It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of LEXIXELEK, Dr. Baptiste Harry “Skip” Dick of the Songhees Nation—a beloved and deeply respected Elder whose presence has been woven into the fabric of the University of Victoria for decades.
In this moment of profound loss, we hold his wife Linda, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family close in our thoughts. We also want to acknowledge and lift up the Lək̓ʷəŋən community, the Songhees and Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt) Nations, the W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples and all those whose lives were touched by his presence, teachings and generous spirit.
Dr. Skip was more than a respected Elder, he was a guiding light, a teacher, a Knowledge Keeper and an advocate for Indigenous education, culture and community. His life’s work has left an everlasting mark on this university, Camosun College, the Victoria Native Friendship Centre and across communities throughout these territories and beyond.
For many, Skip’s was the first voice they heard at UVic, a warm, grounding presence offering a territorial welcome at week of welcome, convocation ceremonies, and gatherings both large and small. His words carried not only protocol, but heart, humour and a deep sense of responsibility to the lands and peoples he represented. In those moments, he welcomed each of us, not just to a place, but into relationship.
As a founding member of the Elders’ Voices program, Skip helped shape a space of guidance, care and cultural grounding for students, staff and faculty. He deeply believed in education as a pathway forward for Indigenous youth and worked tirelessly to remove barriers and open doors. From his early days as an Indigenous counsellor at Camosun College, at what was then the Institute of Adult Studies, to his leadership in developing programs that continue to support thousands of Indigenous students, his impact continues to ripple across generations. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to education, community, and the advancement of Indigenous knowledge, the university awarded Skip an Honorary Doctor of Education in November 2015.
Skip carries his teachings with humility and grace. He reminded us to live, speak and work with a good mind and a good heart, and he always made time for people. Whether it was a conversation, a story, a quiet moment of encouragement or a welcoming smile, he offered what was needed. For so many students, the First Peoples House was a “home away from home” because of people like Skip–his presence, his care and his belief in who they could become.
He was a community builder in every sense, co-founding the Victoria Native Friendship Centre, supporting youth through sport and uplifting Indigenous voices across education, culture and community life. His legacy lives not only in institutions and programs, but in the thousands of people whose lives he’s touched and the teachings he shared.
Skip’s life is a testament to strength and resilience. As a residential school Survivor, he transformed his experiences into a lifelong commitment to making the world better for others. He chose to lead with kindness, to uplift with compassion and to walk with purpose. That choice has changed countless lives.
Those who had the honour of knowing Skip understand what a rare and extraordinary gift he was. He had a way of making each person feel seen, valued and capable. He encouraged us to lean into our strengths, to stay grounded in culture and continue the work, especially when it is difficult. He often spoke of the changes he witnessed in his lifetime, and the responsibility we carry to keep that momentum going. As we grieve this tremendous loss, we also carry forward his teachings.
We honour Skip by continuing the work he believed in, by supporting one another, by building respectful relationships, by creating space for Indigenous knowledge and ways of being, and by walking with good minds and good hearts.
We invite the UVic community to take a moment to reflect, to remember and to hold Skip and his family in your thoughts. His spirit will live on in our hearts, in the students, staff and faculty he inspired, in the communities he strengthened and in the future he helped shape.
The university flag will be lowered on the day of his funeral, Wednesday, April 15.
In keeping with Coast Salish cultural protocol, images, videos, and audio recordings of Dr. Skip have been temporarily removed from university websites and digital platforms. This practice honours his spirit and provides space for his family, community and loved ones to grieve and support his journey to the spirit world. These materials will remain offline until the family let’s us know it is alright to use them again.
hay sxʷ q̓a si’em | HÍSW̱ḴE SIÁM | Thank you respected one
