Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo was emotional as he stood centre stage at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo today. His lips trembled—just a bit—and tears welled up in his eyes.
Pride in the accomplishments of a daughter can do that to a guy.
Tara Dawn Atleo has graduated from Vancouver Island University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Sustainable Economics. Convocation took place this afternoon, and A-in-chut, VIU Chancellor, had the happy duty of greeting each of the graduates as they crossed the stage to collect their hard earned honors.
Photos: http://www.hashilthsa.com/gallery/viu-graduation-tara-dawn-atleo
A-in-chut waited patiently as his daughter’s name was announced, and foregoing the customary hand shake, he wrapped Tara in an embrace and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Shawn’s wife Nancy, their son Tyson, a councillor for Ahousaht First Nation, Aunt Vina Robinson and both sets of grandparents were in attendance to bear witness to the event.
During his address, A-in-chut reflected upon the history of the university (which began as Malaspina over 70 years ago), and the faculty past and present, including his father Umeek, Dr. Richard Atleo, a graduate and instructor who helped develop the First Nations Studies program. Umeek was also one of the first First Nations to achieve an academic doctorate, “helping to create the space and pave the way for my generation,” said A-in-chut.
The chancellor said he hoped the audience didn’t mind if he spoke briefly about one of the graduates. He talked about the effort it takes to reach graduation and acknowledged the support Tara had during her years in school, when she needed encouragement, or a shoulder to cry on, or an ear to bend; even the odd money transfer, he said with a laugh.
As part of his responsibilities, A-in-chut was to lead the graduates in the Candidate’s Oath, admitting them to the Order of Scholars. After the oath, he shouted “Way to go Tara Dawn.”
As national chief, A-in-chut has been a champion for improved opportunities in education for First Nations people, and secured a national panel on First Nation Elementary and Secondary Education that traveled the country last year to determine the state of First Nations education in Canada.
The panel released its report this week, giving Canada a failing grade, and calling for Ottawa to create a culturally sensitive education system with on-reserve schools getting funding on-par with off reserve schools
