Community Engagement

News Stories

The Future of Reconciliation in Canada A VIU Conversation

VIU Hosts a Conversation on the Future of Reconciliation in Canada

April 13, 2022

What: The Future of Reconciliation in Canada: A VIU Conversation When: Wednesday, April 20, 2022, 10-11:30 am  Where: Online (Zoom webinar)   Reconciliation is a complex concept with a variety of definitions, meaning different things to different people, but one thing many agree upon is that for reconciliation to become a reality, significant structural and societal changes are needed.... Read more


Nine people gathered around conceptual drawing of Shq’apthut (A Gathering Place)

Provincial Government Funds Expansion of Shq’apthut, VIU’s Indigenous Gathering Place

April 8, 2022

Investment will enhance on-campus learning experience for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students Indigenous students at Vancouver Island University (VIU) will soon have access to more space as Shq’apthut (A Gathering Place) is expanded at the Nanaimo campus. The building is a home away from home for Indigenous students where cultural, academic, recreational and social activities are promoted and... Read more


Leading the Future Together text with a background of mountains

VIU Students Aim for Connection with Youth Leadership Conference

March 30, 2022

The Vancouver Island Leadership Conference happens Friday, April 1 to Saturday, April 2, 2022 at VIU’s Malaspina Theatre and the Vancouver Island Conference Centre Dozens of emerging leaders will gather for two days of keynote talks, career advice and fun activities during the Vancouver Island Leadership Conference April 1-2. An annual event organized by Vancouver Island University (VIU) students... Read more


three students talking in the quad

New Bursary Fund Boosts Impact of Education Savings Grant

March 30, 2022

Wealthsimple Foundation and VIU partner to deliver $20,000 bursaries to Canada Learning Bond-eligible students. Vancouver Island University (VIU) and Wealthsimple Foundation are teaming up on a new bursary program that aims to make post-secondary education more accessible for modest-income students. Having as little as $500 set aside for post-secondary education can sometimes make all the... Read more


VIU and UVic Presidents and Chancellors pose with the Talking Stick

UVic and VIU Deepen Relationship with Special Gifting Ceremony for New Chancellor

March 28, 2022

Cloy-e-iis, Dr. Judith Sayers, received a Talking Stick from UVic officials in a ceremony that followed Coast Salish protocol on March 24. A Talking Stick gifted by University of Victoria officials to Vancouver Island University’s Chancellor, Cloy-e-iis, Dr. Judith Sayers, solidifies a longstanding relationship between the two institutions and reaffirms a mutual commitment to reconciliation.... Read more


Five people pose around an electric vehicle

VIU Receives Funding for new EV Skills Training Program

March 21, 2022

Minister Bruce Ralston visited VIU on March 21 to learn more about the new program. Automotive technicians will soon be able to upgrade their skills to work on electric vehicles (EVs) at Vancouver Island University (VIU), thanks to funding from the provincial government.  The EV Maintenance Training program will be offered starting in January 2023, with a pilot in September 2022. The program,... Read more


AL Moritz headshot

Griffin Prize-Winning Poet A.F. Moritz to Give VIU Gustafson Lecture and Reading

February 17, 2022

The annual lecture will take place on March 3, 2022, on the Nanaimo campus. A.F. Moritz, one of Canada’s most esteemed and decorated poets, is Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Ralph Gustafson Distinguished Poet for 2021-22. The annual lecture will take place on March 3 in the Ralph Gustafson Lecture Theatre in Building 355 at VIU’s Nanaimo campus. His talk, entitled “Poetry: Future Present... Read more


Man holding camera

VIU Media Highlights: November 15-29, 2021

November 29, 2021

A roundup of VIU students and employees in the news. Top-performing Broadcast Story VIU alumnus Wawmeesh Hamilton was the featured guest on the November 23 edition of the Our Native Land podcast on CHEK News. Reach: 42,000 people.  Top 10 News Stories Toronto Star (through local journalism initiative): Indigenous journalists essential in amplifying the stories of Indigenous people. See VIU... Read more


Portrait of Danielle in forested area

VIU Education Student Investigates How Women Experienced Trauma During the First World War

November 5, 2021

Danielle Cossey-Sutton’s project was funded by a Mitacs Research Training Award. A gap in First World War research is how women experienced trauma. Vancouver Island University (VIU) Bachelor of Education student Danielle Cossey-Sutton spent part of the last academic year investigating this aspect of history. “Historical scholars admit it is difficult to explore gender studies during the First... Read more


Linda Jack picture

Giving Tuesday at VIU Raises Funds for Students in Need

November 4, 2021

VIU’s eighth annual Giving Tuesday campaign runs from November 15 to November 30, 2021. Vancouver Island University (VIU) welcomes learners of all different ages and backgrounds. Sometimes learners need a little extra help to make their educational goals a reality, which is why the University has run a Giving Tuesday campaign for the past eight years. Giving Tuesday is a global movement to give... Read more