Trust in the reconciliation process, Black History Month events and fascinating fog. What VIU experts are speaking to media about this month.
Black History Month
As part of Black History Month, Nanaimo artist and VIU visual arts alum Happy Amarkah is presenting Rhythm and Remembrance at the VIU’s Malaspina Theatre. The solo exhibit explores memory, culture and creative expression. Read the Nanaimo News Bulletin article.
VIU Professor and poet Dr. Sonnet L’Abbé is also highlighted in a roundup of Black History Month events for their “My Black History Is Poetry, Is Jazz” performance blending Afro‑diasporic music and verse. Read more in Victoria Buzz.
Ruby Smith Diaz also presents a reading of her debut book, Searching for Serafim, a story about the life and legacy of Serafim “Joe” Fortes. Her reading is February 12 at 7 pm in Building 180, Room 134 at VIU’s Nanaimo campus. Read the Nanaimo News Bulletin article.
Trust and distrust in the truth and reconciliation process
Dr. Michael MacKenzie, VIU’s Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, and student Nikkin Hearns, are researching trust and distrust in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada process. Nikki discussed the research with CBC Radio’s All Points West program. Listen to the interview.
Creating a space for grief
A wind phone is a non-working phone for people to use as a bridge between those who have passed and those who are still living as a way to process grief. VIU Social Work Professor Dr. Carmen Lavoie speaks to CHLY about the value of wind phones in the grief process. Read the CHLY article.
Helpful technology
VIU Information Technology and Applied Systems students Jay Koidhis and Jack Redberger have designed an award-winning wearable device to help people with visual impairments detect obstacles and move more safely and independently, drawing on hands-on learning and innovation in the university’s tech programs. Read the National Post article.
Youth Poet Laureate
VIU Psychology and Creative Writing student Jennavieve Strub has been named Nanaimo’s newest Youth Poet Laureate, stepping into the role to share her original work and engage the community through poetry. Read more about it from Vancouver Island Free Daily and the Times Colonist.
Strong sports season
The VIU Mariners volleyball and basketball teams are powering through the second half of the season with strong PACWEST standings, as the men’s basketball team prepares to host the 2026 CCAA Nationals tournament from March 18 to 21. Read the Nanaimo News Now article.
Community safety
Nanaimo’s new Community Safety Officer program is functioning as non-police alternative to help connect people experiencing homelessness and mental health crises. VIU Criminology Professor Lauren Mayes says the program reflects a community-oriented approach to public safety in the city. Read The Discourse article.
Fascinating fog
VIU geography professor Jeff Lewis spoke with CHLY about the extended stretch of heavy fog Nanaimo experienced in January and the weather patterns behind it. Read the CHLY article.
Focused on their game
The VIU Mariners men’s basketball team is working to stay on top of their game this season as they build toward hosting the 2026 CCAA national championships on home court in March. Read the Nanaimo News Bulletin article.
Health-care needs
A survey of Esquimalt’s health-care needs found that with fewer walk-in clinics being available, residents are being pushed to pay for faster doctor access. Urban planner and VIU instructor Mark Holland told Esquimalt City council that as Canada’s population ages, municipalities face growing competition for health-care workers. Read the Times Colonist article.
Exhibit on Nanaimo’s Chinatowns
Retired VIU anthropology and global studies professor Imogene Lim co‑curated Bleached by the Sun: Perspectives on Chinatown, a new Nanaimo Art Gallery exhibit that uses historic photos and contemporary artworks to explore the histories and legacies of Nanaimo’s former Chinatowns. The exhibit is on until March 22. Read the CHLY article.
The benefits of sports tourism
Sports tourism provided a big boost to Nanaimo’s economy last year, totalling about $4 million. That’s good news heading into 2026 which includes some flagship sporting events, such as the CCAA Men’s Nationals basketball tournament at VIU. Read the Nanaimo News Bulletin article.
Op/Ed on private property
David Eby’s BC government is reeling after two recent court decisions put private property rights in jeopardy, writes Dr. David Livingstone, Liberal Studies and Political Studies Professor at VIU. Read the Times Colonist op/ed.
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