three things

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,

When I learned the news that a Muslim family in London, Ontario, had been intentionally targeted and attacked because of their faith, I was horrified and deeply saddened. It is unfathomable to think that two parents, a grandparent and a 15-year old girl are dead, and a 9-year-old boy was injured and left to survive his family, because a fellow Canadian chose to commit an act of terrorist violence and Islamophobic hate. I want to express to the Muslim community at VIU my deep sadness, and that we stand with you, value you, and denounce Islamophobia in all its forms.

Welcome to March! March is a time of change and transition. The vernal equinox is on Saturday, March 20, which is officially the start of spring. The days are not only getting longer, they are also getting milder and warmer. The deer are happily eating my tulips, some of the shrubs on my walk are starting to bud and the birds are singing their little hearts out. I live in a rural area of Nanaimo, and I look forward to watching the wildflowers start to sprout soon.

Black History Month begins today in Canada. Black History Month was established to “celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation it is today.”