On Sept. 23, Camosun College celebrated 23 years of success in delivering Aboriginal education programs and services, with a naming ceremony for their Aboriginal education department.
The ceremony was held at Na’tsa’maht, a beautifully designed gathering place located at Camosun College Lansdowne campus.
Local first nations leaders were on hand to welcome the people and to oversee the festivities.
Camosun College has two campuses in Victoria in the traditional territories of Lkwungen (Esquimalt and Songhees) and Wasanec (Saanich) peoples.
Since 1994 Camosun College has enrolled more than 300 Nuu-chah-nulth students working on advanced education. They attend programs like College Prep, University Transfer, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Bachelor of Science and much more.
Emcee Butch Dick introduced his elder brother Skip Dick. The brothers are Songhees elders who have both spent time at the college.
Skip Dick acknowledged Camosun for their success over the past two decades, saying that many young aboriginal people have gone through their programs earning degrees and diplomas.
“They have worked hard to provide continuity and have made efforts to ensure our people get the help they need to make it in society today,” said Skip. “And I am so happy that our way of life is being carried through here,” he continued.
The brothers also acknowledged Chief Andy Thomas of the Esquimalt Nation, who was in attendance.
Camosun College Vice President Academic John Boraas thanked the chiefs, elders and guests for taking part in the celebration at Na’tsa’maht.
“Today is another great day to celebrate,” he said. He talked about the negative history of residential schools in Canada and said he hoped the apology to first nations people by the government of Canada would create a chance to cleanse ourselves of the past and to move forward.
“We at Camosun College know that services to Aboriginal people have been a challenge in decades past and we want to do our part in reconciling and healing,” said Boraas.
He noted that each time the elders are invited to a college event they leave words of wisdom. One particular statement resonated with Boraas, and that was when an elder said that our children no longer have to be afraid of education anymore.
“It makes me tear up when I think about that,” said Boraas, adding, “I hope we are creating a safe place for Aboriginal students here at Camosun College.”
The college, he said, is that much better with the contributions of Aboriginal students.
Camosun Board Chair Dr. Marilyn Pattison called Canada’s history of education for Aboriginal people devastating to the aboriginal community. “I honour the courage of the Aboriginal people who come here to learn; you make us all stronger and you make Camosun College a better place,” she said.
Pattison said Camosun College has a long history of supporting Aboriginal education. And to the students she said, “We do all that we do for your sake.”
Indigenous Education Co-Leaders Ian Humphries and Janice Simcoe were called upon to unveil the new name for the Aboriginal Education Department.
The new name is Eye? Sqa’Lewen, which refers to good heart, good mind, good feelings. Pronounced ‘eye- SHKWAW-leh-wen, the new name was offered by Lkwungen elder Elmer George.
Elmer George, accompanied by student Mataya Jim, Tseycum, helped the crowd learn to pronounce the name. Mataya said that it is a word commonly used by her people when embarking on something new, as a way to wish one well on whatever it is they are taking on.
Camosun College has been operating since 1971 and took its name from the Lkwungen (Songhees) word meaning ‘where different waters meet and are transformed.’
Each year Camosun welcomes more than 1,000 Aboriginal students from 50 Nations, including Métis and Inuit groups, and more than 800 international students from 40 different countries.
