Remembering the late Čeyɫəm, Elder Dr. Elmer George

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the recent passing of Čeyɫəm, Elder Dr. Elmer George of the Songhees Nation. In this moment of great loss, we hold his family, the Lək̓ʷəŋən community, the Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt Nations and all who were blessed by his teachings and presence in our hearts.

Elmer was a teacher, a spiritual leader, a caretaker and a relative to many. As one of the last fluent speakers of the Lək̓ʷəŋən language, he carried an immense responsibility—one that he met with humility, patience and love. Through his life’s work, he became a bridge between generations, helping his people and this territory remember who they are through the words, songs and stories of their ancestors.

Elmer often reminded us that language is medicine—it heals, it restores balance and it connects us to the land and to each other. He gave freely of that medicine, helping to guide the naming of university buildings with Lək̓ʷəŋən names such as siʔčə́ŋəɬ ʔéʔləŋ, Čeqʷəŋín ʔéʔləŋ, and Sŋéqə ʔéʔləŋ, ensuring the language would live on across this campus. He also supported the naming of Etalew̓txʷ, which translates to centre of respect for the rights of one another and all beings, reflecting his deep belief in our collective responsibility to live in right relationship. He gifted the Lək̓ʷəŋən word used for the UVic Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Awards—ɬíɬəl ʔa kʷs ƛ̓kʷəxnəq Skʷukʷəlstəŋəƛ̓—which translates to “gift for the successful student.” And alongside J,SIṈTEN, Dr. John Elliott, he offered language guidance and permission for the use of Lək̓ʷəŋən and SENĆOŦEN within UVic’s Indigenous Plan.

At UVic, Elmer was a guiding presence. He shared his wisdom with Etalew̓txʷ | ÁTOL,ÁUTW̱ | The Office of the Vice-President Indigenous, the Office of Indigenous Academic and Community Engagement and across the university, grounding our work in Lək̓ʷəŋən teachings. His voice and his language reminded us of the sacred responsibility we hold to the land and peoples of this place. Beyond the university, Elmer’s influence reached far and wide. He was honoured by Royal Roads University with an honorary degree in recognition of his lifelong stewardship of language and culture. As a Head Provincial Elder of the Indian Shaker Church, he travelled across British Columbia and Washington, bringing healing, hope and ceremony to countless families and communities.

His hands were as skilled as his heart was kind—working more than 35 years in maintenance for the Songhees Band, designing the Songhees Big House and teaching himself the International Phonetic Alphabet to revitalize and teach the Lək̓ʷəŋən language. He worked closely with archives and institutions to document and safeguard the words of his ancestors, ensuring that future generations would continue to learn and speak their language.

Elmer embodied caretaking in all forms—of his family, his people, the land, and the language. His leadership was quiet but powerful, rooted in love and service. Those who knew him will remember his laughter, his humility and the calm strength of his spirit.

While we grieve this profound loss, we are deeply grateful for the time we shared with him—for his teachings, his presence and the knowledge he so generously shared. His legacy will continue to guide us in our work toward language revitalization, Indigenous education, healing and continuing to live in right relations with the lands and peoples of this place.

In keeping with Coast Salish cultural protocol, images, videos, and audio recordings of Elmer have been temporarily removed from university websites and digital platforms. This practice honours his spirit and provides space for his family, community and loved ones to grieve and support his journey to the spirit world. These materials will remain offline for one year, in accordance with Lək̓ʷəŋən and Coast Salish traditions.

Hay'sxw'qa— thank you Elmer, for your gifts, your leadership and your love. You will always be in our hearts and your words will continue to live in this land.