Gina-mae Shulqwilumaut Harris is finishing her teaching practicum in the Grade 2 class at S-hxixnu-tun Lelum primary school at Stz’uminus First Nation, having recently graduated as the first one from her family with a college degree. This is her story.

My family and I celebrate my bachelor of education degree. My education journey has been successful due to the support from my family. My parents encouraged me to continue and my goal was to show my children that anyone can succeed when they put their mind to it. Education has brought me to places I never thought I’d be.

It brought me hope for my future and I travelled internationally to teach in San Mateo, Belize, for a month! A few years ago, I completed a two-year diploma at Camosun College. I thought back then, “That’s good enough education for me”.

I went on to the University of Victoria for social work. I could not continue due to financial constraints. I then went to work for a few years. Life-changing events brought me back home to Stz’uminus Thuqmin.

I worked in the social work area and as an education assistant, all the while being encouraged to return to university to become a teacher. This encouragement was only a part of my decision to attempt university again. It was more than that. After my family’s lifechanging tragic event, I was at a huge loss in my life and I questioned myself.

I wondered who I was. Education was such a bad experience in our history as hwulmuhw people. Even I had a negative experience in the public system. To make a long story short, I wanted to go somewhere to see if I could succeed, to be where no one knew me and what I went through in my life, to be in a space where it could be just me with the memories of my late sister.

Maybe this is hard to understand, but it was my way. These were my thoughts when I applied to Vancouver Island University’s bachelor of education program. Surprisingly, I was accepted into third year of a five-year program. As I’m at the end of this part of my journey, I remember what my late grandma, Irene, said during my college grad years before: “This is a life-changing event and it must be celebrated”.

So, I decided to attend my college grad only the day before it was scheduled. My father Ray Harris said: “We must celebrate accomplishments. You have moved forward and broke a cycle in our family by attaining a degree”.

Stay positive… even though the fact that my father and grandparents attended residential school and the intergenerational affects that many of our people have endured, with their guidance and support I continued my education.

My father asked that I use my late sisters’ regalia’ to honour her, as she would have done for me. I did it in memory of her, for my children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, parents, and grandparents that are gone.

I did it for myself, to see who I am, and return to my roots. Our language, culture, traditions and families are who I am. “Keep on keeping on,” is what my late sis always said. Moving doesn’t mean forgetting. Culture and family is what got me here. It is so important to remember who you are and where you are from.

My healing was from being around family, being on the water paddling, attending all our cultural ceremonies, and getting my education. I am grateful and I will continue on towards my Masters degree because the negative cycle is broken.

Strive for the stars and never give up! Stay positive. If I can do it, anyone can! I am now teaching Grade 2 for my final practicum, which ends on May 6. I try to incorporate Aboriginal content as much as possible and I am taking Hul’qumi’num language and linguistics. My learning will never stop. Keep the positive cycle going.

O’siem.

Her family

Parents: Ray Harris and Diana Sampson

Maternal grandparents: late Steve and Dora Sampson

Paternal grandparents: late Lawrence and Irene Harris

Children: Arainia, Edna and Patrick