The Centre for Indigenous Education & Community Connections

32

Time passes no matter what; I choose to invest my time in education and make every day a step toward my dreams.

Melissa, Métis

Business Administration – Accounting

We welcome youCamosun College, located in beautiful Victoria, BC, provides adult educational services to over 18,000 students including 1,000 Aboriginal students from 50 nations and 1,100 International students from 60 countries. We offer 160 innovative programs including university transfer and applied degree programs, career and trades training, upgrading and preparatory programs, and continuing education. Camosun has earned an outstanding reputation for teaching excellence – we’re proud of our faculty, staff and students, and the fact that we provide one of Canada’s best learning experiences. We’re large enough to offer great services and facilities for a vibrant campus environment, yet small enough to offer students the individual support, care and attention not found in most post-secondary institutions.

What’s insideYour journey begins .................................................4

Coming to Camosun ................................................6

Taking your first steps ............................................ 10

Arriving ............................................................... 17

Coming home ....................................................... 21

Contact us ............................................................22

Walking alongside you. ..........................................24

In closing .............................................................26

Cover shot: University Transfer student, Metaya Jim (Tseycum) explores the culturally modified camas meadows of Uplands Park.

The physical manifestation of our philosophyNa’tsa’maht is a gathering place where people meet and engage, celebrate and learn, dance and do ceremony. It is one of those sacred places where people feel they can stop, become quiet and take a moment to reflect. Na’tsa’maht is a Salish word that means “unity” or “working together as one.” It is a home and a touchstone for Aboriginal students.

Seeking knowledge in these territories

Camosun College serves the communities of southern Vancouver Island and the south Gulf Islands that are located in the traditional territories of the Lkwungen (Esquimalt and Songhees), Malahat, Pacheedaht, Scia’new, T’Sou-ke and WSÁNEĆ (Pauquachin, Tsartlip, Tsawout and Tseycum) peoples.

We acknowledge our traditional hosts and honour their welcome and graciousness to the students who seek knowledge here.

54

Your journey beginsDreaming your futureOur old people tell us to pay attention to our dreams – those we create while we’re awake and those we receive while we sleep. What do I want my life to mean? What would I like to do for my family? What would I like to be able to give my community? What precious gifts do I carry that I don’t yet know how best to use? What do I wish I knew or knew how to do? We know that you are considering these questions. If you weren’t, you wouldn’t be reading these words. You wouldn’t have the courage it takes to begin to imagine yourself at college.

When you come to Camosun and seek out the services available at Indigenous Education & Community Connections (IECC), we will treat you as the whole person you are. We’ll recognize that you carry with you personal history, family and community, and your dreams. We will walk with you.

Sheldon Bigstone CreeIndigenous Studies

Defining AboriginalCamosun views any student who is a descendant of the Indigenous Peoples of North America to be an Aboriginal student. This includes status and non-status Indians, Métis, Inuit and Native Americans who reside in Canada.

76

Coming to CamosunIndigenous EducationFor nearly 25 years Indigenous Education & Community Connections has been an integral part of Camosun College, offering Indigenous programs, courses, and support services to Aboriginal students. The department provides links between students, the college, and local Aboriginal organizations and First Nations communities; facilitates special projects on campus and in partnership with community; and fosters an emerging Indigenous research focus.

Educational leadershipCamosun is recognized as a leader in Aboriginal education in service, programming and community engagement. We support student success in many ways, and we encourage graduates to return to their home communities – however they understand that – to help address social, cultural and economic challenges. Aboriginal graduates are represented and influential in virtually all Aboriginal service agencies in Greater Victoria, and alumni members have become community activists, leaders, educators, trades people, technicians and artists working across Canada and beyond.

Student-centred, community-focused learningCamas flowers are indigenous to the local lands and each spring, these beautiful, six-petalled blue lilies abound in places where they have been allowed to survive. Traditionally the bulbs were an important trade item and a staple food of the Indigenous peoples.

Honouring the qualities of beauty, sustenance, survival, and utility that the camas embodies, Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen has adopted the camas plant as its visual model to symbolize the services we provide to Aboriginal students and communities. The bulb represents Indigenous community and knowledge, from which our strength is derived. Its stems and leaves represent the relationships through which we do our work. The centre of the flower embodies the students we serve and each petal signifies one of our functions.

