In the Community

Elder Bonnie Jones and Graham Sakaki, MABRRI Research and Community Engagement Coordinator, plant seedlings in the Garden of Spiritual Healing at the Snaw-Naw-As Health Centre.

Project Between VIU and Snaw-Naw-As Preserves Traditional Plant Knowledge

January 16, 2018

Garden of Spiritual Healing connects Snaw-Naw-As Community Members A Garden of Spiritual Healing is taking root at the Snaw-Naw-As Community Health Centre thanks to a partnership between the First Nation and Vancouver Island University (VIU). VIU’s Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute (MABRRI) representatives met with the Snaw-Naw-As Community Garden Committee to develop a vision... Read more


VIU Community Honours 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

December 19, 2017

Vancouver Island University Faculty Association, VIUSU and ResTide spearheaded events on Nanaimo campus Hanging a shirt with an anti-violence message, donating a warm coat or lighting a candle to remember a victim of gender-based violence may be small gestures, but these actions can cause powerful ripple effects in communities. These gestures can lead someone to step up and become involved in a... Read more


World VIU Days Celebrates What Connects Us

October 31, 2017

Week of activities showcases global citizenship through discussion, film, music and food NANAIMO, BC: Each year, Vancouver Island University (VIU) benefits from a strong and growing international student body, and this year is no exception – 2,300 students are currently enrolled from more than 90 countries. International students enrich campus life by sharing their culture and values with each... Read more


Open Hearts and a New Home: From Syria and Somalia to Nanaimo

October 17, 2017

VIU students help two refugees achieve education dreams VIU NEWS RELEASE: 2017/316 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 17, 2017 NANAIMO, BC: The first time Rahma Hussein and Hassan Al Nabilsi heard of Nanaimo, British Columbia, was when they were informed that they would be going to Vancouver Island University (VIU). Both students are refugees, who were living a world away when they were... Read more


Prison Inmates Perform Play Directed by VIU Theatre Prof

October 11, 2017

Eliza Gardiner, along with theatre and criminology student volunteers, are working with the inmate-run William Head on Stage Theatre Society to produce a play for the public Male offenders incarcerated at William Head Institution are breaking down stereotypes and connecting with community through the act of producing an annual play – this year with the help of Vancouver Island University (VIU)... Read more


VIU Appoints United Way Employee Giving Campaign Associate for 2017

September 19, 2017

Vancouver Island University is proud to enter a second decade of partnership with United Way by appointing our 11th Campaign Associate to coordinate VIU’s annual Employee Giving Campaign and to assist United Way during their busiest campaign season. In 2016, VIU staff contributed more than $40,000 across our three campuses and the Parksville-Qualicum Centre. This total was a record-breaking 12%... Read more


VIU Forges Relationships With Sanala Residents and Neighbours

July 27, 2017

University staff host outreach event at Sanala, formerly King Arthur Court, to raise awareness about the Canada Learning Bond and VIU’s Tuition Waiver Program Vancouver Island University (VIU) staff is raising awareness about two programs that make post-secondary education more accessible and affordable. Ruby Barclay, VIU’s Peer Support Navigator for the Tuition Waiver Program, and Rolanda... Read more


VIU Seeks Indigenous High School Students for Youth Camps in August

June 20, 2017

The two free four-day camps combine cultural activities with outdoor activities and mini-lectures and aim to help youth make the transition to university When Troy Barnes recalls his first day of college, he still feels the blood rise to his face as feelings of humiliation, fear and isolation come rushing back. Barnes, a member of the Klahoose Nation with Homalco roots as well, had just moved... Read more


New Indigenous and Western Science Course at VIU Cowichan Inspires Respect for Nature

April 27, 2017

The first of its kind at VIU, INTR 211 is taught by a Biology Professor and a Traditional Knowledge Keeper, who each present different perspectives on the science of plants and the environment Tina Turan, a third-year Bachelor of Education student at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Cowichan Campus, says a new course that explores the science of plants and the environment from both... Read more


VIU's Milner Gardens Designated a 'Canada 150 Garden Experience'

April 24, 2017

150 gardens across the country were jury-selected to honour Canada’s 150 birthday – and VIU’s Milner Gardens and Woodland is one of them In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Milner Gardens & Woodland was recently selected as an official Canada 150 Garden Experience at the North American Garden Tourism Conference in Toronto. The designation,... Read more