Honouring Dr. Skip and Linda Dick: A Celebration of Legacy and Identity

Dr. Skip and Linda Dick at the a Sp’ce (Basket Ceremony) to recognize their remarkable contributions.

For over fifty years, they have dedicated themselves to Camosun College and the broader community, leaving an indelible impact on countless students, staff, and faculty. 

A respected Elder and member of the Songhees Nation, Dr. Skip has been a guiding force in Indigenous education and cultural continuity. His wife, Linda, has been by his side throughout this journey, offering unwavering support and commitment. The ceremony not only paid tribute to their legacy but also marked the renaming of Camosun’s Indigenous classroom at the Lansdowne campus, Wilna Thomas 200, to Nahey’gnut, a Lək̓ʷəŋən word meaning “Mine to Protect.” This new name reflects the responsibility of safeguarding Indigenous culture, identity, and education. 

A Ceremony of Gratitude and Cultural Significance 

Held in September 2023 at the Songhees Bighouse, the Sp’ce (Basket Ceremony) was a heartfelt expression of appreciation for Skip and Linda. Their journey with Camosun began in the 1970s when Skip took on the role of Indigenous Counsellor at what was then the Institute of Adult Studies. Over the decades, they have remained pillars of strength, advocacy, and mentorship within the college and beyond. 

Organized in collaboration with Skip’s brother, Butch Dick, his nephew, Bradley Dick, who designed the Nahey’gnut graphic and Songhees Council member Garry Sam, the event was a powerful moment of cultural celebration. Students, staff, faculty, and community members gathered to participate, deepening their understanding of local traditions and the profound influence of Skip and Linda’s work. 

“We want to see places of learning reflect our ways of knowing and being.”

Dr. Skip Dick

Nahey’gnut: A Lasting Commitment to Indigenous Education 

The renaming of the Indigenous classroom to Nahey’gnut “Mine to Protect” serves as a lasting tribute to Indigenous knowledge and identity. As Dr. Skip has often emphasized, “We want to see places of learning reflect our ways of knowing and being.” For Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen and Camosun College, this ceremony was more than a celebration; it was a reaffirmation of commitment to Indigenous education and cultural recognition.  

The college hosted an event to further commemorate the renaming of the classroom and unveil new Indigenous artwork, continuing its journey of honoring and carrying forward Indigenous knowledge for future generations. Bradley Dick’s artwork, featured in the Basket Ceremony, now greets visitors at the entrance to Nahey’gnut. Inside, the space showcases artwork from the three island Nations—Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Coast Salish, as well as works from Métis and Inuit artists. These pieces are archived in the new Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen art collection, which is accessible online or through QR codes displayed alongside each artwork.