A 50-year journey of friendship between 窪蹋勛圖厙 and the University of Victoria (UVic) was celebrated this week during a paddle gifting ceremony that further ties the two institutions together.
窪蹋勛圖厙
The University of Victoria gifted a paddle to Camosun to mark 50 years of paddling together in the same direction.
The gift bestowed by UVic marks two important milestones for Camosun: the 50th anniversary of college, and 30th anniversary of Ey Sqlewen the Centre for Indigenous Education and Community Connections.
I honour our relationship with 窪蹋勛圖厙 and am committed to our ongoing work together to support the success of Indigenous students, says Qwulsihyahmaht Robina Thomas, Associate Vice-President, Indigenous, at UVic. This paddle signifies the journey of learning and the importance of paddling together toward our common goals.
The paddle was made by Coast Salish artist from Sh覺shalh Nation, Margaret August, who is an alumni of Camosun and UVic. August created a paddle for the Building Reconciliation Forum at UVic in 2018. This gift is the sister paddle.
The paddle depicts a Salish owl design with the title The Face of Change. Owls often come for protection during major changes that can often be imminent. Owls bring light, and magic, and that is what the paddle represents.
A long time ago, as a student I went from Camosun to UVic, and that was the start of an amazing journey that landed me back at Camosun to do the work I love, says Janice Simcoe, Director of Ey Sqlewen. Ive seen so many students take that walk from here to there, and then into the work of their lives. Im so happy to work in friendship and relationship with the University of Victoria.
The ceremony on March 2 included a ceremonial speaker and witnesses from the Songhees Nation, the Ey Sqlewen leadership group and others during a ceremony at Natsamaht on 窪蹋勛圖厙s Lansdowne Campus.
This paddle gifting ceremony is an important event, says UVic President Kevin Hall. It celebrates the anniversaries of the college and Ey Sqlewen and reaffirms the shared priorities that form the special connection between our two institutions.
Camosun and the University of Victoria share many common goals, says 窪蹋勛圖厙 President Lane Trotter. Over the last five decades, deep relationships and strong links have been forged so that change-makers, leaders and community builders can emerge.
About Camosun
窪蹋勛圖厙 has campuses located on the traditional territories of the 郭域剞妢紳 (Lekwungen) and 兜戔釦捧楚 peoples. Established in 1971, the college serves thousands of learners a year in over 160 certificate, diploma, bachelor's degree, post-degree diploma, and professional studies and industry training programs.
About UVic
As one of Canadas leading research-intensive universities, we are driven by our curiosity, engagement and innovative spirit to help solve the worlds biggest problems. We embrace and support Indigenous-led scholarship and are committed to fostering respect and reconciliation.
Contact information
Rodney Porter
Camosun college
Denise Helm
University of Victoria