Services for studentsWe provide academic, financial and cultural services to students, primarily through Aboriginal advisors.

Community connectionsWe develop and nourish working relationships with

Aboriginal community to support Aboriginal students and community initiatives. This helps to keep the work we do grounded and relevant to all.

Programs and coursesWe deliver the Indigenous Studies, Indigenous

College Prep and Indigenous Human Services Career Access programs, and support other Indigenous programs and

courses across Camosun College.

Special projectsWe lead projects that enhance Aboriginal student success and support Aboriginal community development.

IndigenizationWe support the college to ensure that

Indigenous ways of knowing, being, doing and relating are reflected in the way that Camosun

serves students and communities.

Indigenous researchWe are in the process of developing Indigenous research protocols and capacity.

SPECIAL

PROJECTS

PRO

GRA

MS

& C

OU

RSES

SERVICES

FOR STUDENTS

COM

MUN

ITY

CON

NECTIO

NS

RESE

ARC

H

INDIGENIZATIO

N

studentsSPECIAL

PROJECTS

PRO

GRA

MS

& C

OU

RSES

SERVICES

FOR STUDENTS

COM

MUN

ITY

CON

NECTIO

NS

RESE

ARC

H

INDIGENIZATIO

N

studentsSue, Nuxalk Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management

98

Indigenization – inspiring relationships make Camosun a better collegeCamosun is committed to ensuring that all Aboriginal students and staff see their world and realities reflected in the way the college operates, and that all non-Aboriginal students and staff come away from the college better prepared to live alongside, negotiate with, and build better relationships with Aboriginal people.

The number of college courses that have been indigenized is growing as is the number of employees who have completed our award-winning course, TELŦIN TŦE WILNEW – Understanding Indigenous People. This course helps staff members integrate greater cultural awareness into their professional practice, both in the classroom and in daily interactions with students. TELŦIN TŦE WILNEW will become available to Camosun students and members of the public in 2015.

We foster Indigenous ways of knowing, being, doing and relatingA wholistic education addresses your mind, your body, your heart and your spirit.

Cultural eventsWe start the academic year off with a Welcoming Feast, held on Songhees land. Then, throughout the year, staff and/or Aboriginal student groups host numerous feasts, cultural learning opportunities and special events. One special event, also held in partnership with the Songhees Nation, is the Pit Cook where we demonstrate how the nations of this region use a fire-pit to cook Indigenous foods, including camas bulbs.

Elder supportWe recognize that many Aboriginal students who come to Camosun have moved far from their home communities and miss the presence of Elders and other cultural knowledge keepers. We also recognize that many other Aboriginal students have never had this presence. For these reasons, and because we believe that Elders are necessary to Indigenous programs and services, we provide Elders’ Voices and Elders-in-Residence programs so that Elders and other knowledge keepers can participate in the classroom, in special events, and in one-on-one sessions.

1110

Taking your first steps Services and supports At Camosun, you’ll find a variety of services to help you succeed in and out of the classroom. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible learning experience. For example, if you have a documented disability, staff at the Disability Resource Centre can help arrange services and supports and act as a resource for you and your instructors. You may also be eligible to receive specialized funding.

You may also benefit from the support available from the Counselling Centre, tutorial assistance at Math and English Help Centres, or workouts in the gym operated by Recreation and Athletics. See camosun.ca/services for more information on the spectrum of services and supports that are available.

1Talk with an advisor so you can

make an informed decision

Contact one of our Aboriginal advisors. Talk about what kind of work you would like to do eventually, or what kind of education you’d like to get. Discover what is available to you here.

Learn about the admission requirements to get into the program that interests

you. Attend a program information session. Develop a plan with

our help.

2 Gather your records

Submit your transcripts and/or take an English or math assessment if you don’t have the program

admission requirements. You may find that you need to do an academic assessment if:

The results from the assessment will either allow you to enter the program or course of your

choice directly or it will indicate the level of academic upgrading you’ll need to

successfully begin your work. camosun.ca/assessment

3Find out costs and then plan

your finances

Early in your planning process, meet with an Aboriginal Advisor to learn what kinds of funding are available and what you need

to do to apply or qualify. Then secure your funding. For more information

about funding see Finding funding, p 14.

