Black History Month is a time to honour, celebrate, and learn about the profound contributions, achievements, and experiences of Black leaders and communities – voices that have helped shape and strengthen Vancouver Island University, our region, and beyond.
This year’s theme, Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations, invites us to reflect on the lasting impact of Black Canadians who have paved the way for a more equitable and inclusive future. It is an opportunity to recognize their invaluable role in shaping our society while inspiring future generations to continue this important work.
At VIU, we are proud to host a series of events throughout the month, designed to encourage meaningful conversations, deepen our understanding of Black histories, cultures, and knowledge, and foster a more inclusive learning environment. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the event organizers, especially Dr. Sonnet L’Abbé, for their dedication in bringing these opportunities to our community. I encourage everyone to participate. Find the details on the Black History at VIU blog post.
As a university, we remain committed to supporting Black excellence and ensuring that efforts to uplift Black students, faculty, and staff are led by Black voices and grounded in Black experiences. This commitment is embedded in our core guiding documents, including VIU’s 2021–2026 Strategic Plan, People, Place, Potential, our foundational People Plan, and our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan.
I encourage you to take part in these events, engage in meaningful learning, and reflect on how we can collectively contribute to a more just and inclusive society – not just during Black History Month, but every day.
Sincerely,
Deborah Saucier Ph.D.
President and Vice-Chancellor
