Elders

Here at VIU's First Nations Studies department, our Elders are one of our most valuable resources. They provide counselling, support, and guidance to all students in the program. Our Elders also attend nearly all of the core First Nations Studies classes, and attend all of the department feasts. Our Beloved Elders are very involved in all aspects of the program, and you will often see the students referring to the Elders as "Auntie" or "Uncle" as a sign of both affection and respect.

Uncle Ray

Oftentimes, you will see Uncle Ray laughing amongst the students, telling jokes and funny stories. Uncle Ray comes from the Cowichan Tribe and is very knowledgable in local traditions. Uncle Ray is mostly involved with the Third and Fourth year classes, but will pop his head into First and Second year classes from time to time.

Auntie Delores

Auntie was born in Duncan, and married into the Chemainus First Nation over 49 years ago and she lives on the Chemainus reserve with her husband to this day.  She enjoys spending time with her husband, 3 children, 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.  Auntie Delores was one of the first; First Nations people to go to university in the 70’s and attended UVic with the goal of saving the Coast Salish language.  Her mother encouraged her and her sister to do anything they could to record and save their language; so they worked with many other people on a dictionary and a writing system for the Salish language.