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The Spirit of Camossung

The Spirit of Camossung represents the concept of transformation as told through the Songhees legend of Camossung — where two waters meet and are transformed. In the legend, Halyas, who is said to be a transformer being, turned a young girl, known as Camossung, into stone and cast her into the narrows, near where the Tillicum bridge is located today. After her transformation, the Spirit of Camossung was believed to be a protector of those traveling by canoe through the Gorge to the Portage Inlet and was able to grant powers to those who swam in the narrows. 

In the image, Camossung is shown gesturing the ‘raising of hands’ to honour and acknowledge the ancestors and give thanks for the ancestral lands. Above her head, she is holding six individual paddles each with a traditional symbol to represent the six priorities of the college’s strategic plan. The paddles in the strategic plan image are another reference to the legend of Camossung and are also intended to represent the notion of the college community ‘paddling or pulling together.’

Created by local artist and alumni Dylan Thomas, the image is a modern example of traditional Coast Salish art, iconography, and semiotics.

Introduction to the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan with Dr. Lane Trotter

Over the next six weeks, each priority will be introduced with a short video alongside the accompanying paddle design.

At Camosun College, we prepare students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

• Goal 1: Empower students to stand out by providing educational experiences that will equip them for their future.
• Goal 2: Deliver outstanding flexible learning opportunities to support students’ evolving educational needs.
• Goal 3: Cultivate relationships with students to support their educational journey within and beyond Camosun.

Camosun College is committed to cultivating a work environment that values people, life-long learning, individual and organizational well-being, and service.

We work together to advance the vision, mission, and values of the college.

• Goal 1: Nurture a positive, collaborative and rewarding work culture.
• Goal 2: Ensure financial sustainability for continued investment in student success.
• Goal 3: Promote a culture of data-informed decision-making and process improvement.

Camosun College is dedicated to serving students and partners within the local and global community.

We will continue to be responsive to evolving community needs and ensure that graduates are equipped with the education and skills essential to employers.

• Goal 1: Enhance student life on campus, prioritizing student housing and creating spaces that contribute to collaboration and community.
• Goal 2: Excel in building lasting and reciprocal relationships and partnerships, locally, nationally, and globally to serve the college community and students.
• Goal 3: Break down systemic barriers to improve access to post-secondary education.

Camosun College is committed to addressing the climate emergency and our impact on the environment through policy, practice, and education.

• Goal 1: Invest in necessary resources to build momentum and capacity for addressing the climate emergency.
• Goal 2: Support existing programs and increase climate education across the college.
• Goal 3: Lower climate-changing emissions to meet or exceed B.C.’s legislated targets while adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Camosun College supports and upholds the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and in particular Article 15.1 that “Indigenous Peoples have the right to dignity and diversity of their cultures, traditions, histories, and aspirations which shall be appropriately reflected in education and public information.”

The college will advance work to honour Indigenization, decolonization, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, the UN Declaration, and B.C.’s Declaration Act.

• Goal 1: Engage with reciprocity, understanding, and in good ways to cultivate healthy and supportive community relationships.
• Goal 2: Further incorporate the four ‘R’s of Indigenous Education to ensure the college is an accessible, inclusive, and safe place where all students can thrive.
• Goal 3: Infuse Indigenous ways of being and doing into practices and spaces at the college.

Camosun College is committed to upholding the values of Social Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion to foster a barrier-free and respectful learning and working environment for students and employees.

• Goal 1: Develop a centre for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
• Goal 2: Embed the principles of social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion as individual and collective responsibilities.
• Goal 3: Celebrate and uphold the diversity of students and employees as a strength within Camosun’s community.