Community Spotlight: Jakob Dawson
1st-Year Indigenous Studies Student at VIU
Shq’apthut: A Gathering Place at Vancouver Island University
Original from IndigiNewsletter by Vancouver Island University
Jakob Dawson is a first-year Indigenous Studies student at Vancouver Island University from Alert Bay, BC. Inspired by his grandmother, who earned her Master’s degree in Indigenous Studies, Jakob chose this path to continue learning, strengthening culture, and supporting his community.
Education & Future Goals
Jakob hopes to use his education to give back to Nations through financial literacy education, program organization, and working directly with communities. One day, he would also like to become a professor and teach culture, helping ensure knowledge continues to be shared with future generations.
Leadership & Involvement
Jakob has also taken on leadership roles at Vancouver Island University, serving as a Student Senate representative, a member of the Indigenous Commitment Committee, and as Director at Large. His involvement reflects a strong commitment to advocacy, representation, and supporting Indigenous students within the university community. He has also been featured in a Vancouver Island University newsletter, recognizing his achievements and contributions.
Staying Connected to Culture
He stays connected to his culture through art, learning Kwak̓wala words, and participating in cultural practices such as blanket making. Being apart of Shq’apthut has helped him feel supported during his first year, describing it as a home away from home where there is always coffee, community, and laughter.
Jakob shares that the encouragement from his peers helped him get through his first term and reminds other Indigenous students:
“Use your voice, as it is one of the most powerful tools we carry.”
Looking Ahead
Jakob is guided by the belief that education can create change and help build a stronger future for our communities. As a ‘Na̱mg̱is-funded student, we are proud to support his educational journey and continued contributions to community and leadership.
Share Your Story!
If you have a story you’d like to see featured in a future Community Spotlight, we would love to hear from you. Stories can be submitted to:
communications@namgis.bc.ca
or directly to Jean Bell, Communications Manager
jean.bell@namgis.bc.ca
Community stories matter — and this space is here to honour them.
