Langley, B.C. — On the occasion of National Indigenous Peoples Day 2020 in Canada (June 21), Trinity Western University honours and appreciates Patti Victor, our University Siya:m, and the work that she has done in Canada in serving with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
“Reconciliation is important to start with,” says Victor, “Without it, any other issues that we want to talk about will not be able to move forward.” Victor serves as a key advisor for the Institute of Indigenous Issues and Perspectives as well as the co-director for TWU’s Aboriginal Partnership Council, which began in 2012.
Victor is Trinity Western's first University Siya:m. “Siya:m” is a Sto:lo word describing a leader recognized for wisdom, integrity, and knowledge. Her primary role as Siya:m includes providing both spiritual and personal mentoring to students of aboriginal descent, while also acting as a liaison between TWU and local aboriginal communities.
“My role is one of mentorship and guidance,” Victor says, “I will assist the aboriginal and non-aboriginal members of TWU to come to a mutual appreciation and understanding of each other." As a learning coach, she also provides academic counselling for students and ensures that staff and faculty remain informed on significant aboriginal issues.
The position of University Siya:m is part of the TWU’s larger initiative to increase aboriginal representation on campus and further welcome aboriginal culture into the already diverse student body. The Westcoast Collegium on campus is designated as the official aboriginal gathering place for the campus and features select pieces of traditional native artwork. This location was chosen because of its central location on campus, and to emphasize and encourage the integration of aboriginal and non-aboriginal students. In integrating aboriginal and non-aboriginal students, TWU has hosted monthly “Circle Talk” sessions, where aboriginal and non-aboriginal students gathered to bond over open conversation and personal expression.
In relation to the Indigenous people of British Columbia and Canada, TWU as a Christian university upholds truth, justice and reconciliation. An institute of Indigenous issues and perspectives located at TWU offers the university and surrounding community a distinctive association to assist with community development, bridge-building and the advancement of knowledge for Indigenous people and provides cross-cultural education between Indigenous and non- Indigenous society.
Trinity Western University acknowledges that its Langley campus is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Kwantlen First Nation, the Katzie First Nation, and Stó:lô First Nations.
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About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students to find and fulfill their purpose in life. It is a fully accredited research institution offering liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. TWU emphasizes academic excellence, research, and student engagement in a vibrant faith community devoted to supporting godly leaders seeking to have a transformational impact on culture.
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Photo by Wendy Delamont Lees