three things

In June we celebrate National Indigenous History Month and, on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day. This month, we celebrate the cultures, languages, knowledges, histories and traditions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. At Vancouver Island University, we acknowledge the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nations and how our work and our lives are enriched by the knowledges and cultures of the Indigenous peoples of these lands on which we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.

June is Pride Month, a month-long celebration dedicated to recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the 2SLGBTQ+ community’s voices, culture, and rights. Today, we started the month with a Pride flag raising and Show Your Pride event at the Royal Bank Plaza. Thank you to everyone who participated!

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.

On International Women’s Day, I am proud to share my appreciation for the remarkable contributions of women here at Vancouver Island University and beyond.

Today serves as a global reminder to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements, resilience and progress made by women in all walks of life.

As we usher in February, VIU proudly recognizes and celebrates Black History Month. This month serves as a poignant reminder of the rich and diverse contributions of Black individuals in our community, our nation, and across the globe. It is a time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs that have shaped our history and to acknowledge the ongoing pursuit of racial justice and equality.

This week marks the start of WorldVIU Days, an event for our entire campus to celebrate the diversity of cultures and traditions at VIU. Indeed, WorldVIU days comes at a time when our world feels incredibly divided. I want to recognize that global events impact our community and that differing viewpoints in a small, connected community like ours can create feelings of tension and division.  

Many of you have urged me to take a position on recent events.  

Vancouver Island University is deeply saddened by the outbreak of war in the Middle East and the tragic loss of lives in Israel and Palestine.

We recognize these events are distressful and a cause for concern among members of our university community.

Our thoughts are with those in our community with ties to the region. We encourage anyone who is feeling distressed directly or indirectly by this violence to reach out to available supports. 

Student support services can be found at https://services.viu.ca/counselling

Many people have said over the years that I've been involved in the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Why can't you just get over it and move on?

And my answer has always been: Why can't you always remember this? 

On behalf of everyone at VIU, we are so happy you chose to join us for your learning journey and are excited to welcome you to our campuses.

VIU is where knowledge thrives, curiosity is nurtured, and innovation celebrated. Whether pursuing a degree, diploma, or certificate, you are part of a rich tapestry of learners from all walks of life. This diversity is what makes our campuses so dynamic and engaging.

It was a pleasure to join the Positive Space Alliance yesterday to raise the Pride flag on campus to mark the beginning of Pride Month. 

At VIU, we celebrate diversity and strive to be a welcoming space for two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning members of our community. We affirm and support 2SLGBTQQIA+ rights on our campuses and communities and are working to create a space where everyone feels they belong. You are seen and we celebrate who you are.