By Melissa Renwick, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter HA-SHILTH-SA

Vancouver Island University (VIU) Chancellor Judith Sayers was honoured in her new role through a talking stick gifting ceremony on March 24.

Carved by TsB次元官网网址檜squinuxn (William Good), a hereditary chief and master carver from Snuneymuxw First Nation, the talking stick was crafted in the traditional Coast Salish style while paying homage to SayersB次元官网网址� Nuu-chah-nulth heritage.

Traditionally, talking sticks were carved for a chief as an acknowledgement of their position and prestige within a nation. They would be carved to reflect the clans the chief belonged to, and would be used while giving speeches at potlatches, during ceremonies and sacred events.

It was custom for a chief to have two talking sticks, TsB次元官网网址檜squinuxn said.

A large, long talking stick would be placed on the floor during potlatches, where the chief would deliver speeches. A chief would also carry a smaller talk stick, similar to a sceptre, so everyone knew who they were, TsB次元官网网址檜squinuxn added.

A thunderbird and lightning snakes were carved into the talking stick for Sayers to highlight her Nuu-chah-nulth culture. A grey whale was also carved into the stick to represent the significance of Nuu-chah-nulth whalers, and a killer whale was included to give Sayers fortitude.

B次元官网网址淭his is to represent your journey here, your work and to give you the strength that you need to do it,B次元官网网址� said TsB次元官网网址檜squinuxnB次元官网网址檚 daughter, Aunalee.

A halibut and salmon were also included in the carving to represent the wealth and culture Sayers brings to VIU.

During the ceremony at the universityB次元官网网址檚 Nanaimo campus, TsB次元官网网址檜squinuxnB次元官网网址檚 said he was honoured to carve the talking stick for Sayers.

B次元官网网址淵ou deserve it,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚 hope it means a lot to you.B次元官网网址�

While addressing the crowd gathering at VIU, Sayers said B次元官网网址渕y heart is more than full today.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 an amazing, powerful piece of work,B次元官网网址� she said, B次元官网网址淵ou have given me a tool to assist me in my role here as chancellor.B次元官网网址�

Indigenous people have been struggling to be recognized for so long, said Sayers.

B次元官网网址淲e have a huge body of knowledge B次元官网网址� Indigenous wisdom B次元官网网址� that we can share,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淲e canB次元官网网址檛 always share it in a written dissertation or thesis, but we can do it in forms of art. We can do it in forms of ceremony. And institutions of learning, such as the University of Victoria and VIU are embracing those changes.B次元官网网址�

VIU President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah Saucier said universities often take pride in being exclusive.

B次元官网网址淲e mark greatness by whom we include, how we support them to reach their dreams, and how in doing so we allow people to meet their potential,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淲e are rooted in this place and we will make Snuneymuxw and the nations we serve proud.B次元官网网址�

There are many challenges and barriers to get through in order to change the role Indigenous peoples play in the world of academia, Sayers said.

B次元官网网址淭he talking stick gives me a greater voice,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淎n opportunity for a greater voice going forward and helping to be part of the change with all of you. We walk together.B次元官网网址