May marks the beginning of Asian Heritage Month here at VIU and across Canada. This month, we honour and recognize the diverse cultures, contributions of people of Asian descent to our VIU community, province, and country, and acknowledge the challenges and struggles people from Asian backgrounds have faced in Canada and continue to face.
I am proud to be a part of a vibrant community that embraces and values our students, faculty, staff, and alumni from various Asian backgrounds.
During my recent visit to India, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in South Asian culture. Through meaningful interactions with universities, our dedicated recruitment partners, and prospective students across the region, we strengthened our ties with key institutions. Our collaborations with the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute, Delhi University’s Sukhdev School of Business, and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences are shining examples of how such partnerships enhance the diversity and richness of our campus environment. These partnerships are instrumental in bringing fresh perspectives and insights to our community, aligning with our dedication to inclusivity and comprehensive education during Asian Heritage Month and beyond.
I hope you will take time to learn more about the history and appreciate the contributions of the members of Asian communities in BC and Canada, especially here in Nanaimo. More resources about Asian Heritage Month can be found on VIU’s Asian Heritage Month, including valuable information about actions to end anti-Asian racism in our communities. I encourage everyone to continually seek opportunities to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Asian heritage and continue to work to build a community of inclusion on our campuses and to speak up against anti-Asian racism.
Sincerely,
Deborah Saucier, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor
Vancouver Island University
