Queen & Slim
The film Queen & Slim written by Lena Waithe and produced by Melina Matsoukas is a provocative, timely drama of crime pursuit. It is a fearless reflection of the present day issues of race in America. The movie’s opening scene is at a diner in Ohio where the main characters, Queen (Jodie Turner-Smith) and Slim … Continued
Lantzville Flowers
Last summer Jenny Dawson began her journey selling self-grown, organic flowers from her farm in Lantzville. Her enthusiasm for finding a balance between business and sustainability was obvious when I spoke with her on her farm. “It’s a hobby that will take me into retirement,” Dawson said to me as we strolled around the eleven … Continued
Meditating the Anxieties Away
2020 has been an unforgettable year, and it’s not even over yet. The entire world has been shaken up on account of COVID-19, not to mention the murder hornets, protests, and wildfires (to name just a few). This crisis has left everyone feeling vulnerable and helpless, myself included. I don’t know how the new academic … Continued
Isolation Playlist
Well, I can’t believe the academic year has gone by already. With COVID-19 taking over the spring semester (and everything else), I think it’s been hard for any of us to concentrate, particularly on our studies. But we’re almost there. March felt like a bajillion years long, but now we’ve finally hit April; and sadly, … Continued
Pinnacle Internalization
When confronted in life with two options, to choose the road used over and over again or the road less travelled, what will you choose? Will you choose to follow in your mentor’s footsteps and model yourself after the parts of your icons that resonate with you? Or will you create your own runway and … Continued
I Went to the Sun Once
Rufus woke up and something was very wrong He could feel it in his bone, still wet yet somehow smoking in his mouth. He thought, gosh how long have I been asleep? Is it summer already? And why can’t I just dream of sheep? He peeled open his little eyes, to take a look around … Continued
Compassion Fatigue
Resentment looks a lot like Narcan in a sharp and feels like it’s forcing out my will. I grab them both; Naloxone and the tarp, the outcome undetermined by my skill. Same guy, same place, same drug; third time today, his unresponsive body cold to touch. Compassion has fatigued and crawled away, when I see … Continued
The City We Became: A Book Review
The business of becoming a city is a long and arduous one, and not even New York emerges unscathed. An otherworldly force, in the shape of the Woman in White, seeks to take advantage of New York City’s insecurity and quash it while it is still too weak to defend itself. Or rather, itselves.
Ode to Greta
O’ earth, my muse, tell me of your young heroine who travelled far by catamaran. She suffered her own education in rage and fire to torment governments and corporations far and wide. Tell me more, oh worldly muse, how your lush and wildness still stands so tall. But will you perish? Oh, toxic earth, a … Continued
Gregory Scofield: A Champion for Advocacy, Ceremony, Cree, and a Bit of Tea
In February, VIU had the honour of hosting Gregory Scofield as the 2019/2020 Ralph Gustafson Distinguished Poet. As the Gustafson poet, Scofield participated in a variety of events here in Nanaimo: a public reading at White Sails Brewery, a reading and Q&A at VIU’s Shq’apthut (the Gathering Place), and the Distinguished Poet’s Lecture on campus, … Continued
Portfolio Reading Series at White Rabbit Coffee
The event will take place on Thursday, March 12th at 6:30pm.
VIU student launches Disabled Voices Anthology in Nanaimo
The book launch will take place on Wednesday, March 11 from 7–9 pm in the lobby of the Malaspina Theatre.
The Lost Arts Club
"For students it's a great way to get your mind off your worries, to relax before or after a test, something fun and affordable to do to meet new people or with a group of friends. Many students enjoy our soap, candle, and aromatherapy bracelet classes."
Disabled Voices Anthology Book Review
A mosaic of fiction and nonfiction, poetry, prose, and visual art, the works of Disabled Voices all fall under the genre of “criplit.”