Camosun honours 19 Aboriginal students at awards dinner
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March 18, 2009
Surrounded by family and friends, 19 Aboriginal students at Camosun College received bursary awards at a special dinner hosted in their honour, Tuesday, March 10, 2009. About 80 people packed the cultural centre in support of the recipients, as staff and faculty from the Aboriginal Education & Community Connections department presented the awards.
Deld’alus Te Ten Award
The name of this award is SENCOTEN for "the arms of mother." Recognizing the emotional and spiritual aspects of students' lives, this award is for parents who have children living with them.
Five awards were presented to:
 | Carrie Craghtten, Oneida / Six Nations Currently enrolled in the First Nations Community Studies diploma program, Carrie is a single mother of a wonderful seven-year-old son. She is committed to her studies and looks forward to applying to the Child & Youth Care program at UVic and to work in the future as a school counselor. She looks forward to being in a financial place to buy a home of her very own. |
 | Jennifer Lynn Elliott, Tsartlip Jennifer is enrolled in First Nations College Prep. A single mother of three beautiful children, Jennifer takes her role as a mother very seriously and works tirelessly to provide routine and balance for herself and her children, and to offer them quality time eating together, drinking tea and telling stories. Jennifer’s goal is to complete her upgrading in FN College Prep and continue her education in the Indigenous Family Support program. |
 | Laureen Jones, Kwakiutl Laureen is enrolled in the Nursing program and looks forward to becoming a Registered Nurse and helping people live healthy lives. This single mother of an 11-year-old son is proud to be such a positive role model to her son and demonstrate that it is never too late to complete one’s education. |
 | Jennifer Reeve, Métis Jennifer is enrolled in the Indigenous Family Support certificate program and looks forward to one day working as a social worker. She is the single mother to her wonderful little boy, Ty and is putting the challenges of being a single parent to good use as she aspires to be more self-sufficient. Jennifer values her education and believes that women and education are essential to building strong families. |
 | Lia Galligos, Sliammon Lia is the dedicated mother to three young children, one girl and two boys: 8, 4 and 3-years old. Lia’s children are a driving force in her life. It is because of them that she has returned to school to complete a Nursing degree. |
M’Akola Housing Award
This award, donated through the M'Akola Housing Society, helps support off-reserve students in financial need.
Five awards were presented to:
 | Margaret (Margo) Briere, Sechelt, After completing her upgrading at Camosun, Margo is now enrolled in University Transfer courses, and plans to continue her studies to achieve a Child and Youth Care degree. Despite experiencing personal struggles at the beginning of her last semester, Margo has persevered, and looks forward to being able to contribute to community, and give back the support that has been provided to her. |
 | Rhea Dianne Doolan, Nisga’a At the age of 17, Rhea moved away from Kitimat, BC and worked three jobs to survive and pay her rent in Victoria. Rhea’s commitment to education influenced her to quit work to focus on successfully completing her education. Now enrolled in University Transfer courses at Camosun, Rhea plans to pursue an Environmental Engineering degree at UBC, and eventually work in a career that will help to preserve the land and environment. |
 | Dan Mack, Toquaht Dan is currently in First Nations College Prep, in order to qualify for admission into the Community Support Worker certificate program. Dan was born and raised in Victoria, though he makes regular visits to the Traditional Lands of his Ancestors. It was this strong sense of connection that brought him to Camosun, where he has discovered a burning passion for learning more about his history and beliefs. |
 | Tracy Thomas, Ahousaht Tracy has recently moved back to Victoria, after spending time in her home village of Ahousaht. There have been many struggles involved in moving back to the city, including the high cost of living, but Tracy is very determined to complete her diploma in Camosun’s new Indigenous Business Leadership program before going on to university to pursue a degree in Business Administration. |
 | Jennifer Wickham, Carrier/Wet’suwet’en Jennifer is now in her second year of University Transfer Arts courses and plans to continue on to complete an English degree and then a post-graduate teaching degree. After spending a number of years working within the Aboriginal community to support youth, Jennifer aspires to become a Secondary School Teacher, with longer term plans to become the Minister of Education. |
Eulau Howard Award
This award, donated by Art Howard, honours the memory of Eulau Howard and is for students who are generous with their community service.
