Third totem pole raised to represent a coastal First Nations’ language
By contributor Spencer Sheehan-Kalina On October 12, First Nation communities and VIU celebrated the raising of a totem pole on the Nanaimo Campus, right outside of VIU’s Shq’apthut: A Gathering Place. Students, staff, public figures, community leaders, and members came together to honour the totem at this culturally historic event with speeches, ceremony, and delicious … Continued
VIU Services: Shq’apthut
Above: Shq’apthut on VIU’s Nanaimo campus via viu.ca Shq’apthut: A Gathering Place was built in 2009 as a designated area that reflects and transcends our First Nations culture. The Gathering Place now boasts staff from the Services for Aboriginal Students team that supports Aboriginal students to succeed in achieving their academic goals. The team assists … 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