VIU News & Experts: November 3, 2023

In this issue of VIU News & Experts: 

• Telling the stories of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice
• Conflict resolution expertise
• President and vice-chancellor re-appointed
• VIU experts in the news
• Celebrating diversity through movement at WorldVIU Days

Putting a human face to war

VIU History Professor Dr. Stephen Davies started the Canadian Letters and Images Project in 2000 as part of a class project to help his students understand the impacts of war on ordinary Canadians. It has grown from 100 letters to an online collection of more than 35,000 letters portraying different aspects of the Canadian war experience. In honour of Remembrance Day, Davies can share soldier stories and more details about the impact of the project on individuals, schools and organizations across Canada.

Conflict resolution tips

Dr. Evan Hoffman is an expert when it comes to de-escalating difficult situations. He’s been sharing his knowledge in workshops with organizations and student groups this fall. Read his dealing with upset customers 101 blog.

Want to hear more? Connect with VIU Experts.

VIU news

President and chancellor reappointed

VIU’s Board of Governors has voted to reappoint Dr. Deborah Saucier as president and vice-chancellor and Cloy-e-iis, Dr. Judith Sayers, for a second three-year term as chancellor. Read more.

Riley Yesno is the speaker for VIU's 2023 Indigenous Speakers Series

Riley Yeso, a queer Anishinaabe scholar, writer and commentator from Eabametoong First Nation, is the keynote speaker at this year’s Indigenous Speakers Series on November 22. Yesno, well-known for her Tedx Talk, “It’s time to re-imagine Canada’s ‘nice’ identity,” will talk about The Reconciliation Generation: Indigenous youth demand more than apologies, land acknowledgements and orange shirts. Join in-person at the Malaspina Theatre or online via Zoom webinar. Register for this free event via Eventbrite. 

VIU in the news

Creating the world's best oyster

Dr. Timothy Green, VIU’s Canada Research Chair in Shellfish Health and Genomics, was a guest on CKNW’s Mornings with Simi to talk about his groundbreaking work in developing climate change-resistant oysters. Listen now.

Designing more sustainable cities

Master of Community Planning Professor Mark Holland was interviewed by Global TV about how urban planning can help make cities more environmentally friendly. He shared what municipalities need to take into consideration when planning for a more sustainable future. Watch the segment.

Promoting bio-diversity

VIU alum Mac Barrera chatted with CKNW about his work, under the supervision of VIU Biology Professor Dr. Jamie Gorrell, investigating parasites that live in the endangered Vancouver Island marmot. Listen to the interview.

Spooky stories

VIU Creative Writing alum Shanon Sinn, author of The Haunting of Vancouver Island, recently started his own publishing house and launched Black Cat, an anthology of 13 supernatural stories. He chatted with CBC On the Island host Gregor Craigie about both books and his love for supernatural fiction. Listen to the interview.

VIU events

WorldVIU Days

An annual, week-long event that celebrates cultural diversity on campus is returning to Vancouver Island University. Taking place from November 6 to 10, WorldVIU Days brings people together to find common ground and build community. Photo highlights:

• Global Fashion Show (November 8): Students showcase clothing from their cultures in the cafeteria.
• Breaking Bread Gathering (November 8): Sample breads from around the world and watch some breakdancing in the Malaspina Theatre lobby.
• Diwali Festival of Light celebration (November 10): The VIU MBA Students’ Association shares traditional foods, and there will be storytelling and dancing. Starts at 4 pm in the cafeteria.

Nanaimo Remembers

A Vancouver Island University video memorial project that tells the story of Nanaimo soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First and Second World Wars is displayed across the city. For the 11 days leading up to Remembrance Day, the Nanaimo Remembers project will display the names of more than 200 soldiers in prominent locations across the city. Read more.