Indigenous

News Stories

Indigenous summer camp at VIU

Summer Camp Inspires Youth to Explore Post-Secondary

August 1, 2019

The ḥaahuupa Summer Camp took place on Newcastle Island from July 2-5 with youth from Gold River, Zeballos, Nanaimo and Kyuquot. ­­ Shannon Frank can’t remember a time in recent history when she’s laughed as long and as loud. The Gold River Secondary School graduate was attending the haahuupa Summer Camp on Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park) from July 2-5 with nine other youth... Read more


VIU research will study rising stresses on fragile mountain ecosystems

VIU Research Will Study Rising Stresses on Fragile Mountain Ecosystems

July 22, 2019

VIU researchers launch far-reaching study on Mount Arrowsmith in collaboration with The Canadian Mountain Network.  A team of Vancouver Island University (VIU) researchers is ascending to new heights for an in-depth analysis that will project 100 years into the future to get a better understanding of what is happening in our mountain environments. One-quarter of Canada’s land mass is made up of... Read more


VIU Raises Snuneymuxw First Nation and Metis Nation Flags at Nanaimo Campus

June 24, 2019

In recognition of the longstanding relationship Vancouver Island University (VIU) has with two of its Indigenous partners – Snuneymuxw First Nation and Métis Nation – flags for each of these Nations were raised at the Nanaimo Campus on National Indigenous Peoples Day (Friday, June 21, 2019). The Snuneymuxw and Métis flags joined the national, provincial and VIU flags already flying in the Royal... Read more


Indigenous Summer Camps at VIU

VIU Hosts Summer Camps for Indigenous High School Students

June 6, 2019

Thanks to the generosity of The Peter Cundill Foundation, VIU is offering three free camps at the University’s Cowichan, Powell River and Nanaimo campuses this summer to encourage high school students to consider post-secondary. Making the transition to university can be scary, especially if you have never left your community before, or pictured yourself as a university student. Three free summer... Read more


Frank Brown will receive an honorary doctorate degree from VIU

Indigenous Advocate to Receive Honorary Doctorate Degree from VIU

May 8, 2019

Celebrating and preserving Indigenous cultures and perspectives through place-based teachings is Frank Brown’s life-long commitment.  Brown, a member of the Heiltsuk First Nation, who carries the Hereditary Hemas (Chief) name of Dhadhiyasila (λ.λ.yasila) meaning “preparing for the largest potlatch”, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Vancouver Island University (VIU)in recognition of... Read more


Global Philanthropists Recognized by VIU for Education Advocacy

May 2, 2019

In recognition of their efforts to empower youth through education, Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, and Peggy Woo, Strategic Advisor to the Foundation, will receive Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from VIU on Wednesday, June 5, 2019. ­­ Two women who have positively impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of youth in Africa and, more recently, Canada, will receive... Read more


Evangeline Clifton, Tourism Management

Student Group Discusses Truth and Reconciliation

April 25, 2019

The Indigenous Perspectives Learning Circle group, made up of 10 Indigenous, five international and five non-Indigenous students, met monthly over the school year to discuss how to better incorporate Indigenous perspectives into their work, studies and personal lives. ­­ The more Evangeline Clifton talks with others about her people's experiences, the more she realizes that further awareness... Read more


VIU Elder in Residence Maxine Matilpi

VIU Welcomes New Elders-in-Residence at Nanaimo Campus

March 28, 2019

Maxine Hayman Matilpi (Lakwa) and Barney Williams (Klith-wii-taa) join four other Elders-in-Residence offering support, traditional knowledge and spiritual guidance to students at the Nanaimo Campus. ­­ Vancouver Island University (VIU) has two new Elders-in-Residence at the Nanaimo Campus. Since the program started in the 1990s, VIU Elders-in-Residence have played an important role at the... Read more


VIU Honours Lawyer for Helping Shape Canada's Legal History

January 23, 2019

Marvin Storrow believes that even though something is law doesn’t always mean it is just or right. An accomplished lawyer with 55 years’ experience, Storrow has challenged the law numerous times, and due to his determination and courage he has steered the course of legal history in Canada. Storrow’s legal contribution towards getting formal recognition of Indigenous rights and title through the... Read more


Recognizing the Power of Place Names in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region

January 17, 2019

Long before British Captain George Henry Richards named Mount Arrowsmith in the late 1800s, the largest mountain on southern Vancouver Island had many distinctive titles given to it, depending which side the 1,819 metre peak was viewed from. In 2000, the Arrowsmith moniker was used in the designation of the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR), a UNESCO recognized biosphere reserve.  The MABR... Read more