three things

At VIU, we recognize June as Pride Month. It is a celebration of people coming together in love, diversity and inclusivity to show the progress of 2SLGBTQ+ rights while also acknowledging their history and the hardships. I celebrate our 2SLGBTQ+ students, faculty, and employees and share in the excitement that many Pride events returned to in person events this year.

In June, VIU recognizes National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. We do this by acknowledging the rich history, heritage, culture, resilience, contributions and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Canada. 

We begin by acknowledging and thanking the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nation on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.

May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada, an opportunity to recognize the many achievements and contributions of all Canadians of Asian descent and all Asian cultures. The month is also a call to action for all Canadians to come together to combat all forms of anti-Asian racism and discrimination. 

The theme of Asian Heritage Month 2022 in Canada is “Continuing a legacy of greatness” and is an opportunity for us to learn more about the many achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian heritage who, throughout our history, have done so much to build and enrich Canada.

Today, Tuesday, March 8, is International Women’s Day, celebrating women and girls’ social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It is also a time to raise awareness, take action for women’s equality, and work towards a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

Sent on behalf of President Dr. Deborah Saucier and Carolyn Russell, AVP International Education

On behalf of Vancouver Island University, we wanted to share how deeply concerned we are about the attacks that have occurred in Ukraine. We want to extend any supports we can for our community members who are impacted by these events. We are closely monitoring the situation across the region. We share your worries about the health and safety of loved ones who may be impacted, and our thoughts and prayers are with you.  

February 1 marked two occasions – Lunar New Year and the start of Black History Month. Although they may appear to be superficially dissimilar, they serve to remind us of the diversity of those in our communities. Both are opportunities to learn about our communities’ histories and challenge ourselves to try new things. Both are opportunities to reflect on how these communities have been affected by racism. Both are opportunities to commit to doing better.

Thinking about the state of the world these days, it is easy to think of Dicken’s quote from the Tale of Two Cities, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”  And although the story takes place from 1775 to 1792, during the French revolution, the quote remains relevant today.

Warm greetings from all of us at Vancouver Island University

Pumpkin spice season is in full gear. The sun is coming up noticeably later, and the colour of the light has changed. And the semester is well underway. September flew by in the blink of an eye. Watching busy faculty move around the campus, students studying in the library, lines for lunch at the cafeteria—it all feels so typical for one of the “ber months” despite the apparent changes. And so, despite an undercurrent of waiting for the other shoe to drop, it is hard on a sunny Friday to feel anything but gratitude.

Dear VIU Community,