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
More Bang for your VIU Buck
Imagine if there was a way to turn textbooks into coffee. Or put the hundreds of dollars spent on printing in the library towards sandwiches in the cafeteria. We’re not Hogwarts students here (presumably), but soon we could come pretty close to that kind of transfiguration. Keith Johnson, Tobiloba Omoniyi, Cole Collinson, and Parveen Kaur … Continued
How to be Knocked Down a Peg
There is nothing quite like a good failing: a failing grade, failing health, failed relationships, vehicle, intention, job or school application or, as the modern turn of phrase goes, “failing at life.” Rather broad statement, wouldn’t you say? In my time as a student at VIU and now, gratefully, an employee, I have heard the … Continued
Sara Drew in Peru
How does one simultaneously develop skills for their future career while also making a positive difference in the world? Sara Drew is a second-year Bachelor of Education student at VIU who returned to her studies this semester following a four-month excursion to Peru. The International Aboriginal Youth Internship (IAYI) Initiative, partnered with Canada World Youth … Continued
About Bloody Time
Anouk Borris, the Women Students’ Representative at VIUSU, has been working to get pads and tampons into all washrooms across campus, free of charge to students and staff. Toilet paper is provided, so why shouldn’t these products be? There are taboos to be broken and stigmas to be shattered. These stigmas are rooted in misogyny, … Continued
Best of the City: White Rabbit Coffee Co.
In July of 2012, the train station on Selby St. got a major restoration, thanks to a community desire to restore what a fire had damaged five years earlier. For years, the left side of the building had remained dormant—until now. The restored Nanaimo heritage building is currently home to White Rabbit Coffee Co., where … Continued
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
We’re Hiring!
Are you passionate about keeping your classmates informed? Do you strive to meet deadlines? Have you taken CREW 100 Introduction to Journalism or a relevant media studies course? If your answer to all three of these questions is yes, then one of The Nav’s upcoming positions might be for you.
Thinking Laterally: Why students should be attending VIU’s free lecture series
The opportunity to attend public lectures shouldn’t go unacknowledged by students.
Grocery delivery in Nanaimo: A review
How does one accomplish a healthy diet with the little time afforded to the student lifestyle, especially if you don’t drive? Luckily, thanks to the Internet, online grocery shopping is now a thing.
Facebook Announces Steps to Avoid Misinformation in 2020 US Election
Several months ago, Facebook announced that they would be making efforts to claim responsibility for their impact and influence as a major world platform.
Lauren Cartmel and her Maison
Ma Maison translates to “My House.” While the “My” in this case refers to the experienced chef and owner, Lauren Cartmel, it can also be applied to any of the guests that visit the ever-inviting cozy restaurant.