News Stories
VIU Fulbright Canada Jarislowsky Foundation Visiting Research Chair Focuses on Aboriginal Learning
August 16, 2018
Vancouver Island University (VIU) welcomes Dr. Virginia Drywater-Whitekiller, the Fulbright Canada Jarislowsky Foundation Visiting Research Chair in Aboriginal Studiesfor 2018. “I feel very humbled,” says Drywater-Whitekiller. “It seems surreal that I have been honoured to contribute in this way.” “I am excited to welcome Virgina Drywater-Whitekiller to Vancouver Island University as the... Read more
VIU Supported Business Program Inspires Indigenous Youth
August 15, 2018
As the only Indigenous student in his university undergraduate and graduate classes, Bernard Gilbert struggled to find connection to campus life. “There were times where I felt I did not belong in university,” says Gilbert, whose traditional Nlaka’pamux name translates to “Running Elk.” He is Shuswap from the Secwépemc territory. In high-school, he developed a crippling fear of failure, and... Read more
Project Between VIU and Snaw-Naw-As Preserves Traditional Plant Knowledge
January 16, 2018
Garden of Spiritual Healing connects Snaw-Naw-As Community Members A Garden of Spiritual Healing is taking root at the Snaw-Naw-As Community Health Centre thanks to a partnership between the First Nation and Vancouver Island University (VIU). VIU’s Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute (MABRRI) representatives met with the Snaw-Naw-As Community Garden Committee to develop a vision... Read more
Road to Reconciliation
January 8, 2018
“The only path to reconciliation is one that begins with recognition.” – Douglas White III, Director of VIU’s Centre for Pre-Confederation Treaties and Reconciliation When Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission released their report in 2015, there was a clear call to educational institutions to take responsibility for leading the way in addressing the challenge of reconciliation between... Read more
New Course Forms Partnership Between Indigenous Science and Western Science
January 8, 2018
The University’s first science course co-taught by a Biology Professor and a Traditional Knowledge Keeper launched at VIU Cowichan last spring. VIU Biology Professor Dr. Suzie Nilson and Traditional Knowledge Keeper Stella Johnny, from Quw’utsun’, taught separate knowledge on the science of plants and the environment in VIU’s Interdisciplinary Studies 211. The course was made possible thanks... Read more
"Auntie Ellen" Appointed to the Order of Canada
January 8, 2018
VIU’s beloved former Elder-in-Residence Ellen White was recognized with Canada’s highest civilian honour earlier this year. Known affectionately as “Auntie Ellen” at VIU, the Coast Salish Elder touched the lives of many students, staff and faculty during her 13 years as an Elder-in-Residence. She is known on campus for her loving, generous and wise demeanour and for openly sharing knowledge. She... Read more
VIU Learning Series Aims to Help People Understand Indigenous Perspectives
December 21, 2017
Organized by the Office of Aboriginal Education and Engagement, the free sessions are open to community A unique learning series designed by Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Office of Aboriginal Education and Engagement invites community to join the conversation about reconciliation. The Na’tsa’ maht Shqwaluwun: One Heart, One Mind learning series includes a range of half-day, full-day and... Read more