4Apply and register

Ready to study at Camosun? Fill out an application form

or apply online.

camosun.ca/future-student

• your transcript is from Grade 10 or below; OR

• you don’t have a high school transcript; OR

• your academic English and math course grades are below a “C”.

It does not matter what you cover, education lies in what you discover.

Cody, Tsimshian Nation

Bachelor of Athletic and Exercise Therapy

1312

Indigenous Business Leadership (Business Administration) helps you gain practical skills to succeed in a contemporary business environment while exploring and building on your own Indigenous perspectives. Completion of first year leads to a certificate; second year leads to a diploma with a co-operative education option.

Indigenous College Prep is an eight-month certificate program that prepares you to enter college programs that require English 12 and Math 10. The program focuses on Aboriginal community issues and is offered at the Saanich Adult Education Centre on Tsartlip First Nation. It is UCEP fundable.*

Indigenous Family Support is a ten-month certificate program that helps you develop knowledge, skills, awareness and values needed to work with Indigenous individuals and families in schools and communities.

Indigenous Human Services Career Access is an eight-month certificate program that allows you to explore various human services career options and provides upgrading to meet admission requirements. This program is offered at the Saanich Adult Education Centre on Tsartlip First Nation. It is UCEP fundable.*

*See page 14 for more information.

Indigenous Studies is a two-year, university-transferable diploma program that prepares you to work in a leadership capacity in urban and on-reserve communities and in government. This multi-discipline program focuses on Indigenous studies and includes community and land-based learning opportunities.

The School of Trades and Technology provides a series of Aboriginal Trades Training programs. camosun.ca/aitt

The School of Health and Human Services offers limited priority seating for qualified Aboriginal students entering Nursing, Practical Nursing, and Early Learning & Care. camosun.ca/aboriginal-health-seats.

Of course, the fact that you are an Aboriginal student does not mean that you have to enrol in an Indigenous program. Follow your heart – that dream you’re looking at – and we will support you in whatever program you choose.

The Indigenous Studies program has given me the knowledge to walk respectfully in two worlds and the strength to be proud of who I am.

Tonya, ‘Namgis First Nation

Indigenous Studies

Finding the program for youCamosun can get you started on just about any career – a day care operator or a welder, a computer technologist or a sports therapist, a history professor or a financial advisor, a nurse or a community leader. There are over 160 programs and more than 300 university transfer courses in 30 subject areas to choose from. camosun.ca/learn

If you’re interested in an Indigenous program, the following are offered at Camosun.

Aboriginal Academic Upgrading offers English, math and basic computer studies courses which include Indigenous components designed to meet the needs of Aboriginal students. This program is offered at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre and the Songhees Learning Centre on Songhees Nation. Some upgrading courses are also available at the Saanich Adult Education Centre.

Archaeological Field Assistant is a one-month certificate program that covers the knowledge and hands-on skills you need to work in an archaeological dig site. If you are a First Nations community member interested in participating in cultural resource management within a traditional territory, you’ll find this intensive program useful. This program is held in different communities and includes weekend field experience.

Health Care Assistant – Indigenous is a certificate program that prepares you to provide care to families and individuals in First Nation and Aboriginal communities. You’ll be qualified to work as part of a health care team in any level of continuing care. This program is offered every few years, usually in community.

Elder Care is very satisfying work; the stories they share are a real gift.

Matt, Tsartlip First Nation

Health Care Assistant – Indigenous

1514

Finding fundingPart of the preparation for becoming a college student is organizing funding. There may be more funding opportunities than you think! For more information or to get help getting started, see an Aboriginal advisor.

Band or Inuit fundingIf you are status First Nations with Band membership, you may be eligible for post-secondary funding that includes tuition, books and living allowance. To qualify, you usually have to be in a program that requires at least Grade 12 English and is considered post-secondary education (rather than upgrading or trades). However, you may be eligible for a special kind of funding called UCEP (University and College Entrance) if you’re in the Indigenous College Prep or Indigenous Human Services Career Access programs. To see if you qualify for post-secondary or UCEP funding, check with your Band or Tribal Council and request a copy of its post-secondary policy.

If you are Inuit or status First Nations without Band membership, you may be able to access funding through the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres.

