News Stories
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
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
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
VIU Indigenous Speaker Talks About Journalism’s Role in Reconciliation
November 10, 2021
Investigative reporter Connie Walker is the keynote speaker for VIU’s seventh annual Indigenous Speakers Series on November 22. Connie Walker has devoted the past decade of her investigative journalism career to exposing the truth about the impacts of residential schools, and helping Indigenous people tell their own stories. “We’ve all been touched by this legacy, our lives have been shaped and... Read more
The View Gallery Presents Rande Cook
October 6, 2021
When a Tree Falls, Are We Listening? WHERE: VIU’s The View Gallery WHEN: October 14 – November 27, 2021 – Artist talk and reception October 21, 6-8 pm The View Gallery is thrilled to present an exhibition of new works from Kwakwaka’wakw multimedia artist Rande Cook. The exhibition will run from Thursday, October 14 to November 27, 2021, with an opening reception and artist talk to be held on... Read more
VIU’s Malaspina Theatre Hosts Winds of Change Art Exhibit
September 22, 2021
Featuring works by Stz’uminus First Nation artist Daniel R. Elliott, the exhibit explores the impacts of colonization and how healing can be achieved. Indigenous artist Daniel R. Elliott wants to take people on a healing journey. But first, he’s asking people to confront the history and impact of residential schools head on, and not look away. His paintings are on display in the Malaspina... Read more
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
Indigenous Youth Exploring Issues through VIU Art-based Literacy Project
June 23, 2021
VIU community-engaged research team working with youth to use art as a conduit for self-care, language learning and as a relationship-building tool. A team of Vancouver Island University (VIU) community-engaged researchers is working with Indigenous youth on a project that is empowering them to explore important issues and share knowledge with the wider community through an artistic work. The... Read more
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
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