A message from Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Dennis Johnson
June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to honour the histories, cultures, languages and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada. It is also a time to reflect on the ongoing work of truth and reconciliation and to recognize the importance of learning from Indigenous knowledge systems and worldviews.
At Vancouver Island University, we are grateful to learn and work on the traditional territories of the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nations.
This month, we celebrate Indigenous students, employees, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, alumni and community partners whose leadership and contributions strengthen our university every day. I am looking forward to Semélshun tomorrow (June 11) which honours the achievements and journeys of Indigenous graduates as they take their next steps.
National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21 serves as an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous cultures, languages and enduring contributions, and to come together in community. Across VIU, important work continues to create a culturally informed and inclusive learning environment.
The Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement and the Centre for Innovation and Excellence in Learning organized a Truth and Reconciliation Professional Development series this year. The series invited people to explore books or podcasts while simultaneously investigating their own experiences, perspectives and worldviews. VIU’s Library, thanks to our Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator, will also have a display up and reading resources to share throughout this important month on note.
National Indigenous History Month invites us all to listen, learn and reflect. I encourage our community to take part in local events on National Indigenous Peoples' Day, engage with literature or other materials that challenge your perspectives and worldviews, and continue building relationships grounded in respect and reciprocity.
Thank you to everyone across VIU who contributes to this ongoing work.
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