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Royal Roads showcases indigenous cultures for National Aboriginal Day

Royal Roads University is marking National Aboriginal Day today with a gathering designed to offer a small sampling of indigenous cultures of Southern Vancouver Island.
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The Department of National Defence and the Songhees say they are committed to the continued operation of Royal Roads University.

Royal Roads University is marking National Aboriginal Day today with a gathering designed to offer a small sampling of indigenous cultures of Southern Vancouver Island.

The campus will feature craftspeople, artists, canoeists, cooks, weavers, talks with elders and walks with experts on local natural history, all from a First Nations viewpoint and tradition. The public is welcome and Royal Roads has invited four classes of Grade 6 students.

Asma-na-hi Antoine, Royal Roads manager of indigenous education and student services, said the gathering is part of the university’s commitment to a positive relationship with First Nations peoples, in particular the nearby Lkwungen-speaking peoples of Songhees and Esquimalt.

“It’s for faculty and staff as well,” said Antoine. “There are some traditional protocols and customs about being on Lkwungen lands that need to be followed.”

Royal Roads University does not have a specific program in indigenous or aboriginal studies, although a few courses, including one on global sustainability, offer insights on indigenous cultures.

But Antoine said Royal Roads’ blended programs fit well with aboriginal students. Most of the course work is offered online, so students can continue working or raising families while studying.

Royal Roads has 130 First Nations students enrolled in a variety of programs. Fifteen First Nations and Métis students recently graduated and a special cultural ceremony marked the achievement.

Antoine, a member of the Toquaht Nation of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth peoples of the west coast of Vancouver Island, said she has already begun work on next year’s Aboriginal Day activities, which will feature canoe races in Esquimalt Lagoon.

For local elders, canoe races are a common cultural memory, she said — a circuit of such races continues among First Nations along the west coast of North America.

The return of canoe races to Esquimalt Lagoon will be funded with a one-time $75,000 grant from the B.C. government, part of its Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Action Plan.

Antoine said she plans to travel to the University of Victoria today and offer a friendly challenge and invitation to race next year.

“I haven’t really worked out any logistics yet,” said Antoine. “But it’s really big for the Lkwungen family.”

Roberta Mason, Royal Roads associate vice-president, said the university is committed to the process of reconciliation with First Nations peoples, and believes the best way to achieve that is through education. But education works best when it flows both ways, she said, which means listening and learning from First Nations, too.

“So it’s very important that we respect and are grateful to the local First Nations.”

Aboriginal Day events run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Royal Roads University, 2005 Sooke Road. Free parking is available on site and golf carts will be on hand to offer rides to the elderly.

rwatts@timescolonist.com