The Truth in Reconciliation
Above: An honouring ceremony for the Snuneymuxw people last year at VIU. By Lori Shwydky Last week, the “Indigenous Survivance: The Truth in Reconciliation” event was held on campus by my class, Health and Human Services 263 (HHS 263): Elder Teachings Across Disciplines, with instructors John Swift and VIU Elder Geraldine Manson. I used to think … Continued
Prayer pole and warrior canoe raised in memory of Coast Salish veterans
By contributor Dane Gibson Following a history-making event last November honouring Coast Salish veterans from both sides of the border, VIU today raised a veterans’ prayer pole and warrior canoe in remembrance of Coast Salish veterans who served their countries. The veteran’s prayer pole will have a permanent home at the south entrance of VIU’s … Continued
The Era of Reconciliation
By contributor Brandon Kornelson Brandon Kornelson is a Sociology and History student. He hopes to become a journalist.
Contest to give voice to Aboriginal writers
In Our Own Voice is an anthology series that publishes fiction written by Aboriginal writers from BC. The 2015 edition of the book featured writers from grades eight through 12, and Rebel Mountain Press and the Vancouver Island Regional Library have now announced a writing contest for 2016. The contest is open to Aboriginal writers—as … Continued
Shawn Atleo delivers inspiration for indigenous progress
Potlatches begin with Elders speaking while listeners eat, so the teachings and good feelings can enter with the food. The teachings nourish the soul, spirit, and heart, while the food nourishes the body. “Plus, if it’s really tasty, you’re quiet,” joked Shawn Atleo, former National Chief of Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and former Chancellor … Continued
Mi’kmaq memories
Mi’k-what? Mi’kmaq is my heritage, or so I believe. Pronounced <mik mak> or with silenced k and q <me mah>, and representing a large native population in the Maritime provinces, specifically my father’s province of New Brunswick and the accompanying Indian Island (yes, that’s a real place). Shawn Atleo recently returned to VIU’s Nanaimo campus … Continued
Paradigm shift: Redefining our Indigenous relationships
Above: A full house for the panel discussion on the call to action of Canada’s TRC and the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People at VIU on November 2 By contributor Chantelle Spicer Our society moves from one buzzword to the next: “organic,” “sustainable,” “green,” “growth,” and now, here in Canada, we have “reconciliation,” … Continued
Chemainus students collaborate to carve traditional canoe
By contributor Jessie Deeble Master Carver John Marston has dedicated the next three and a half months to carving a traditional Coast Salish canoe at Chemainus Secondary. The Chemainus alumni is doing his part to help bring awareness to the students about the cultural diversity in their community. Marston has been working towards this project … Continued
VIU totem project to showcase local heritage
By contributor Molly Barrieau By the New Year, a large patch of land outside VIU’s Shq’apthut: A Gathering Place will have two new towering additions. Cedar logs donated by Timberwest Forest Corp. arrived from the west coast of Vancouver Island in May 2014. Carving began in the summer months. The totem poles, as many students … Continued