Welcome!
Hay ch qa’ sii’em siye’yu mukw mustimuxw.
In keeping with regional protocol, We would like to start by acknowledging and thanking the Coast Salish people whose traditional territory Vancouver Island University resides on. We value the opportunity to learn, live and share educational experiences with you.
We are Vancouver Island Universitie's 'Su'luqw'a' Community Cousins - Aboriginal Mentorship Program! We are made up of Aborginal Students that attend VIU from various Nations throughout Canada. Our goal is to lift each other up, recognize and celebrate culture, strengthen community on campus, and have fun!
Goals and Objectives
'Su'luqw'a' Community Cousins (Aboriginal Mentorship Program) began in 2011 with funding provided by The Counselling Foundation of Canada. The Goals and Objectives of Community Cousins are:
- To increase access and retention of Aboriginal students at VIU; to improve communication and connection between students, elders, community and campus and to enhance leadership skills of student mentors.
- The mentorship program invites all Aboriginal students to participate in mentorship training with the purpose of developing leadership skills and building community. Mentors assist incoming students in creating and encouraging connections to successfully transition into post-secondary.
- 'Su'luqw'a' includes an Elder-in-residence that provides guidance and support to the mentors.The role of elder is to support Aboriginal "ways of knowing and being" in the various programs and practices at VIU, region wide.