As Trinity Western University marks National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 within National Indigenous History Month, the University is celebrating the leadership and impact of Patricia Victor Switametelót, TWU’s University Siyá:m.
A Halq'eméylem word, Siyá:m means a respected leader. It describes someone who leads well, shares knowledge generously, and walks in a good way. For Patti, as she is known in the TWU community, that calling is grounded in relationship.
“My greatest role and joy is to build relationships with the TWU community and model walking together in a good way,” she says. Patti explains that the overall purpose for her work is to enhance the students’ university experience, ultimately instilling in them that they are God’s—the Creator’s— prized and loved creation.
A unique role in a distinct community
As a Stó:lō leader serving under the Office of the Provost, Patti’s role at TWU holds particular significance within a Christian university. She notes that in broader conversations across education and society, the focus of this day has often centred on trauma rather than the fullness of Indigenous identity. “When we’re talking about Indigenous Peoples Day, it should be about celebrating the people and the culture, not just the trauma,” she says. In this context, Patti believes “TWU is in a unique place to change the narrative.”
As a follower of Jesus and University Siyá:m, Patti sees a meaningful opportunity to live out a different story. She wants to not only recognize the journey Indigenous People in Canada have been on but celebrate where they’re going.
Patti’s work in the TWU community reflects a shared commitment to reconciliation grounded in faith. “Reconciliation is the heart of God; therefore the heart of TWU,” she adds.
Transforming learning through relationship
Patti’s leadership takes many forms throughout campus life. She teaches across disciplines, sharing Stó:lō worldview, culture, and values, and has developed courses such as Indigenous Perspectives in Education and Indigenous Perspectives in Nursing. She also facilitates experiential learning opportunities and leads campus-wide events annually.
In the classroom, her approach reflects Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being. Learning is holistic and relational, engaging students not only intellectually, but emotionally and spiritually. She creates space for respectful dialogue where students can encounter different perspectives and grow in understanding.
“Being in the classroom is a joy as students begin to flourish . . . as head knowledge begins to become heart knowledge,” she says. “When knowledge touches the heart, that is when transformation takes place.”
This relational approach extends beyond academics. Patti walks alongside students as they navigate questions of identity, belonging, and purpose.
“I have the privilege to walk with students in their discovery of who they are, their purpose in life, and whose they are,” she says.
A story of resilience & celebration
As Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day invite reflection across Canada, Patti encourages the focus to be celebratory. While history must be acknowledged, the trauma of the past is not the whole story.
Her leadership reflects that celebration. Whether opening a class in Halq'eméylem, sharing cultural teachings, or creating opportunities for the community to learn together, Patti helps cultivate a University environment where Indigenous voices and knowledge are welcomed and valued.
At TWU, that future continues to take shape through shared learning, ongoing relationship, and Christlike love. “As we remember our shared history in Canada,” Patti says, “we need to remember the strength and resilience of Indigenous People.”
In this season of recognition and celebration, Patti’s leadership offers an invitation to the entire TWU community to listen, to learn, and to walk together in a good way.
About Indigenous Initiatives at Trinity Western University
At TWU, we seek to hear, understand and acknowledge our shared history with Indigenous peoples and the impact that it continues to have throughout the generations. As a global Christian university, TWU continues to foster greater knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures, worldview, and history among students, staff, and faculty. We do this by providing educational opportunities, engaging in community partnerships, and through caring for and supporting Indigenous students.
Learn more at TWU's Indigenous Initiatives.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university dedicated to equipping students for life. Uniting faith and reason through Christian teaching and scholarship, TWU is a research institution offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the humanities and sciences as well as in several professional schools. TWU has its main campus in Langley, B.C. and campus sites in Richmond, B.C. and Ottawa, Ont.
Learn more at twu.ca or follow @TrinityWestern on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. For media inquiries, please contact media@twu.ca.