VIU News & Experts: November 26, 2024

16 Days of Activism, tax breaks and festive photo ops 🎄

In this issue of VIU news & experts: 

• Experts on gender-based violence
• Is a GST holiday a good thing? 
• Festive photo-ops

Featured experts

Writing about the 16 Days of Activism? 

The Vancouver Island University Faculty Association Women’s and Gender Equity committee (WAGE) is urging people to honour differences, hold space for each other and engage in meaningful conversations during 16 Days of Activism. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign runs from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day. VIU is organizing several events to mark these days, including a vigil on December 6 for National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Experts available:

• KJ Reed, Studies in Women and Gender Professor, can speak about gender-based violence specific to trans people, as well as the effects of anti-trans rhetoric and legislation on trans communities.
• Dr. Melissa Stephens, VIU Faculty Association Women’s and Gender Equity Committee (WAGE) chair, can speak about the vision for the events organized by the WAGE committee for this year’s 16 Days campaign.

A GST holiday

Last week the federal government announced a holiday season tax break on some items such as prepared foods, restaurant meals, children’s toys, books and Christmas trees. Dr. Michael MacKenzie, VIU’s Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, says what the Liberal government has done is essentially re-politicized the GST, potentially destabilizing a reliable source of income. And will it bolster popularity, really? He’s available this week to chat more about these implications.

Poinsettia presents

Every year, VIU's Horticulture students spend hours growing poinsettias for sale at the G.R. Paine Horticulture Centre. Looking for a festive photo op or want to know more about what it takes to grow these beautiful plants? Reply to this email. 

Looking for an expert for another story? Connect with VIU Experts

VIU news

Giving Tuesday helps students in need

“With Giving Tuesday, we want to help our students achieve their dreams and make their educational journeys a little easier."
 
VIU’s Giving Tuesday campaign has started and the online auction launched yesterday! This year VIU is raising money for the Access Fund, a special-purpose fund that provides students with financial support and access to specialized equipment so they don’t have to choose between paying bills and attending school. This includes the gear closet, which allows resource management students to borrow the clothing needed to keep them warm and dry during field work. Learn more.

Keeping people walking and running long-term

We use them every day, usually without a second thought, but for Vancouver Island University researcher Dr. Michael Asmussen, this is why it’s so important to study the structures of the human foot. His research is focused on how the foot and ankle and its 26 bones, 33 joints and hundreds of tendons, ligaments and muscles work together to help us move. Asmussen is looking at how we can optimize human behaviour and equipment to run longer or faster. He is also exploring how to reduce mobility loss and if there are ways to replace any of this lost function. Read more.

Boats, planes and trains and their impact on tourism

Dr. Cheryl Krasnick Warsh, a Vancouver Island University History Professor, is examining the iconography of travel destinations in transportation advertising from the 19th to the 21st centuries. Warsh contextualizes the iconography of travel posters from several Canadian tourist destinations, as well as Hawaii, within the political and social history of their associated advances in transportation in her research paper. Learn more about Warsh’s research.

VIU in the news

An army of volunteers is once again hard at work ensuring every light is bright and strung with care for Milner Christmas Magic at VIU's Milner Gardens and Woodland, which begins on December 5. Read more from Nanaimo News Now.
 
Following the completion of his Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies at VIU, Keanu Ienco has grown his career and has shared the stage with industry professionals. Now he's released a new single, "Playful Love." Check out this profile on him from Canadian Beats.
 
Vancouver Island University's Milner Gardens received a coveted five-bloom rating from Communities in Bloom, plus a special mention for its rhododendron garden. Read more from the Nanaimo News Bulletin.

The City of Nanaimo has appointed a new poet laureate. VIU English Professor Neil Surkan will be the literary ambassador for the city for the next two years and step into the role on December 1. Read more from the Nanaimo News Bulletin.

Halle Walle, a History and Anthropology student, created a peat bog in her backyard so she could research an ancient dairy product called bog butter. How does this relate to protecting wetlands? Listen to her interview on CKNW to find out.

Happening at VIU

Milner Christmas Magic

Each year, Milner Gardens & Woodland transforms into a dazzling wonderland thanks to the dedication of volunteers and staff who bring Milner Christmas Magic to life. This cherished holiday tradition is a testament to the dedication and teamwork of volunteers and staff behind the scenes. We caught up with volunteers and staff to ask them what makes Milner Christmas Magic so special. Read the article.

Urban Issues Film Festival

The 17th annual Urban Issues Film Festival, hosted by third-year Geography students, takes place Friday, November 29 starting at 6 pm. This year's theme is “Oas-City.” Films will explore issues that challenge and enable the city as a metaphorical, life-sustaining refuge and place of resilience, safety, sanctuary, community and happiness. Free admission, free pizza and free parking in lot N! Learn more.