VIU celebrates local and global community during WorldVIU Days

The theme of the week-long event, which runs November 6 to 10, is Community Through Movement.

An annual, week-long event that celebrates cultural diversity on campus is returning to Vancouver Island University (VIU).

Taking place from November 6 to 10, WorldVIU Days brings people together to find common ground and build community.

“This year’s theme is Community through Movement and we’re playing with that theme in a lot of different ways: physical movement, movement of words, social movements, movement of people around the world,” said Mitch Miyagawa, Intercultural Program Coordinator. “We want the entire community to come and celebrate the rich cultural tapestry that exists at VIU.”

The week includes a variety of activities, performances and story sharing. Highlights include:

• WorldVIU Stage (Nov 6 to 10): Music and dance performances daily featuring students.
• Silent Disco Paint Party (November 7): Collective Groove Silent Dance Co. will get people making art and moving to international dance music.
• Global Fashion Show (November 8): Student models showcase the traditional clothing of their cultures.
• Breaking Bread Gathering (November 8): Participants can sample breads from around the world, including baguettes, naan and bannock. 
• Refugee Simulation Experience (November 9): Participants go on a journey through the difficult decisions that refugees encounter in the face of conflict and forced migration.
• Alma de España Flamenco (November 9): A performance with guitar, songs and dancing.
• The WorldVIU Mix! (November 9): Two VIU alumni international DJs mix it up with dancers at the VIUSU Pub.
• Diwali Festival of Light celebration (November 10): Hosted by the VIU MBA Students’ Association, this is an introduction to one of the biggest festivals in India and includes traditional foods, sweets, storytelling and dancing.
• International games and sports in the gym (November 10): Sample popular sports and games from around the world with the Kinesiology department.

The schedule of events and how to get involved is available on the WorldVIU Days website. 

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Media Contact:

Jenn McGarrigle, External Communications Manager, Vancouver Island University

C: 250.619.6860 | E: jenn.mcgarrigle@viu.ca | @VIUniversity

The VIU community acknowledges and thanks the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nation on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.