Andy Thomas

Chancellor's Community Recognition Award

Spring 2007 Convocation

Seenupin, known as Chief Andy Thomas, has been the hereditary leader of the Esquimalt First Nation for more than 35 years.

Chief Thomas was born and raised in the Esquimalt Nation lands near the Township of Esquimalt. As a role model for the community, Chief Thomas is described as a humble, devoted promoter of land rights, health and education for his people. He attended Camosun College for small business administration.

Nationally and provincially, Chief Thomas helped develop the structure of the overarching Assembly of First Nations. He has worked with the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs and the First Nations of South Island Tribal Council in the executive and as the land claims chairman. He also supports the B.C. Aboriginal Network on Disability Society and sits on the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.

For the Esquimalt Nation, Chief Thomas has helped guide business ventures and economic development with the Kasapsum Development Corporation, including acquiring the West Bay Marina properties. He is credited with keeping the Esquimalt Nation government solvent through sound fiscal leadership.

Chief Thomas remains deeply involved in the struggle to establish aboriginal rights and title to land in Greater Victoria. Working with Songhees Nation Chief Robert Sam, Chief Thomas was integral in working for a fair settlement with the federal and provincial governments over dispossessed lands now occupied by the British Columbia Legislature.

Chief Thomas is active in promoting Coast Salish heritage and history within public schools, and is helping keep alive ancient aboriginal teachings and rites passed down through the millennia.

Hay'sxw'qa si'em!

For 35 years, Chief Andy Thomas has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Esquimalt First Nation people. He is a model and pillar of the community, dedicated to promoting land rights, health, education and economic progress for all aboriginal people, while preserving the ancient Coast Salish culture.

As a hereditary chief, Andy Thomas is continuing his family's proud legacy of service and leadership from time immemorial. Chief Thomas grew up in an era of residential schools, persistent aboriginal poverty, and governmental policies of neglect, but has stood fast as a leader with wisdom, temperance and conviction.

Chief Thomas has helped give a voice and representation to aboriginal people across B.C. and Canada. He was involved in creating the structure for what is now the Assembly of First Nations, and has worked with many aboriginal and non-aboriginal organizations to advocate for improvements in health, education and employment.

Chief Thomas leads a community that still struggles with poverty and alienation, but his determined focus has eased the hardships of the Kosapsum people. His guidance has ushered in new economic opportunities for skills training and employment. Most recently, his knowledge of aboriginal land rights and the Douglas treaty led to a fair and beneficial settlement of the B.C. Legislature grounds, which had been expropriated from reserve land more than 150 years ago.

For his service in protecting the dignity, rights and heritage of the Esquimalt Nation and all aboriginal people, and for reaching out to the community of Victoria, Royal Roads University takes great pleasure in conferring the Chancellor's Community Recognition Award on Chief Andy Thomas.

Hych'ka