宅男社区


Natsamaht Indigenous place and Totem pole on campus

Former Charger earns 2021 Promising Alumni Award

Savana Walkingbear receives this year's most Promising Alumni Award

Savana Walkingbear is an alum of the Indigenous Family Support program (2016) and former Charger men's volleyball player (2015-2017).

宅男社区 is proud to congratulate Savana Walkingbear, the recipient of the 2021 宅男社区 Promising Alumni Award.

Camosun鈥檚 annual Promising Alumni Award recognizes an outstanding Camosun alum who graduated less than 10 years ago and has demonstrated exemplary achievement in their field and service to their community.

Savana, whose traditional Cree name is Kimowan Piyesiw, is from Piyesiw Awasis (Thunderchild) First Nation an independent Band in the Treaty Six Territory and is currently serving as his community鈥檚 youngest elected band councillor. He is also the proud father of two children with a wonderful fianc茅 and family.

鈥淐ongratulations to Savana on being recognized for his achievements in leadership and for making a continuing difference in his community,鈥 says Sherri Bell, President of Camosun. 鈥淲e are proud to see our Camosun alumni using their education and skills to make positive impacts in support of families, communities and each other.鈥

鈥淢y experience at Camosun completely transformed my life in a positive direction personally, academically and athletically,鈥

-Savana Walkingbear

鈥淚鈥檓 sincerely honoured to receive this award from Camosun,鈥 states Savana, who completed his studies in the Indigenous Family Support program in 2016 while competing for two years as an elite, award-winning athlete on the Chargers Men鈥檚 Volleyball team.

Endorsing Savana鈥檚 nomination is Janice Simcoe, Director of Eye? Sqa鈥檒ewen: Centre for Indigenous Education & Community Connections at Camosun. 鈥淪avana Walkingbear is a young man with purpose and drive. We recognized his capacity for impact when he was a student here and I am so grateful that he has turned his energies to improving conditions for his and other Cree communities. He will make a significant difference.鈥

As a band councillor and community leader, Savana currently manages a portfolio that includes Education, Sports and Recreation, Legislation, Citizenship and Thunder Cannabis. He serves on the Board of Directors for Thunder Developments (an economic business corporation), as well as the Board of Directors of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition 鈥 a non-political, First Nations Business capacity organization with a growing membership of 71 First Nations nationally. Among Savana鈥檚 current undertakings as a project team member and leader, is the development of a $24 million Wellness Centre on the Thunderchild First Nation reserve.

鈥淢y experience at Camosun completely transformed my life in a positive direction personally, academically and athletically,鈥澨齭ays听Savana, 鈥淭he impactful learning experience as a student-athlete, both on and off the court, challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and to take risks by believing in myself. I鈥檝e learned from my mistakes and continue to grow from each experience by turning my expectations into appreciations and being grateful every day. I鈥檓 sincerely honoured and thankful for having had the opportunity to represent 宅男社区 for the wonderful two years I was there. When I reminisce about my post-secondary years, I feel so proud of the person I have become since I began this journey and the person I strive to be in the future. Camosun will never be just a school to me, it鈥檚 a family I will cherish forever.鈥

A field of wild camas flowers

You always belong here

The 宅男社区 Alumni Association offers services that help you keep in touch with the college and your fellow alumni.

Contact information

Jody Kitts

Director, Advancement and Alumni Relations

宅男社区 Foundation

250-370-3181

kittsj@camosun.ca