News Stories
Social prescribing program advancing senior’s health in Central Island
February 20, 2025
Nanaimo Division of Family Practice teams up with community partners to launch social prescribing program advancing senior’s health The Nanaimo Division of Family Practice (NDFP) is proud to share the success of its pilot Social Prescribing Program, an innovative initiative aimed at reducing social isolation and improving health outcomes for seniors aged 55 and older. Family Physicians and... Read more
VIU News & Experts: February 5, 2025
February 5, 2025
The Black History Month edition In this issue of VIU news & experts: Black History Month events and experts Weighing marmots in the wild Truck donation helps VIU heavy duty mechanic students Featured experts Black History Month experts Dr. Paul db Watkins, a VIU English Professor, has published numerous works on multiculturalism, hip-hop, Canadian poetry, jazz, DJ culture and improvisation... Read more
Scholar explores mountain biking’s social impacts on Indigenous communities
January 15, 2025
Dr. Kimberly Coleman joins VIU as the 2025 Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Studies. As an avid mountain biker, Dr. Kimberly Coleman is well aware of the many benefits outdoor recreation can provide. She’s delving into how communities can work together to manage outdoor recreation – specifically mountain bike trails – in a way that respects Indigenous lands. Coleman is doing this... Read more
VIU News & Experts: December 13, 2024
December 13, 2024
It's a Wonderful Life, consumer behaviour, drug education In this issue of VIU news & experts: Watch the recording of It's a Wonderful Life Consumer behaviour expert available Teaching kids about climate change while managing anxiety Featured experts Re-creating It’s a Wonderful Life VIU’s Theatre department has a new annual holiday tradition and it’s a family-friendly one. Families are... Read more
Re-examining the toxic drug crisis through stories
December 10, 2024
Dr. Sharen Karsten and her team are taking a community-engaged approach to the research. We are excited to share that Dr. Sharen Karsten, a VIU Recreation and Tourism Management Professor, has just received a 2024 Reach award from Michael Smith Health Research BC. The Reach Program funds teams of researchers and research users to support the dissemination and effective uptake of research evidence... Read more
Vancouver Island University hosts provincial recreation conference
November 5, 2024
The summit brings industry experts from across Canada to Nanaimo The future of recreation in rural communities and small cities is the topic of a provincial conference happening at Vancouver Island University (VIU) November 13 and 14. Hosted by VIU’s World Leisure Centre of Excellence, the Rural Recreation Summit features sessions by experts in risk management, leisure education, social... Read more
VIU hosts free community event
September 10, 2024
What: VIU Fest When: Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 12 to 4 pm Where: VIU’s Nanaimo campus (parking is free throughout the day). See Nanaimo campus map. Spend an afternoon at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Nanaimo campus for VIU Fest, a free, annual community event showcasing the best the university has to offer. The Fun Zone is a popular place for younger VIU Fest attendees Whether you... Read more
Researcher looking for participants for brain injury study
July 22, 2024
Dr. Sandy Shultz aims to improve health outcomes for domestic violence survivors Are you a domestic violence survivor? VIU researcher and neuroscientist Dr. Sandy Shultz is part of a project that aims to improve the diagnosis of brain injury in survivors of intimate partner violence. He’s looking for people to be part of this research. Results will be used to improve health outcomes for domestic... Read more
Indigenous Guardians protecting coastal lands and waters
April 15, 2024
The partnership between Nanwakolas Council and Vancouver Island University has resulted in 16 more Indigenous Guardians graduating with formal stewardship technician qualifications. *story reprinted with permission from the Nanwakolas Council website On April 12, after a gruelling six months of intensive classroom and field studies, 16 students of the Nanwakolas Council and Vancouver Island... Read more
VIU News & Experts: April 4, 2024
April 4, 2024
Experts on solar eclipse, oral health and leadership 🗣️ In this issue of VIU news & experts: How to take in the solar eclipse The importance of VIU's Dental Clinic to oral health in the community Decolonizing sexual education Happening Saturday: Trades & Tech Showcase and Vancouver Island Leadership Conference Featured experts Solar eclipse Interested in viewing the solar eclipse? Dr.... Read more