Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen
Welcoming more than 1,100 students from over 50 nations.
The Centre for Indigenous Education & Community Connections (IECC) provides educational, financial, and cultural support, information, and services to help you before and after becoming a ߴý student.
Student-centred, community-focused learning
We offer courses and programs for Indigenous students and provide links between ߴý, students, local Indigenous organizations and First Nations communities.
Activities and events
ߴý and Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen host a number of events intended to enhance and celebrate Indigenous student success and encourage community development and wellness. Join us for National Indigenous Peoples Day, Orange Shirt Day, the annual Salish Pit Cook and activities for Indigenous students like pizza day or learning the art of traditional basket weaving.
Our name
We have officially added the phrase Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen(DzԴdzܲԳEye. sh-KWAW-leh-win) to our name and are now known as Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen – The Centre for Indigenous Education & Community Connections (or IECC).
Eyēʔ Sqȃ’lewen is a Lekwungen word offered to us by Lekwungen Elder Elmer George. The word references "good heart, good mind, and good feelings” – the experiences we want you to have during your journey here.
We seek knowledge in these territories
ߴý serves the communities of southern Vancouver Island and the south Gulf Islands that are located in the Traditional Territories of the Lekwungen (Esquimalt and Songhees), Malahat, Pacheedaht, Scia'new, T’Sou-ke and W̱SÁNEĆ (Pauquachin, Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum) peoples.
We acknowledge our traditional hosts and honour their welcome and graciousness to the students who seek knowledge here. Read about ߴý's History: Legend of Camossung.
Indigenization at ߴý
Indigenization is the process by which Indigenous ways of knowing, being, doing and relating are incorporated into educational, organizational, cultural and social structures of the institution.