About Us
Who We Are:
We are part of the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada (UELAC), established by Royal Charter in 1914 as a means of bringing together the descendants of those loyalists who left the American colonies at the time of the American Revolution (1775-1783). 35,000 came to the Maritimes resulting in the formation of the Province of New Brunswick. At least 10,000 went to what is now Ontario and Quebec. The Loyalists were multi-racial, multi-ethnic and multi-religious. It is estimated that more than 6 million Canadians today have United Empire Loyalist roots.
In keeping with the UELAC mission statement, Chilliwack Branch works to celebrate and preserves the history of Canada through a focus on the Loyalist experience and the history of our ancestors.
Chilliwack Branch History: Read Chilliwack's Branching Out reports from past issues of the Loyalist Gazette newsletter.
Why We Are:
We think of the members' badge as a circle of heritage and friendship across our land. We invite you to become a part of this circle. Record and register your family's role in early Canadian history and their legacy today.
If you believe you have Loyalist ancestry you are likely eligible for Canada's only hereditary honor, the right to add the letters U.E. after your name, as established by Gov. Carleton in 1789.
The Members' Badge for all Branches is part of the complete Armorial Bearing and was granted to the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada by Queen Elizabeth II on March 28 1972.
The center of the Badge is the Cypher of King George III. The Red Maple Leaves represent Canada. The Green Oak leaves and Acorns are a long held symbol of loyalty to the Monarchy since the time of Charles II. The form of the cross is an earlier symbol of the U.E.L. Association.
What We Are:
We offer:
- Four meetings a year (on weekend afternoons) each meeting a Celebration of Heritage with "living history" programs;
- Camaraderie with those of similar interests;
- Prompt replies and follow up for inquiries;
- Genealogical research assistance from experienced volunteers;
- Opportunity of obtaining (upon documentation) certificates as tangible evidence of Loyalist ancestry;
- Participation for all ages;
- Learning more of this important era in Canadian history and its relevance today;
- Access to our library and other sources;
- Networking with other branches, our "U.E.L. family" from sea to sea;
- A branch newsletter, the Link-Up, with six issues per year;
- Biannual issues of the Loyalist Gazette, our national magazine (with national membership);
- Educational presentations for schools and community groups by members in period dress;
- A wonderful new hobby and an awareness that history can be fun.
Where We Are:
Chilliwack, British Columbia, often called the “Green Heart of B.C.,” is located on the Fraser River along the Trans-Canada Highway, 64 miles (103 kilometers) East of Vancouver. Incorporated in 1873, it is the second oldest municipality in B.C.
The Chilliwack Branch, chartered in 1990, is one of 29 branches across Canada. Our members come from around the Fraser Valley and elsewhere.
For maps and additional information, visit the City of Chilliwack website or Tourism Chilliwack – part of Destination British Columbia's Fraser Valley online community.
