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By Christine McLaren
Smith
Even as a young girl growing up in her traditional Nuu-chah-nulth community of Ehattesaht (Zeballos) on Vancouver Island, Dawn Smith knew that getting an education would be a significant part of her path in life.
“While I was growing up I constantly heard the word ‘education’ from everyone who was important to me,” says Smith, who celebrates her fourth graduation ceremony at UVic with a Master of Arts in Indigenous governance.
Her education began with a certificate in administration for Aboriginal government followed by a diploma in public sector management and then a degree in political science in 2003.
Smith, whose Indigenous family name “Tahehsoomca” means “to be held by the principles, beliefs, values and spirituality of the family,” was elected band chief in her community in 1998. “Community building is where my heart is at,” says Smith, who was compelled to ask, “what is my contribution back to my community and how can I make things better?”
The results of residential school trauma on her family and her community created numerous personal challenges for Smith. Despite the suffering, the love and acceptance of her family brought her great joy. Raised by her great-grandmother and her grandmother, she was given an Indian nickname that meant “to greet people with joy.”
She credits the strength to stand up for herself and her community to her Grandpa Mosses, who was active in Indigenous politics for over 60 years. The Indigenous Governance Program provided valuable networking and leadership skills that will ultimately benefit her family and her community.
Smith is currently working as Indigenous student advisor in the Faculty of Human and Social Development, a position that has allowed her to “spread my wings and successfully institute change.” Having recently been re-elected to the band council, she will continue to use her gentle but determined leadership qualities to support the women in her community to find their own voices.
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