Every day is Aboriginal Day at Camosun
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Aboriginal students have a place at Camosun. In fact, they have many places.
Each year, Camosun College welcomes more than 700 Aboriginal students from over 50 First Nations, including Métis and Inuit. These students are enrolled in certificate, diploma and degree programs across the college, as well as in programs specifically designed with an Indigenous perspective.
Through respectful community partnerships, Camosun also offers upgrading and career exploration programs at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, Songhees Employment Learning Centre, Saanich Indian School Board and other off-campus sites. For many Aboriginal students, these community-based classes become a springboard for further education and career training.
We’re here for you
Thanks to Camosun’s department of Aboriginal Education and Community Connections (AECC), Aboriginal students are supported through all stages of their education. The AECC office at Lansdowne campus doubles as a meeting place where students can drop in and connect with other students, as well as very helpful and caring staff and faculty who are there to help them with many decisions, from choosing a program to accessing financial assistance to exploring their own culture and history. AECC also has a smaller office at Interurban campus, where the Indigenous Business Leadership program is offered.
Bukwila, the Welcoming Figure, carved by master carver Art Thompson and dedicated to the Dididaht Whaling Chief of the same name.
Each year AECC staff and faculty work with community elders and the First Nations Student Society to coordinate social and celebratory events including the annual First Nations Welcome Feast, Elders’ dinners and the Camas Harvest Demonstration Pit Cook. Staff will also take the show on the road: Community Liaison Marcey Louie (Nuu-chah-nulth) spends a lot of time travelling Vancouver Island and coastal BC visiting high schools and First Nations communities and also gives guided campus tours to groups of visitors. And closer to home, other staff and faculty often visit with elders and community leaders.
You’re not alone
Lansdowne campus houses the Wilna Thomas Cultural Centre, which is often used for cultural and celebratory events, as well as a place to hold talking circles for the Indigenous Studies program. Standing outside is Bukwila, the Welcoming Figure, carved by master carver Art Thompson and dedicated to the Dididaht Whaling Chief of the same name. A new outdoor arbour is now being constructed very nearby, that will serve as a new Aboriginal Gathering Place when it opens in Fall 2010.
Camosun recently used the medium of TV to reach out to potential Aboriginal learners. Three 30-second videos were produced, featuring current Camosun students who shared their personal stories. Collectively, these stories make the point that there’s a place for everyone at Camosun College.
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Last updated: August 18, 2010 9:10 am
