Thasekiyahe, Margaret Charlie
As the Director of Culture, Protocol and Community Relations, Margaret supports the Executive Council and other senior leadership with Indigenous culture, protocol and community relations. She is responsible for all university-wide cultural protocols, planning and operation activities.
In her role, Margaret guides and directs the university initiatives that involve Indigenous culture and protocol and collaborations with the University community, as well as works to build reciprocal, respectful, long term and continuous relationships with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. She also ensures that OVPI and UVic policies and practices engage respectfully with local cultural and protocol requirements, seeking guidance from local Nations, Elders and community members.
Biography
My name is Thasekiyahe, my English name is Margaret Charlie. I am a member of the Songhees Nation along with my father, my mom is a member of the Tsartlip First Nation. I am fortunate to be trusted and guided by Elders within my family and community. Cultural protocols and teachings are something I hold near and dear to my heart. Most of my work has been assisting families with various cultural ceremonies in many aspects.
I am a daughter, mom, grandma and auntie to the most amazing humans. My goal in life is to ensure I am representing my family and traditional name in a good way, as they are held in the highest regard.
I graduated from UVIc in 2013 with a Bachelor of Social Work - Indigenous Specialization. My passion has always been to make sure we are providing a solid foundation for the youth that are coming behind us.
I enjoy spending time with my family and taking random adventures.
"Self care is important to ensure that you can continue to do work in a good way; always remember you are worth investing in."