In the Community

Premier Clark announces Shqwi qwal for Indigenous Dialogue

October 30, 2014

2014PREM0110-001632October 30, 2014 Office of the PremierMinistry of Advanced Education NEWS RELEASE NANAIMO - Premier Christy Clark announced today Canada's first Shqwi qwal (Speaker) for Indigenous Dialogue that will address Indigenous issues and help build a new path for reconciliation within British Columbia. "Our government is committed to building on our relationships with Aboriginal... Read more


Statement from Shawn Atleo, Shqwi qwal for Indigenous Dialogue

October 30, 2014

I’m honoured to be taking on the important role of Shqwi qwal for Indigenous Dialogue at Vancouver Island University, appropriately housed in the Centre for Pre-Confederation Treaties and Reconciliation. I would like to thank Ralph Nilson, VIU’s President, and Doug White, Director of the Centre, for their leadership and vision in helping to make this role become a reality.  Indeed for many years... Read more


Italian Chef to Talk About Slow Food Movement at VIU Nov. 4

October 30, 2014

Culinary students at Vancouver Island University (VIU) will be celebrating the cuisine of Italy during World VIU Days Nov. 3 through 7. Students and the public are invited to learn about the global Slow Food Movement and its Italian connections with Italian Chef Marcella Ansaldo at a free presentation Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 4 to 6 pm in Building 356, Room 109. Chef Ansaldo operates the Giglio... Read more


Juno-Nominated Jazz Quartet Plays VIU Nov. 5

October 29, 2014

Juno-nominated jazz artist Allison Au and her quartet will perform at Vancouver Island University (VIU) Wednesday, Nov. 5 as a special guest of the Jazz Studies program. The concert is open to the public and begins at 7:30 pm in Building 320, Room 105 (the Choral Room). Au is a Toronto-based saxophonist, composer and arranger. The Allison Au Quartet was formed in 2009, and was nominated in 2013... Read more


VIU Welcomes International Human Rights Advocate Jackson Kaguri

October 28, 2014

Can one person make a positive difference in the world? They absolutely can, according to international human rights crusader Jackson Kaguri. Founder of the Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project and author of “A School for My Village”, Kaguri will deliver a free public talk entitled “Innovative Ways to Change the World” at Nanaimo’s Vancouver Island Conference Centre on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 7 pm.... Read more


VIU Welcomes Two New Refugee Students

October 28, 2014

Travelling from a massive refugee camp in Kenya to study at Vancouver Island University (VIU) signifies an amazing step in a long journey of education and daily struggle for two young men. Aden Mumin and Abdullahi Mohamud are settling into their studies at VIU and life in Nanaimo as students sponsored by VIU’s World University Service of Canada (WUSC) local committee. As the ninth and tenth... Read more


VIU Education Students Donate Bikes to John Barsby Community School

October 27, 2014

Christmas will come early for four students at John Barsby Community School in Nanaimo. They’ll soon be riding new bicycles thanks to the efforts of Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Education students. As part of their final term assignment, the Education students refurbished four bikes and donated them to John Barsby’s Operation Generation Bike Club for high school students in need. ... Read more


VIU Appoints Louise Mandell, Q.C., as new Chancellor

October 23, 2014

Louise Mandell Q.C., one of Canada’s foremost Aboriginal rights lawyers and a tireless advocate for Canada’s First Nations, has been named the second chancellor of Vancouver Island University (VIU). Mandell is recognized for her exceptional and forward-thinking work in advancing Aboriginal and Treaty rights. She is one of the founders of the nationally recognized and respected law firm Mandell... Read more


Artisan Harvest Luncheon and Craft Fair at Deep Bay Marine Field Station Oct. 25

October 23, 2014

Come celebrate the harvest season at the Artisan Harvest Luncheon and Craft Fair Saturday, October 25. “The public is invited to this autumn celebration of food and crafts at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) beautiful seaside setting at the Deep Bay Marine Field Station,” says coordinator Stephanie Richards. Local artisians will be on hand selling preserves, snacks, chocolates, Halloween... Read more


Albert Camus: The Absurd Hero - Free Talk At VIU Nov. 13

October 22, 2014

Stimulate your mind and learn a thing or two about the absurd. Retired Vancouver Island University (VIU) philosophy professor Bob Lane is giving a free talk about Albert Camus: The Absurd Hero at VIU’s Nanaimo campus on Thursday, Nov. 13. Lane has spent many years considering the wisdom of Camus, a French Nobel Prize winning author, journalist and philosopher after a tragic accident claimed the... Read more