News Stories
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
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
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. ... Read more
Douglas White III Speaks on Re-Imagining Reconciliation in VIU's Indigenous Speakers Series
November 16, 2018
Douglas White III Kwul’a’sul’tun learned how to fight at a young age. Early on in life, he recognized that there is animosity in the world towards Indigenous peoples and issues. It highlighted for him the importance of learning to stand up for himself and others in different ways. White will be sharing his story during Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) fourth annual Indigenous Speakers... Read more
Indigenous Students Embrace Success in EleV Partnership
October 17, 2018
By Jenn McGarrigle Last fall, VIU became part of EleV, a new collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, the Rideau Hall Foundation, Yukon College and Indigenous communities. The first of its kind in Canada, this learning partnership aims to better support Indigenous learners in their post-secondary educational journeys and beyond by removing barriers and providing wrap-around support... Read more
New Lecture Series Explores Reconciliation
October 16, 2018
A free monthly lecture series that aims to stimulate community dialogue about the relationship between Canada’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples launched at VIU last December. Delivered through VIU’s Centre for Pre-Confederation Treaties and Reconciliation, the series has included talks by Dr. Judith Sayers, President of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and Adjunct Professor at the... Read more
VIU and McGill Partner to Create Learning and Research Opportunities in Indigenous Studies
October 16, 2018
A deep and shared commitment to supporting the recommendations of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) have led McGill University and Vancouver Island University (VIU) to form a unique collaboration to create new opportunities in Indigenous studies. On Monday, October 15, 2018, Prof. Christopher Manfredi, Provost and Vice-Principal Academic, McGill University, and Dr. Ralph Nilson... Read more
VIU Awards Honorary Degree to National Reconciliation Leader
June 1, 2018
Chief Dr. Robert Joseph recognized at the June 4 Convocation ceremony “Let us find a way to belong to this time and place together. Our future, and the well-being of all our children, rests with the kind of relationships we build today.” -Chief Dr. Robert Joseph For world-renowned speaker for peace, forgiveness and reconciliation Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, changing the way people... Read more
5 Questions with Emmy Manson
March 8, 2018
Emmy Manson, who became a Snuneymuxw First Nation Councillor on February 2, is proud to be living, working and raising her family in her territory. After receiving her Human Services Worker Diploma from VIU in 2002, Emmy went on to complete her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Victoria (UVic). After working in the mental health field for seven years, she returned to UVic to do a... Read more
The Walrus Talks Leadership in Nanaimo on March 13
February 14, 2018
The Walrus Foundation and Vancouver Island University (VIU) are pleased to announce a special event exploring how our ideas and choices can shape the future of culture, reconciliation, economic development, and more. Tickets are now on sale for Vancouver Island University Presents The Walrus Talks Leadership. The event takes place on Tuesday, March 13 starting at 7 pm in VIU’s Malaspina Theatre... Read more