Métis fundingIf you are Métis, there is limited education or training funding available through the Aboriginal Skills Employment Training Strategy (ASETS). You must be eligible for a Métis identification card issued by Métis Nation BC (MNBC) or one of its affiliates.

Non-status or otherwise unfunded If you are a non-status or an otherwise unfunded Aboriginal student, the Victoria Native Friendship Centre has limited ASETS funding for tuition and books.

Financial aid – grants and loansCamosun’s Financial Aid and Awards department provides support for you to apply for student loans or bursaries. See camosun.ca/financialaid and an Aboriginal advisor for more information before applying for any student loans.

Financial Aid will also help you apply for grants if you need upgrading or have a disability.

Our awards and scholarshipsEyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen: The Centre of Indigenous Education & Community Connections, in partnership with the Camosun College Foundation, offers a series of awards to students who demonstrate outstanding community service and dedication to studies. We have 23 award categories (some include multiple awards) and, thanks to generous donors, we are able to provide about $25,000 in awards annually.

Other awards and scholarshipsThere are many other awards available for Aboriginal students. Some are administered by Financial Aid. Many are provided by organizations outside the college. It is helpful to search the web and pay attention to IndigeNews email bulletins sent to Aboriginal students who subscribe.

Emergency supportsWe know that students may come across unexpected financial crises, or may have to take sudden trips home because of deaths or other tragedies. We have limited emergency bursaries and other supports to help. If you find yourself in this situation, see an Aboriginal advisor. Or, if you’re in a community-based program at the Saanich Adult Education Centre, Victoria Native Friendship Centre, or the Songhees Learning Centre, see the instructional assistant.

I have learned that the path to empowerment of our people begins with the individual. I believe education plays a powerful role in this process.

Chesa, Esquimalt Nation

Indigenous Family Support

1716

ArrivingImagine: you’ve done all the work to get into college and now you’re at Camosun. You have your student card, you’ve gone to your first classes, and you’re looking around and wondering who might become your friends. We will welcome you and help you make connections.

As a student you will be challenged daily. You are here to make changes in your life and sometimes change can be difficult. However, you’ll also have the opportunity to discover amazing things about yourself and your world. You’ve entered a time in your life when you can focus on your development, when you can develop those gifts that are already inside you. There is so much to learn, so much to discover.

You will need to be strong and you will need to be persistent, but you can do it. We are here to walk with you.

A balanced approachWe know that successful students are balanced students – that there is more to the learning experience than grades and a credential. We believe in a wholistic approach to education to support the four aspects of life: spiritual, emotional, physical, and intellectual. Camosun College and The Centre for Indigenous Education & Community Connections will help you find your balance and provide learning space for your spirit, heart, body and mind to grow.

Sula Cree, Saulteaux, ChoctawBSN – Nursing

1918

Connecting with communityIECC will support you to make connections, both at the college and with local Aboriginal communities and organizations. Elders and Aboriginal staff and faculty will be here to help guide you, to hold you up, and then watch as you fly off on your own.

Through our connections with community you will have the opportunity to get to know and engage with local people. All our Indigenous programs include some community-based or land-based learning, and we bring community to campus in the form of Elders and other knowledge keepers and special events and cultural learning opportunities.

The community can be your campusYou may choose to start your educational journey at one of the community learning partnership sites: the Saanich Adult Education Centre, the Songhees Learning Centre, or the Victoria Native Friendship Centre. If you do, instructional assistants are there to support you, and an Aboriginal advisor will visit on a regular basis. camosun.ca/community-partnerships

Connecting with the University of VictoriaIECC staff and faculty have a close working relationship with the Office of Indigenous Affairs at the University of Victoria. If you are considering further post-secondary studies at the university, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with their staff and faculty, participate in events, attend guest speakers’ seminars and learn about their programs, services and funding options.

The Aboriginal Advisory Council provides a community lensThe Aboriginal Advisory Council is an Aboriginal community-based group that provides advice to Camosun’s president regarding Indigenous programming, partnership and services at Camosun College, and direction to IECC. Aboriginal students have a seat on this council, which is the longest, continuously-run, post-secondary Aboriginal Advisory Council in the province.

