Chief Shawn Atleo Presents on 'Re-imagining Canada' in VIU's First Indigenous Speakers Series Event

Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo will speak on “Daring Greatly Together: Reimagining Canada” in Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) inaugural presentation of the Indigenous Speakers Series Thursday, Nov. 26 from 7 pm to 9 pm at VIU’s Malaspina Theatre.

The Indigenous Speakers Series is delivered in partnership with The Laurier Institution and CBC Radio One Ideas, and is focused on topics related to reconciliation and engagement with Canada’s Indigenous peoples.

 “We are thrilled to present the inaugural Indigenous Speaker Series event,” said Dr. Ralph Nilson, VIU’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “VIU is a values-based post-secondary institution committed to access, academic excellence, engagement with and respect for all Indigenous peoples. Joining The Laurier Institution and CBC Ideas in delivering this important speakers series exemplifies these values and the importance VIU places on reconciliation with Canada’s First Nations peoples.”

 Atleo is a hereditary chief of the Ahousaht First Nation in BC, served as VIU’s first Chancellor from 2008 to 2014, and was appointed by Premier Christy Clark to the role of Shqwi qwal  (“Speaker”) for Indigenous Dialogue at Vancouver Island University, housed in the Centre for Pre-Confederation Treaties and Reconciliation. Atleo also served as Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

 Atleo’s talk will be followed by an audience question and answer session hosted by CBC Radio journalist Laura Lynch, and will be broadcast on CBC Radio One Ideas at a later date. 

"The time has come that we do everything in our power to acknowledge and include the contributions of the First Nations to the Canadian identity,” said Farid Rohani, Chair, The Laurier Institution. “This speaker series is a long overdue initiative that will help lead us on the path to reconciliation. There is no better place than VIU and the Centre for Pre-Confederation Treaties and Reconciliation to host this series as they embody the ideals of First Nations values of education and true reconciliation.”

 The series, which will be held each year in Nanaimo on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw people, was announced in June to mark the release of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

 Those interested in attending the Indigenous Speakers Series presentation can register online at eventbrite.ca – search for ‘Indigenous Speakers Series.’

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Media Contact

Shari Bishop Bowes, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University

P:250.740.6443  C: 250.618.1535 E: Communications@viu.ca T: @viunews