Free talk explores facts and fiction of climate change Oct. 19
October 13, 2010
The issue of climate change is one of the most hotly debated issues today, involving both the scientific community and the general public. Information can often appear bewildering and contradictory, which can leave many wondering who or what to believe. Join students and faculty from Vancouver Island University on October 19 in an informal setting for a presentation and panel discussion on the... Read more
Training program teaches women to operate heavy machinery
October 8, 2010
An exciting opportunity is available for women on Vancouver Island who would like to explore a non-traditional career. Vancouver Island University (VIU) in Nanaimo will be offering a 20-week program to train women to become heavy equipment operators. “It’s a great opportunity for women who want to learn how to operate excavators, bull dozers and graders, and other heavy machinery for employment... Read more
Student uses artwork to create awareness about mental illness
October 8, 2010
By using art as an awareness tool, Anne Turner has found her voice and a way to express herself about a topic many people would rather not discuss. Now her artwork will help educate others about the stigma surrounding mental illness. Turner’s artwork has been selected for the Victoria Fine Art Festival’s One in Five show, an exhibition featuring artwork by people living with mental health... Read more
Ralph Gustafson Distinguished Poets Lecture at VIU Oct. 21
October 7, 2010
The public is invited to celebrate the joy of poetry as Canadian poet Don McKay delivers this year’s VIU Gustafson Distinguished Poets Lecture. The poetry reading and lecture takes place at VIU’s Nanaimo campus in the auditorium of Building 355 on Thursday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 pm. A catered reception and book-signing will follow the reading. Copies of Don McKay's books are available from the... Read more
Chef survives bootcamp style obstacle course while supporting Island agriculture
October 6, 2010
Twenty of Vancouver Island’s hottest chefs – including Chef Ken Harper from Vancouver Island University’s Culinary Arts Institute – celebrated their love for local produce during the Chef Survival Challenge III: Quest for the Golden Broccoli on Sunday, October 3 at Madrona Farm in Victoria. Harper described the event as a “culinary arts performance of epic proportions.” Dressed in an outrageous... Read more
Big band concert Oct. 6 features VIU faculty, students and alumni
October 6, 2010
If you enjoy the sounds of big band jazz, don’t miss a special performance tonight (October 6) by some of central Vancouver Island’s most talented musicians. The Nanaimo Musicians’ Association Big Band (NMA) and the Arrowsmith Big Band share a jazz concert at 7:30 PM in the Malaspina Theatre at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Nanaimo campus. Faculty, students and alumni from VIU play key... Read more
Special screening of Cedar and Bamboo at Cowichan campus Oct. 6
October 5, 2010
A special screening of Cedar and Bamboo, a thought-provoking documentary about the unique relationships shared by early Chinese immigrants and Aboriginal peoples on Canada’s west coast, takes place at VIU's Cowichan campus today (Oct. 6). The documentary recounts the life experiences of four descendants of mixed heritage. Set in BC, their stories reveal the difficult circumstances of Aboriginal... Read more
VIU student studies community-based ecotourism in Ghana
October 1, 2010
Vancouver Island University (VIU) student Lori-Ann Shibish lived at a monkey sanctuary in Ghana, West Africa for three months this summer while studying community-based ecotourism. As part of her third-year Bachelor of Tourism Management program, Shibish undertook an internship with Nature Conservation Research Centre (NCRC), a Ghanaian non-profit organization which implements conservation... Read more
Human Rights Advisor wins Diversity Champion Award
September 29, 2010
Maria Gomes has devoted the past 11 years to ensuring Vancouver Island University (VIU) embraces the values of equity and diversity. The VIU Human Rights Advisor recently received a Diversity Champion Award from the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS) in recognition of her efforts. The CVIMS launched the Diversity Champion Award in 2009 to recognize community members who have... Read more
Sacred totems receive facelift and new home
September 29, 2010
Early next week, totems adorning the front entrance of Vancouver Island University’s Cowichan Campus will be moved to the Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre where they will receive a facelift. Two Coast Salish ‘welcome figures’ and a larger thunderbird totem will be refurbished by original master carver Harold Joe. After being spruce up, the totems will be moved to their new home at VIU’... Read more