Camosun officially opens new Aboriginal Gathering Place
11:30am, Tuesday, April 19 at Lansdowne campus
April 13, 2011
The grand opening ceremony for the new Aboriginal Gathering Place at Camosun College will take place 11:30am-1:30pm Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at Lansdowne campus, 3100 Foul Bay Road, Victoria, BC.
The new open-walled structure resembles a huge cedar hat, and was inspired by Lekwungen Elder Butch Dick. Mr. Dick also suggested the name of the new building, which will be announced at the opening ceremony.
"A highlight will be the Unity Drummers performing a new song that they wrote specially for the gathering place," says Janice Simcoe, chair of Aboriginal Education and Community Connections at Camosun College. "The drummers will be accompanied by dancers, so it will be a very memorable performance."
Funding for the gathering place was provided by the BC Ministry of Advanced Education to increase success and retention for Aboriginal students by reflecting the character, community and traditions of Aboriginal cultures. The Honourable Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, will bring greetings on behalf of the provincial government.
Currently, Camosun enrols 900 Aboriginal students, from over 50 Nations including Métis and Inuit. The gathering place is located very close to the Wilna Thomas Cultural Centre, and will provide a welcoming location for Camosun's Indigenous programs to host circle seminars and Elders' teachings.
The public and media are welcome to attend the ceremony.
Contact
Susan Haddon, executive director, College and Community Relations
250-370-4231 cell: 250-588-9298
haddon@camosun.bc.ca
Agenda
Emcee: John Boraas
Dean, School of Access and
Director, Aboriginal Education and Community Connections
- 11am Guests arrive, ushered to seats by Camosun students
- 11:30 Welcome to the territory - Elder Skip Dick from Songhees Nation
- 11:35 Greetings from the provincial government – the Honourable Ida Chong
- 11:40 Greetings from the Camosun Board of Governors – Steve Parkhill
- 11:45 Greetings from Camosun College, and announcement of new name of Aboriginal Gathering Place – President Kathryn Laurin
- 11:50 Unity Drummers perform song written for Aboriginal Gathering Place
- 12:15 A student perspective – Camosun Aboriginal student
- 12:30 Refreshments
