpreting how furs were historically packed for shipping.
• Expansion of Big House Métis exhibit completed by MNBC via Métis Reconciliation contribution agreement. 
• Upgraded building security and fire alarm systems.  

2020

• Planned and implemented health and safety measures related to COVID-19, to help protect visitors, employees and all Canadians.
• Site re-opened on June 1, 2020, with limited access to visitor services and facilities, while implementing promotional campaigns to help visitors to envision and experience the site in a different way.
• Visitor program planning, research and development prepared the team for the 2021 season.
• Construction of a new Bateau completed by Métis artist and carver Pat Calihou to honour his ancestors and family history via Métis Reconciliation Funding.

2019

• Hosted This Is Kwantlen portrait series, initiated by the local Langley Fine Arts School’s photography and creative writing departments. 
• Started Indigenous Tourism fund through contribution agreement with the Coast Salish Arts and Culture Society to increase indigenous knowledge and awareness at Fort Langley.
• Work began to broaden the perspectives represented at the site, incorporating Parks Canada’s new Framework for History and Commemoration.