Vancouver Island University makes history

Vancouver Island University (VIU) installed Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo as the institution’s first Chancellor Thursday.

Chief Atleo’s appointment is significant because he is the first


Aboriginal person to be appointed as a Chancellor in the province of


British Columbia.

Atleo is a Hereditary Chief from the Ahousaht First Nation and


serves as the British Columbia Regional Chief of the Assembly of First


Nations.

At a ceremony in Nanaimo, Thursday, with dignitaries from across the


country present, Chief Atleo spoke of how far the BC education system


has come since his father Richard Atleo had been interned in a


residential school several decades ago.

"While it is important to honour our past, this is a time to focus


on the future," Chief Atleo said. "Educated communities are healthy


communities," he added, speaking about the important role education


plays in shaping the economy and communities.

"I am very proud to have been given this opportunity," he said.


"Vancouver Island University is an organization committed to the


advancement and empowerment of people, a commitment that mirrors my own


values."

As the BC Regional Chief, Atleo is also a founding member of the BC


First Nations Leadership Council (BCAFN, Union of BC Indian Chiefs and


First Nations Summit)

President and Vice Chancellor of VIU, Dr. Ralph Nilson said, "Shawn


has focused his efforts on the empowerment of the people and their


communities towards self-determination and building hope for the


future. He exercises leadership by first listening to gain an


understanding and then working collaboratively to make positive change.


It is these qualities and his strength of character that I believe will


make him an exceptional Ambassador and Chancellor for VIU."

To honour Chief Atleo’s installation, the University held


celebrations the week of September 22 – 26th in the communities of the


mid-Island and Sunshine Coast.

The theme of the week long installation was "The Journey", symbolic


of Vancouver Island University's 72-year journey of institutional


success.

To represent the journey Chief Atleo will now embark upon as


Chancellor for VIU, he presented each of the university’s four campuses


with a traditional hand-carved First Nations paddle. He asked for


everyone’s support in paddling together towards common goal and towards


the advancement of higher learning for the people of Vancouver Island.