Community Engagement

News Stories

VIU Professor Dr. Aggie Weighill picture

VIU Professor Studies How Pandemic Affected Recreation Programming in the Yukon

September 14, 2021

Dr. Aggie Weighill is participating in a two-phase research project that aims to develop a more resilient, post-pandemic model of recreation delivery. How people view the role and importance of physical activity in the well-being and social togetherness of their community is a question that Vancouver Island University (VIU) Recreation and Tourism Professor Dr. Aggie Weighill is looking to answer... Read more


Five people stand in VIU's Health and Science Centre during a media conference.

BC Government announces support for VIU-developed drug checking technology

August 17, 2021

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is excited to share the news that the provincial government is providing $305,000 for HarmCheck – a cutting-edge drug-checking technology that was developed at VIU. It uses high-throughput paper spray mass spectrometry to provide rapid drug-checking and can be used on-site as a harm reduction method. HarmCheck is a collaboration between VIU and the Victoria-based... Read more


Eliot posing in front of the mural over the fireplace

Alum of the Month: Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun

July 15, 2021

Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun, graduated with a degree in Liberal Studies and Philosophy from VIU in 2018 with dreams of following his father and other family members into a career in Indigenous law. Right after graduation, he started a full-time job as Project Coordinator with Petroglyph Development Group, the economic development arm of Snuneymuxw First Nation, and soon started pursuing a... Read more


Brighton sitting on a wooden walkway

Queen Elizabeth Scholars from Tanzania Learn Lessons in Resilience

July 7, 2021

VIU Master of Sustainable Leisure Management graduates conducted their research remotely this year due to the pandemic.  The three final international participants of Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Queen Elizabeth Scholarship (QES) program will graduate this summer – marking the beginning of the final year of the program. After graduating from the College of African Wildlife Management in... Read more


Portrait of mentors for VIU's Indigenous summer camp

Summer Camp Makes Transition to University Easier for Indigenous Students

June 22, 2021

The camp, which includes a blend of online and in-person activities, is organized by the VIU ‘su’luqw’a’ Community Cousins Aboriginal mentorship program. A free summer camp for Indigenous youth in Grades 7-12 will connect students with culture, build community and make the transition to university easier.  The Thuy’she’num Tu Smun’eem: Building a Foundation for our Youth summer camp runs July 6... Read more


Man holding camera

VIU Media Highlights: June 8 - June 21, 2021

June 21, 2021

A roundup of VIU students and employees in the news.  News Stories Top Performing article for the last two weeks: CBC.ca: Virtual Ceremony Officially Welcomes Judith Sayers as Vancouver Island University Chancellor. Based on VIU News Release; reach: 7.38 million people.  Other stories Campbell River Mirror: Campbell River Baseballer Earns Scholarship. Brayden McClary, who has played with the... Read more


Judith Sayers, Installation speech

Building a University Where All Belong: VIU Chancellor Shares Her Vision with Community

June 17, 2021

VIU Chancellor Kekinusuqs, Dr. Judith Sayers, was formally bestowed with the duties of office in an online ceremony on June 17, 2021. Making university a place where all can explore, learn, innovate and excel equally, regardless of background or financial circumstances, is what Kekinusuqs, Dr. Judith Sayers, Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) third Chancellor wants to help build. “Historically... Read more


Evan Adams portrait

VIU Awards Honorary Degree to Award-Winning Medical Doctor and Actor

June 15, 2021

Dr. Evan Tlesla II Adams will receive his honorary doctorate at VIU’s virtual graduation celebration event on June 24.    If there is one thing about his story that Dr. Evan Tlesla II Adams hopes Vancouver Island University (VIU) graduates will take to heart – it’s that it’s never too late to change directions and pursue a different passion in life. Adams, who is now the Deputy Chief Medical... Read more


Image of kid holding books and an apple

VIU and Island School Districts Partner to Promote Education Savings Grants

June 14, 2021

Families are being encouraged to open a no-fee, no contribution required Registered Education Savings Plan to access federal and provincial grants. Vancouver Island, BC: Every year, Vancouver Island students miss out on millions of dollars in education savings grants from the provincial government because families don’t sign up to receive them. That’s why Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s)... Read more


Two women walking a trail at Milner Gardens

VIU’s Milner Gardens Marks 20 Years as a Public Garden

May 13, 2021

Donated to VIU 25 years ago, the property is home to a range of educational activities, community events and research projects. From programs that connect children to nature, to the magic of Christmas in the garden, to studying the effects of climate change on local plants, Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Milner Gardens & Woodland has been inspiring, delighting and educating students... Read more