Talking stick gifted to Vancouver Island University chancellor Judith Sayers

VIU chancellor Judith Sayers is pictured with the talking stick carved by Ts'usquinuxn (William Good), hereditary chief and master caver from Snuneymuxw First Nation. (Vancouver Island University)

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

Carved by Ts'usquinuxn (William Good), a hereditary chief and master caver from Snuneymuxw First Nation, the talking stick was crafted in the traditional Coast Salish style while paying homage to Sayers' 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, Ts'usquinuxn described.

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, Ts'usquinuxn 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.

“This is to represent your journey here, your work and to give you the strength that you need to do it,” said Ts'usquinuxn's 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 university's Nanaimo campus, Ts'usquinuxn's said he was honoured to carve the talking stick for Sayers.

“You deserve it,” he said. “I hope it means a lot to you.”

While addressing the crowd gathering at VIU, Sayers said “my heart is more than full today.”

“It's an amazing, powerful piece of work,” she said, “You have given me a tool to assist me in my role here as chancellor.”

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

“We have a huge body of knowledge - Indigenous wisdom - that we can share,” she said. “We can't 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.”

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

“We 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,” she said. “We are rooted in this place and we will make Snuneymuxw and the nations we serve proud.”

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.

“The talking stick gives me a greater voice,” she said. “An opportunity for a greater voice going forward and helping to be part of the change with all of you. We walk together.”