VIU connects with local and global community at WorldVIU Days

What: WorldVIU Days

When: October 31 to November 4, 2022

Where: See photo opportunity schedule below

An annual, multi-day event that explores how culture influences the way people make sense of the world is returning to Vancouver Island University (VIU) this month.

Taking place from October 31 to November 4, WorldVIU Days celebrates diversity in all its facets and brings people together to find common ground and build community.

This year, VIU is welcoming special guests from near and far, including the Central Vancouver Island Japanese Canadian Society, which is dedicated to celebrating Japanese heritage by providing social and cultural activities in the region. The local group, in conjunction with the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver, will present a taiko drumming demonstration and mini workshop from the Uminari Taiko Japanese drum group in the Upper Cafeteria (Building 300) on Thursday, November 3.

Joining the week-long celebration from further afield is Jackson Kaguri, founder of the Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project. Born and raised in Uganda, Kaguri has devoted his life to human rights advocacy. Past accolades include being recognized in Time Magazine’s Power of One series and speaking to the United Nations about his work.

VIU’s connection to Kaguri and the Nyaka project spans more than a decade, with many VIU faculty and staff visiting and participating in shared projects with the community-based educational initiative. This year, the Faculty of Education is developing a field school for VIU students to travel to Uganda and work with the Nyaka community. Kaguri will be meeting with students and faculty to help them prepare for the experience.

“We’re honoured to be welcoming valued partners to campus during this special week of celebration,” said Carolyn Russell, VIU’s Associate Vice-President of International Education. “Fostering these relationships is critical to building community both locally and globally, as well as honouring the immense value that this diversity brings to our campuses.”

Other events include an Intercultural Hip-Hop Panel, an international fashion show and a simulation of a refugee’s experience of being forced to flee their home country.

For a complete list of events, visit the WorldVIU Days website. All events are open to the public unless specifically stated otherwise. See Nanaimo campus map for directions. 

Photo Opportunities

Tuesday, November 1: 

• Nanaimo: Live music and performances: 11:45 am to 1:15 pm in the Upper Cafeteria (Bldg. 300)

Wednesday, November 2: 

• Nanaimo: Global Fashion Show and live music: 11:45 am to 1:15 pm in the Upper Cafeteria (Bldg. 300)

Thursday, November 3: 

• Cowichan: The Nyaka Story: 10 am to 12 pm in Room 140
• Nanaimo: Uminari Taiko Japanese drum group performance: 12 to 1:30 pm in the Upper Cafeteria (Bldg. 300)

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