Reconciliation

News Stories

VIU's Indigenous Speakers Series featuring Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn)

Indigenous speaker shares story of fight for the return of traditional lands

November 22, 2022

Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn), a Squamish Nation councillor and spokesperson, will deliver the keynote address at VIU’s 2022 Indigenous Speakers Series event on November 29. Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn) grew up without knowledge of his culture or history. His parents, both residential school survivors, did not talk about any element of their First Nations background and it wasn’t until Sxwíxwtn was in... Read more


Group photo around the new sign at VIU’s campus in the qathet region

Tla’amin Nation gifts ʔayʔaǰuθəm name to local VIU campus

September 20, 2022

VIU’s campus in the qathet region will now be called tiwšɛmawtxw. The Tla’amin Nation Executive Council has gifted Vancouver Island University (VIU) the name tiwšɛmawtxw (teew-shem- awt-xw), which means House of Learning, for its campus located in ɬaʔamɩn ʔəms gijɛ (Tla’amin Territory).   The gift is in the spirit of decolonization and reconciliation. Following a renaming ceremony on September... Read more


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


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


Connie Walker

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


Portrait of Daniel R. Elliott, Indigenous artist

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


: Dr. Georgina Martin, a VIU Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies Professor.

VIU Professor Appointed to Reference Group for Review of Indigenous Research

November 12, 2020

Georgina Martin is the only BC representative to be elected to a national group responsible for providing direction on building mutually respectful relationships between Indigenous communities and researchers. Dr. Georgina Martin, a VIU Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies Professor, has been elected to a newly established, national group for the culturally appropriate review of Indigenous research and is... Read more


Jesse Wente, VIU's 2020 Indigenous speaker

VIU Indigenous Speaker Shares a Story of Joy

November 12, 2020

Jesse Wente, an Anishinaabe writer, broadcaster, speaker and arts leader, shares his perspective on Canada’s truth and reconciliation process during VIU’s sixth annual Indigenous Speakers Series on Wednesday, November 25. Jesse Wente is taking a harm reduction approach to the truth and reconciliation process by amplifying the voices of Indigenous peoples. The Anishinaabe writer, broadcaster,... Read more


VIU President Deb Saucier installation

Hope, Inclusion and Access to Education: VIU President Shares Vision at Installation Event

November 26, 2019

Dr. Deb Saucier, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor since July 2019, was formally endowed with the powers and responsibilities of office in a ceremony at the Snuneymuxw First Nation Longhouse in Cedar on November 15. A regional institution such as Vancouver Island University (VIU) can change what it means to be a university, challenge longstanding perceptions on who goes and what can be taught... Read more