Cam Hautcoeur-Boyer is a Nêhiyaw (Cree) member of the George Gordon First Nation graduating with a Bachelor of Child and Youth Care. They completed their degree remotely on the lands of the K’ómoks (Comox Valley) peoples, a short journey up island from UVic’s campus. Hautcoeur-Boyer’s time as a UVic student challenged them to explore the boundaries of their comfort zone while they developed new skills, both academically and personally.
What moment or memory stands out most from your time at UVic?
Crashing my bike while speeding through a snow-packed forest trail to submit a final assignment on public Wi-Fi after my home’s power went out during a snowstorm. I ran the rest of the way and submitted it just in time. It taught me the frostbitten lengths I’ll go to for what’s important!
Where did you spend most of your time studying, hanging out or unwinding on campus?
I completed my degree remotely on the lands of the K’ómoks (the Comox Valley). So, while I didn’t experience the hustle and bustle of campus, I still got to enjoy student life on the Island. I spent my time studying at coffee shops and unwinding on late-night walks. I love the spring song of the Pacific Treefrogs.
Which course or instructor had a positive impact on your academic or personal growth?
So many professors expanded my perspective and recognized my strengths. Gina Mowatt and Morgan Mowatt, Travis Yang, Jessica Pratezina, Sean Hier, LJ Slovin and Norm Fennema are fantastic educators. They made these four years feel worth it! Crystal James and Amanda Duke were also amazing. They handled the coordination that made my degree possible. Thank you, all!
What activity or experience outside the classroom meant the most to you?
Taking up beadwork and continuing my involvement with ecorestoration projects. I even managed to sneak them into the classroom! I beaded during lectures and took ER250: Experiential Learning in Ecological Restoration. Through this course, I became involved with the Vanier Nature Park Garry Oak Restoration Project.
What was your favourite thing to do off campus? Favourite restaurants, best hikes…anything you’d like to share about your life in Victoria!
I’d recommend checking out the local drag scene. I attended a “Dale Parton” drag show during one of my visits to Victoria. Drag queens dolled up as Dolly Parton performed to Pitbull, and drag kings glammed up as Mr. Worldwide performed to Dolly. It was a fantastic night of laughter, wigs and bald caps.
What are your plans for after graduation, and is it the path you envisioned for yourself growing up?
Doing “what needs doing” has always led me where I needed to go, so life plans fall out of use quickly! I’m currently developing resources for the Native Youth Sexual Health Network. I hope my path continues my beloved behind-the-scenes work (coordination, research, development, navigation, assistance and communications). It keeps youth-supporting initiatives running smoothly, but I’ll go wherever I’m called to!
What’s one lesson or mindset from your time at UVic that you’ll carry with you into the next chapter of your life?
I think I really underestimated (or undervalued) my capacity before studying at UVic. That anxiety is rearing its head again now that I’m sorting through job postings— “oh geez, can I really do that?”—but it’s easier to push past the anxiety now that I’ve spent four years proving that I’m good at what I do.
What would you tell someone considering UVic for their degree?
If UVic feels right for you, go for it! UVic has a lot of professors carving new ways to consider the world (or new worlds entirely). To study under a trailblazer is an amazing experience.