Four awards were presented to:
| Lorna Fraser, Kitasoo/Xais Xais Lorna is enrolled in the First Nations Community Studies diploma program and hopes to one day become an elementary school teacher. In addition to her studies, she volunteers with the Aboriginal Education Enhancement Committee on Salt Spring Island, which promotes positive learning of First Nations traditions and history. It is Lorna’s hope to incorporate the history of First Nations people into the curriculum from a First Nations perspective. | |
 | Roberta Robbins, Namgis Berta is taking the Indigenous Family Support program, and is keenly interested in making a difference through outreach work with homeless Aboriginal people. As an active part of the urban Aboriginal community for the past few years, Berta’s contributions to community are already widely felt throughout our city. She has volunteered for the Mayor’s Task Force for the Extreme Weather Protocol, the Annual Christmas dinner through the Mustard Seed street church, and visits Our Place Society on alternate weekends to check in with the Our Place family. |
 | Sandrea Sampson, Tsartlip Sandrea is in First Nations College Prep in order to continue into the Indigenous Family Support program. It is important for her to maintain cultural values in order to be a role model to children within her community. Sandrea is an active member of her community and her accomplishments include spending two summers working with 70 children, coordinating daily events and cultural teachings; coordinating events and nutritional lunches at Elders’ gatherings; preparing healthy meals for 50 students at the Saanich Indian School Board; and participating in a community survey on health and education. |
| Meaghan Walker, Cowichan Now in her second year of University Transfer courses, Meaghan’s educational goal is to obtain a law degree. She has been politically active within her community and has been published in various publications including the Province, the Winnipeg Free Press and the National. Her writings have centered on a demand for improved accountability from band offices and the Department of Indian Affairs. Meaghan has also written weekly columns for the Cowichan Valley Citizen newspaper on various topics, including the quality of drinking water on reserves, housing, band elections, governance, economic development and hunting and fishing rights. |
Mino – Ayaa Award
Ojibwe for “well-being.” Recognizing the physical aspects of students’ lives, this award is for those who have achieved or demonstrated exceptional commitment to physical well-being.
Two awards were presented to:
 | Celina Horn, Métis Celina is working on an Associate of Science Degree in Pre-Medicine and plans to continue her education into medical school. With a commitment to a lifestyle of wellness, Celina sold her car and purchased a Nishiki bicycle from the 80’s. Whenever possible, she tries to eat and shop locally, and each week she cycles out to a local farm to pick up her weekly seasonal produce. Celina plans to pursue a career as a rural physician where she can promote wellness and prevention. |
 | Linda Speck, Namgis Linda is in her first year of Camosun’s new Exercise & Wellness diploma. She grew up in Alert Bay, BC and wants to give back to community by helping dedicated young athletes pursue their athletic aspirations away from their community, as well as offering health and fitness seminars in small First Nations communities such as her hometown. |
Winona Wood Memorial Award
Available to women in any program who plan to become more self-sufficient as a result of their education.
Four awards were presented to:
| Terri Ann Bayne, Kaska Terri Ann moved from the Yukon Territories to live in Victoria and take the Nursing program so she can become a Registered Nurse. After overcoming many obstacles to be where she is at today, she is pursuing this goal not only for herself, but also to demonstrate to others that no matter where you come from and what challenges you face, you can achieve your dreams. | |
 | Tammy Bill, Tseycum Tammy lives in Saanich with her spouse and three children. While remaining focused on her role as a mother, she decided to return to school, starting with upgrading courses in the First Nations College Prep program. Next, she plans to continue with the Culinary Arts program and the Hotel & Restaurant Management program. Tammy also enjoys being an active volunteer in her home community. |
 | Ann-Marie Livingston, Pacheedaht After being in the workforce for a decade, Ann-Marie has recently transitioned to being a full-time student in the Indigenous Business Leadership program. She has high aspirations for her education, planning to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration, followed by either a Masters degree or a Law degree. The primary career focus will to be involved in the advancement of Indigenous women. |
 | Karen Whetung, Ojibwe Karen returned to school with a lot of support from family and community and is now enrolled in the Indigenous Family Support program. Karen’s husband and two children light up her life and she is planning on continuing her education after she graduates with this certificate. Her experience as an Indigenous mother has encouraged her to pursue a career where she can support Indigenous families and community. |
Last updated: March 30, 2009 11:36 am
