OC Speaker Series session features Indigenous lens

OC Speaker Series continues on March 6, with a special presentation from a new employee whose mandate is a cultural foundation of OC's Inspire strategic plan.

Rhea Dupuis, Okanagan College's Associate Director Indigenization, will give a talk Monday on healing, wellness and holistic health through an Indigenous lens, as well as stories and strategies embedded within cultural knowledge that offer purposeful and practical methods to help individuals and communities that have experienced trauma. 

"My hopes are to share and teach others about ways to work with and better understand how to help Indigenous children youth and families in any setting or work place environment," Dupuis said.

Dupuis' traditional Syilx Okanagan name is x̌ʷnámx̌ʷnəm, or Hummingbird in English, and she draws inspiration from her Syilx Okanagan name 

"My name means and comes from connection with the land -- working with, teaching, sharing and bringing messages to others on how to live well and offer ways to connect with each other. The hummingbird may be small, but it is mighty and strong and offers strength and support to others along the healing journey," she said.

"We all have experiences in our lives that bring awareness and opportunities for reflection and growth teaching us along the way how to connect to land, embrace alternative approaches to healing and practice, and openness to different perspectives on how to connect and work together. The traits of a hummingbird reflect different strengths we all carry with us  as we advocate for others to have voice, stand up and speak truth, protect the ones we love, also to be kind and gentle with ourselves and appreciate and respect each other for where we are at on our own healing and learning journey. It is through our stories we learn from each other and work towards positive change. I hope people join me on a journey into healing and learning together."

The OC Speaker Series takes place in the Lecture Theatre (PL 107) of the Ashnola Building at the Penticton campus on Monday nights. Sessions run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is by donation, with proceeds going to students in need.