News Stories
Indigenous Youth Exploring Issues through VIU Art-based Literacy Project
June 23, 2021
VIU community-engaged research team working with youth to use art as a conduit for self-care, language learning and as a relationship-building tool. A team of Vancouver Island University (VIU) community-engaged researchers is working with Indigenous youth on a project that is empowering them to explore important issues and share knowledge with the wider community through an artistic work. The... Read more
Summer Camp Makes Transition to University Easier for Indigenous Students
June 22, 2021
The camp, which includes a blend of online and in-person activities, is organized by the VIU ‘su’luqw’a’ Community Cousins Aboriginal mentorship program. A free summer camp for Indigenous youth in Grades 7-12 will connect students with culture, build community and make the transition to university easier. The Thuy’she’num Tu Smun’eem: Building a Foundation for our Youth summer camp runs July 6... Read more
Building a University Where All Belong: VIU Chancellor Shares Her Vision with Community
June 17, 2021
VIU Chancellor Kekinusuqs, Dr. Judith Sayers, was formally bestowed with the duties of office in an online ceremony on June 17, 2021. Making university a place where all can explore, learn, innovate and excel equally, regardless of background or financial circumstances, is what Kekinusuqs, Dr. Judith Sayers, Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) third Chancellor wants to help build. “Historically... Read more
VIU Professor Appointed to Reference Group for Review of Indigenous Research
November 12, 2020
Georgina Martin is the only BC representative to be elected to a national group responsible for providing direction on building mutually respectful relationships between Indigenous communities and researchers. Dr. Georgina Martin, a VIU Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies Professor, has been elected to a newly established, national group for the culturally appropriate review of Indigenous research and is... Read more
VIU Indigenous Speaker Shares a Story of Joy
November 12, 2020
Jesse Wente, an Anishinaabe writer, broadcaster, speaker and arts leader, shares his perspective on Canada’s truth and reconciliation process during VIU’s sixth annual Indigenous Speakers Series on Wednesday, November 25. Jesse Wente is taking a harm reduction approach to the truth and reconciliation process by amplifying the voices of Indigenous peoples. The Anishinaabe writer, broadcaster,... Read more
VIU Appoints Dr. Judith Sayers as New Chancellor
August 10, 2020
Sayers is President of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and a longtime Indigenous rights and sustainable development advocate. A prominent local Indigenous leader, sustainable development advocate and passionate educator will be Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) next chancellor. Kekinusuqs, Dr. Judith Sayers, is President of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council – a non-profit society that... Read more
BC Government Supporting Indigenous Students with Emergency Assistance
April 3, 2020
Vancouver Island University (VIU) is pleased to share the news the provincial government has announced an additional $1.5 million in emergency supports for Indigenous students. “We are pleased the province is providing additional support to our Indigenous students,” says Jennifer Christoffersen, VIU Services for Aboriginal Students Coordinator/Education Advisor. “For several years, the... Read more
VIU and Camosun Initiative Supports Indigenous Trades Training
January 28, 2020
VIU and Camosun College partnership will create new career pathways in the trades for Indigenous Peoples. A new program sponsored by the Province of BC and the Industry Training Authority BC (ITA) will provide an opportunity for Indigenous students to explore career options in trades at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Cowichan Campus and Camosun College. Camosun and VIU will receive almost... Read more
The Power of Persistence: A Story of Success and Resilience
January 13, 2020
Janelle Minoza has overcome a number of obstacles standing in the way of her post-secondary education since becoming a student at Vancouver Island University last year. Janelle Minoza is living proof that hard work and determination can help you achieve your dreams. The third-year Bachelor of Social Work student at Vancouver Island University (VIU), from the Deh Gah Gotie Dene First Nations in... Read more
Hope, Inclusion and Access to Education: VIU President Shares Vision at Installation Event
November 26, 2019
Dr. Deb Saucier, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor since July 2019, was formally endowed with the powers and responsibilities of office in a ceremony at the Snuneymuxw First Nation Longhouse in Cedar on November 15. A regional institution such as Vancouver Island University (VIU) can change what it means to be a university, challenge longstanding perceptions on who goes and what can be taught... Read more