Camosun College won the Colleges and Institutes Canada bronze award of excellence in Indigenous education for “indigenizing” its strategic planning, governance, and leadership.
The award, which was presented at the CICan conference in Calgary on April 30, aims to recognize and promote colleges that contribute to learner success, reconciliation and to the socio-economic development of communities.
“This award is a great honour,” said executive director of Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen, the Centre for Indigenous Education and Community Connections, Todd Ormiston in a news release. “It is important that we paddle together in a good way and honour the many forms of Indigenous resurgence we are seeing in post-secondary education, and in communities.”
According to the release, the Camosun 2023-2028 strategic plan is organized around six strategic priorities, and it’s grounded on the ‘four Rs of indigenous education’- relevance, respect, reciprocity, and responsibility.
The Indigenous Peoples in Trades Training program then took the six priorities and had instructors and community members carve and paint designs in the form of six traditional Coast Salish war canoe paddles which were presented in a ceremony to college board members, leaders, and elders, and are also displayed in boardrooms and gathering places.
“The Indigenous Peoples in Trades Training program exemplifies how Camosun is integrating equity into its mission,” said Indigenous Trades Coordinator Larry Underwood in the release. “The paddles serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive and equitable future, resonating with each of us as they emphasize a collective commitment to embedding shared values into the broader college community.”
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