Matthew, Haisla NationUniversity Transfer

2120

Finding your place on campusFirst Nations Student AssociationThe First Nations Student Association (FNSA) is run by and for Aboriginal students at Camosun College. Their lounge at Lansdowne campus provides a welcoming, comfortable place to go. FNSA’s mandate is to meet students’ social, cultural and recreational needs. The First Nations Student Association is focused on Aboriginal advocacy and has strong connections with the Native Students Union at the University of Victoria. The Association often combines cultural and social activities by hosting events such as documentary screenings, moccasin making, drum making and Two Spirit Identity workshops. FNSA also supports an Indigenous ball hockey team and other physical recreation activities. facebook.com/groups/ccfnsa.

Staying connected – IndigeNews and FacebookIndigeNews is a weekly email news bulletin containing information about upcoming events, deadlines and opportunities. Send your email address to aboriginal@camosun.ca to sign up. You can also connect with Indigenous Education & Community Connections through social media at facebook.com/CamosunAECC.

Coming homeThere will come a day when you have finished your education at Camosun. You will leave Camosun better prepared to be everything you can be, to support your family, and to serve your community.

2322

Contact us

Faye Martin (Gixsan)

Aboriginal Advisor

Suzanne Wilkinson (Cree)

Aboriginal Advisor

Rebecca Taylor (Iñupiaq)

Community Liaison

Dianne Biin (Tsilhquot’in) Faculty

Lesley Watson(Scots, Welsh and English)

Instructional Assistant

Wendy McDonald (Cree, Northern Manitoba),

Aboriginal Services Assistant IA & Faculty

Tanya Kirkland (Cree)

Special Projects Coordinator

Verna Barker(Kwakwaka’wakw)

Instructional Assistant

Marcey Louie(Nuu-chah-nulth, Ahousaht)

Faculty

Tommy Happynook(Nuu-chah-nulth, Huu ay aht)

Faculty

Todd Ormiston(Tutchone and Tlingit)

Faculty

Sandee Mitchell(Anishinabe, Eagle Village)

Faculty

Corrine Michel (Secwepemc)

Indigenization Coordinatorand Faculty

Jody Isaac (Nlaka’pamux)

Faculty

Tony Nelson(Coast Salish, Esquimalt)

Admissions Advisor | President, CUPE Local 2081

Susanne Thiessen(Sah Sen Xaayda)

Faculty

Susan Wilson(Coast Salish, Cowichan Tribes)

Aboriginal Trades Training Initiative Coordinator

Doreen Provencer (Nuu-chah-nulth,

Tla-o-qui-aht)Assistant to Co-leaders

Zofia Rogowski(Anishinaabe, Rama)

Communications Assistant

Janice Simcoe (Anishinaabe, Rama)

Ian Humphries (Irish-Canadian)

Co-leaders

Start your journey today!

John Elliott(Tsartlip)

Elder and Faculty

2524

Walking alongside you. From your community to ours, and back again.Keepers of knowledgeThe logo for Indigenous Education & Community Connections, which you see as a background throughout this booklet, was designed by the late Ditidaht artist, Tsa Qwa Supp (Art Thompson). We gratefully acknowledge Tsa Qwa Supp’s generosity in allowing us to use this design to symbolize the services we provide to students.

The two wolves represent members of a governing traditional system called Tl’uu Kwalaa, which is a system practiced within the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation. Certain members of this system are keepers of knowledge. This logo represents a male and a female keeper of knowledge.

2726

In closingThis booklet is offered, as are our services and programs, in the spirit of generosity. As we began, we talked about how important it is that you pay attention to your dreams, that you allow yourself to walk the pathway that will make them come alive.

You are embarking on a sacred journey, one that will lead you to places you may not have imagined.

Take the first step. You are not alone. Walk with us.

Our new nameWe are now known as Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewenThe Centre for Indigenous Education & Community Connections.

Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen (Eye: Sh-Kwaw-leh-win) is a term offered to us by Lkwungen Elder Elmer George. It references “good heart, good mind, and good feelings” - the experiences we want you to have here.

camosun.ca/aboriginal

250-370-3299

aboriginal@camosun.ca

Walking alongside you. From your community to ours, and back again.

CreditsWriter: Janice SimcoeEditor/Coordinator: Franklyn RoyPhotography: Camosun AV ServicesGraphic design: Caroline MiticPrinter: Camosun Print ShopPublished: September 2014

Smokey, TsartlipCarpentry