In this newsletter you’ll find:
- An expert talk (happening today!) that ends with a beer tasting
- Our democracy expert speaks out about the early provincial election
- A VIU student is organizing a community event to recognize child and youth care workers in the mid-Island
VIU experts
British Columbians to cast two separate votes next month
BC voters are officially heading to the polls twice next month. On October 17, regularly scheduled municipal elections will take place across the province. A provincial vote will now happen just one week later on October 24, after Premier David Eby called a snap election this week. Dr. Michael MacKenzie, VIU’s Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, is available to speak about the provincial election, voter engagement and what it means for British Columbians to vote in two elections in such a short time window. He can also speak about evaluating local candidates and the use of slates in municipal elections, including how BC’s block voting system shapes the choices facing voters.
Bringing Indigenous cultural activities into classrooms
Hands-on learning is an important part of preparing future educators for diverse, meaningful classroom experiences.
During their August residency at Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus, students in the Dispersed Teacher Education program gathered at Shq’apthut for experiential learning in drum making, floral beading and soapstone carving. VIU’s Dispersed Teacher Education program expands access to teacher training for people living in rural and remote communities. The program is primarily delivered online, with local or nearby practicum placements and two short in-person residencies each year – allowing students to pursue certification without relocating.
Education Professor Hayden Kenneth Taylor guided the activities, helping students develop firsthand understanding and confidence to thoughtfully incorporate Indigenous cultural activities into their future teaching practice. As we approach National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, he’s available to speak more on this topic and share tips for others wishing to do this work in a good way.
Back to school, back to sports
As youth athletes head back to school and back to their teams, technology is changing how they train, play and develop. From wearable trackers to performance apps, these tools are becoming part of youth sports. VIU researcher Professor Dr. Jordan Herbison is studying how technology affects young athletes, team dynamics and development. His goal is to help parents and coaches use technology in ways that support youth development, team dynamics and mental health.
Read more about Jordan's research
VIU News
The social power of beer
Beer, friendship and women-led businesses – Babylon had it all thousands of years before the modern brew pu
VIU Anthropology Professor Dr. Marie Hopwood shares how women in ancient Mesopotamia became skilled brewers, tavern owners and “tapsters,” serving house-made beer, food and good times. You’ll also meet Ninkasi, the goddess of brewing and fermentation, and explore what Babylon’s taverns have in common with Vancouver Island’s vibrant pub culture.
- When: Thursday, September 24, 2:30 to 4 pm
- Where: Malaspina Theatre (Building 310 on VIU’s Nanaimo campus)
Come for the beer history. Stay for the fascinating story of the women who brewed it. The event includes a tasting with Nanaimo’s White Sails Brewing and Wolf Brewing Company.
This is the first lecture in this year’s VIU’s Arts and Humanities Colloquium Series talks. Just before Halloween, enjoy deep dive on Circe, Western literature’s first witch, and near Remembrance Day, join us to learn more about First World War soldiers through their correspondence with loved ones.
Learn more and view the entire lineup of talks
VIU hosts free all-ages community event on Oct 24
Vancouver Island University’s largest annual community event is back for a fourth year of free, fall-themed fun.
VIU Fest takes place on Saturday, October 24 from 12 to 4 pm at the Nanaimo campus. Spend an afternoon at the Nanaimo campus and learn more about what VIU students and faculty are working on. Stroll the Indigenous artisan market, take part in hands-on activities and science demos and enjoy delicious food options.
There will also be lots of prizes such as tuition giveaways, a fun zone with kid-friendly activities and a community corner featuring a variety of local organizations. The grand prize is up to $10,000 in tuition and food credits for one lucky future student.
Considering taking a program at VIU? Take a pop-up class. Designed for youth ages 15 to 25, pop-up classroom experiences are taught by VIU faculty and give attendees the chance to experience for themselves what hands-on learning is like at VIU.
Whether you’re thinking about becoming a VIU student, or you’re just looking for something fun to do on a Saturday afternoon with family and friends, the event has something for everyone.
Learn more and sign up for VIU Fest updates
Shining a light on child and youth care workers
Third-year VIU Child and Youth Care student Ella Craig is bringing child and youth care workers together to recognize and celebrate the work they do to support children and youth.
“I wanted to show the people who have dedicated their lives to working with children and youth that they have a team cheering them on,” she says. “They have people in their corner.”
Ella has created the Courage to Grow Awards, which takes place Saturday, September 26 at 6:30 pm in the Malaspina Theatre. The free public ceremony will feature five awards, interview-style videos, tributes and stories.
Happening at VIU
The Rocky Horror Show comes to VIU
The VIU Theatre program is marking its 50th anniversary with a live production of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show at the Malaspina Theatre from October 29 to November 7.
In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Elaborate dance numbers and rock songs reveal Frank-N-Furter’s latest creation, a new man named Rocky.
The production brings together students, artists and theatre alumni for a live version of the the Malaspina Theatre’s long-running Rocky Horror Night tradition. Shows are at 7:30 pm, with matinees on Oct. 31 and Nov. 5. Tickets are $15 and available through Showpass or at the door.
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