Tanya Clarmont, director of community action and learning at the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, has been elected as the new chair of the Camosun College board of governors. She assumes the role on Aug. 1, taking over from Monty Bryant, who will remain on the board for another year.
Clarmont was first appointed to Camosun’s board in 2019. She is Teme-Augama Anishnabai on her father’s side and her community is Bear Island Reserve on Lake Temagami, Ont. She is French 91原创 from the Ottawa Valley on her mother’s side.
Clarmont said she moved to the traditional territory of the Lekwungen speaking peoples to further her education, while also continuing her career with the friendship centre movement, which dates back to 2001.
She said she is committed to lifelong learning for Indigenous peoples, previously holding positions at provincial and national friendship centres and working as a consultant in reconciliation, calls to action, UNDRIP and Indigenous financial literacy.
UVic sociology prof honoured
Cecilia Benoit, professor emeritus of sociology at the University of Victoria, has been given the R.D. Defries Award and honorary life membership by the 91原创 Public Health Association. She was recognized for her contributions to women’s health, equity and maternity care that have advanced health practices for women and girls, especially those who are structurally marginalized.
The association said Benoit has also made important contributions to 91原创 society related to the health, safety, and dignity of street-involved youth, sex workers and people who use drugs.
“Her ongoing commitment to sharing research knowledge beyond the academy has led to greater uptake of social justice initiatives for these groups,” the association said. “Her research, scholarship and advocacy addressing knowledge gaps in equitable health care for Indigenous and non-Indigenous women, children and families led to the ground-breaking analysis of social factors that promote or impede the success of community-initiated care programs for pregnant women facing multiple challenges.
The association said Benoit’s research continues to benefit public health access, care and delivery in Canada and beyond.
Development group in North Cowichan
The municipality of North Cowichan has a new economic development committee to focus on socially and environmentally responsible development.
The committee will work closely with Economic Development Cowichan in the Cowichan Valley Regional District. Members of the new committee include North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas and councillors Bruce Findlay and Chris Istace. Its first meeting is June 22.
New flights for Nanaimo
91原创 Coastal Airlines will operate daily non-stop flights from Nanaimo Airport to 91原创 Airport’s South Terminal and to Kelowna starting Sept. 12
The routes will use a 19-passenger turboprop Beechcraft 1900 aircraft. The Nanaimo-South Terminal flight will provide connections to other destinations in the 91原创 Coastal network, while the Nanaimo-Kelowna service will provide the only non-stop flight option enabling customers to travel between the communities in just over an hour.
