A job and education fair at the Kwunew Kwasun cultural centre in early November was one of the first public appearances by Malahat Nation’s new council members.

Vincent Harry spoke about going back to school

And newly elected councillor Vincent Harry used the occasion to tell community members, especially youth, to stay in school.

In a heartfelt talk, he said: “I decided to return to school at age 54. Everyone else was about 21 and I thought I was old. But when my mother gradu-ated, she was 67 years old, so I thought I’m not too old. “For a while when I was back in school, I thought you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, especially in math, multiplying and dividing fractions were hard for me. But I stayed. “I’d encourage students to stay in school. It opens up lots of op-portunities. I can’t stress the importance enough.”

The fair was geared toward Malahat members curious about employment and training opportunities as well as those wanting more information on completing high school or what to do after graduation.

Among those having booths at the event were: Camosun College [Aboriginal Trades Training], Western Maritime Institute, Thrifty Foods, Steelhead LNG and the Vancouver Island Health Authority.