VIU Chancellor receives a Coronation Medal
July 24, 2024
Congratulations to Cloy-e-iis, Dr. Judith Sayers, VIU Chancellor and President of Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, on receiving a Coronation Medal! Created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, the medal recognizes people who have made significant contributions to Canada and their home province. Her bio on the website: “Judith is a powerful advocate for First Nations rights within... Read more
Update to the community July 15
July 15, 2024
Dear VIU community, It is with a deep sense of disappointment that we report the Palestine Solidarity Encampment (PSE) has ignored the Trespass Notice we issued on July 11, 2024. It has also come to our attention that the PSE is urging protesters to call two security numbers: 250.753.3812 and 250.740.6512. Please note that these numbers are designated for emergencies only. Tying up these phone... Read more
Update to the community July 11
July 11, 2024
Dear VIU community, Since its inception on May 1, the Palestine Solidarity Encampment (PSE) by the Students for Palestine Committee (SPC) on our Nanaimo campus has resulted in unprecedented challenges to our university community, including students, faculty, and administration as well as guests on campus. As we prepare to resume the fall semester, we are committed to ensuring our campus is a... Read more
Unveiling incredible Pentlatch fish trap panel exhibit at VIU’s Deep Bay Marine Field Station
July 9, 2024
A significant Pentlatch cultural Belonging unearthed by K’ómoks First Nation and archaeological collaborators is on public display for the next six months at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Deep Bay Marine Field Station. At 550 years old, the fish trap panel is an incredible and enduring example of Pentlatch cultural ingenuity. It is the largest and most complete of its kind on the... Read more
Update to the community July 3
July 3, 2024
Dear VIU community, We are disappointed to inform you that on Friday afternoon, a group of approximately 25 protesters from the Palestine Solidarity Encampment occupied Building 255. Their actions disrupted an ongoing exam, blockaded several entry doors, and caused damage to flags in the International Centre. Despite requests from Campus Security to leave and warnings that non-compliance would... Read more
Update to Community – Protest Activity and Settlement Proposal
June 19, 2024
Dear VIU community, We wanted to acknowledge we have received open letters from various community groups expressing concerns related to the ongoing encampment and we are working tirelessly to address the needs of our diverse VIU community. Please know that your feedback is not only welcomed but helps shape our continued efforts. As always, the safety and security of our campus community,... Read more
Update to community June 11, 2024
June 11, 2024
Dear VIU community, Last night, the Students for Palestine Committee and the Palestine Solidarity Encampment (PSE) requested a meeting to continue our ongoing dialogue. VIU agreed to meet today, where we shared information and received a commitment from the PSE that their organization would not disrupt convocation ceremonies. VIU welcomed this assurance. We also reaffirmed other commitments and... Read more
Community members share impactful stories during VIU’s Rainbow Project
June 11, 2024
What: The Rainbow Project: Searching for a voice, Pride stories through the decades When: June 22 and 23, 7 pm Where: VIU’s Malaspina Theatre lobby, Building 310, Nanaimo campus Community members will share impactful stories from their lives during The Rainbow Project: Searching for a voice, Pride stories through the decades. The event is hosted by Vancouver Island University’s Theatre... Read more
Update to community June 10, 2024
June 10, 2024
Dear VIU community, Today, Vancouver Island University (VIU) held a follow-up meeting with the Students for Palestine Committee and the Palestine Solidarity Encampment (PSE) to continue the dialogue from our initial meeting last week. As promised in our initial meeting, VIU came prepared for a mutually respectful dialogue, ready to discuss the item identified by PSE as the core issue of the... Read more
Dialogue update to community
June 7, 2024
Sent on behalf of Dr. Michael Quinn, Carolyn Russell and Emily Huner Dear VIU community, As President Saucier wrote last week in her message to the campus community, VIU is committed to the hard work that is needed to resolve the issue with the encampment groups. We wanted to provide an update on today’s initial dialogue session with the Students for Palestine Committee and Palestine Solidarity... Read more