Welcome!

C’uu

Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is Dan Mack. I am of half Native and half Chinese Descent. I come from the Toquaht Tribe, a Nuu-chah-nulth nation. My mother’s name is Gloria. I am very grateful that the Coast and Strait Salish peoples have allowed me to grow up on their territory. I appreciate the fact that I am able to work and play in such a beautiful landscape.

For as long as I could remember, I have always wanted to become a warrior. My mother is someone I’d definitely describe as warrior. Mom always taught me to be proud of who I am and where I came from. She also taught me martial arts (mom’s always been an accomplished martial artist). I remember this one time as a child, I think I was five at the time, that I came running into the house drenched and crying because I was being picked on by the neighborhood bully. I could tell my mom was furious but rather than the go out and resolve the matter herself she told me, “Well go right back out there and show him what you’re made off!” Motivated, I think I literally ran out the front door and I picked up the very hose that the bully was face washing me with and I turned the water up full blast. With a feral facial expression, and vindicated enthusiasm, I aimed the water hose at my oppressor’s face.

Afterwards, my mom told me that wasn’t exactly the reaction she was trying to provoke and that next time she’d like me to start with speaking up for myself first. Most of my teenage years were spent trying out various sports. Unfortunately, when I got to high school the only subject I was really interested in was “High School Wrestling”. People tried to tell me that “wrestling” wasn’t a subject but I didn’t listen. With only one credit away from graduating I dropped out of high school. Meat. Head.

Eight years later, I grew quite tired of working dead-end jobs and I finally made the decision to return to school. I’m now in my second year of the Indigenous Studies program at Camosun College. Since I have returned to school I have learned a great deal about myself. School has taught me a lot about where I come from and as a result I feel like I have learned a great deal about whom I am. I finally have a sense of belonging. This exhilarating feeling has inspired me to want to become a teacher. Hopefully, as a teacher I could help make tomorrow’s generation feel like they have a place in this world.

Thank you for taking the time to read a little about me.

Klecko Klecko,

Dan Mack