Welcome to the Office of Indigenous Affairs
Elders' Voices
What is Elders' Voices?
Within Indigenous communities Elders hold a place of great honour. They are considered to be the foundation of the community and the glue that keeps the community together. They are the "history books" tasked as keepers of the sacred stories, songs, language, culture and traditions.
In recognition and acknowledgement of the crucial role Elders play in their communities and based on recommendations made by students, staff, faculty and the administration of the University of Victoria, the Office of Indigenous Affairs was given the privilege of assembling a group of Elders from the local communities. The role of these Elders is to guide students, staff, faculty and administration in Indigenous ways of knowing and being and to assist in weaving those ways into the fabric of the institution.
"I heard a long time ago, that we used to fight on the battlefield, but now our battles are fought in a courtroom, that's why our children need an education." - Bev Williams, Pauquachin Elder
Elders' Voices Background
The Elders' Voices program is an Aboriginal Service Plan partnership project between Camosun College and the University of Victoria. These two institutions have had a long informal partnership in providing seamless transitions for students moving from college to university. In honour of that informal partnership and as a way to strengthen the bridge between the two institutions, UVic and Camosun collaborated to implement a joint Elders' program.
The Elders felt strongly that this was an important project and crucial to the success and well-being of Indigenous students at both campuses. In September 2008, Elders' Voices was introduced to the students during the "Indigenous Week of Welcome". The Elders spent the many hours over the next year meeting with students to ask how best they to be involved.
"The gifts that Elders' Voices can bring to the students are rich experiences of the past, hope and humor, songs, prayer and language." - Joyce Underwood, Tsawout Elder
Office of Indigenous Affairs
University of Victoria
First Peoples House
PO BOX 1700 STN CSC
Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2
E-mail: inafadm@uvic.ca
Tel: 250.472.4913
Fax: 250.472.4952
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Indigenous Student Handbook
This handbook provides an overview of programs and services that may be of particular interest to Indigenous applicants, including student and faculty profiles.
Aboriginal Employee Handbook
This handbook provides an overview of programs and services that may be of particular interest to Indigenous Employees at the University of Victoria