The war in Ukraine, Reconciliation Generation and more
In this issue of VIU News & Experts:
- Riley Yesno is VIU's 2023 keynote at the Indigenous Speakers Series
- Model UN addresses the war in Ukraine
- Giving Tuesday helps students achieve their dreams
Featured experts
Riley Yesno on the "Reconciliation Generation"
“We grew up with land acknowledgements and orange shirts and all these things that would have been revolutionary for my grandparents or my parents. And so I think because of that our site of struggle has shifted significantly.”
VIU’s keynote speaker for the 2023 Indigenous Speakers Series is Riley Yesno, a queer Anishinaabe scholar, writer and commentator from Eabametoong First Nation. She will speak on “The ‘Reconciliation’ Generation: Indigenous Youth and the Future for Indigenous People.” This free event is on Wednesday, November 22. Register on Eventbrite. Read the news release.
Model United Nations addresses Russia's war in Ukraine
VIU is hosting a Model United Nations tomorrow (November 17) in the Malaspina Theatre (Building 310), from 9 am to 4 pm.
More than 100 high school students are involved in the event, including delegations from Nanaimo District, Wellington, Dover, Ballenas and Frances Kelsey secondary schools. Students will be representing countries from around the world in a Human Rights Council debate on drafting a resolution on Russia’s war in Ukraine.
At 10 am, Dr. Chris Kilford, a sessional professor at the Canadian Forces College and associate faculty member at Royal Roads University, will provide a keynote address on the war in Ukraine. During his 36-year military career, Kilford served throughout Canada and in Germany, Afghanistan and Turkey and specialized in foreign and defence policy issues.
Media are invited to take photos of the event and participants. Both Kilford and VIU Political Studies Professor Mark Williams will be available for media interviews during the day as well.
Want to hear more? Connect with VIU Experts
VIU news
Giving Tuesday in full swing at VIU
When Vancouver Island University student Sarah McClelland faced some unexpected living expenses last fall, she thought she would have to put her education on hold.
The Bachelor of Education student went to the Financial Aid and Awards team to explore options. That’s when she learned about the VIU Access Fund, which provides just-in-time supports to students so they don’t have to pause their studies. For McClelland, it meant being able to pay her bills that month.
“It made sure I was stable enough to continue school and instead of stressing out about finances, I was able to focus more on my studies,” she said. “It makes you feel really good about yourself and about the world, that there are still people willing to help and to make it so other people can strive to be the best they are.”
Giving Tuesday is a global movement to encourage people to support worthwhile meaningful causes during a season that features holiday sales and consumerism. This year, VIU’s Giving Tuesday campaign runs from November 14 to 28, 2023. In addition to the VIU Access Fund, the VIU Foundation is highlighting special projects that professors are initiating to enhance student learning.
Read more about Giving Tuesday at VIU.
VIU in the news
Mushroom season on Vancouver Island
Mushrooms are having a moment! And VIU Professor of Plant Ecology and Genomics Dr. Jasmine Janes is speaking to media about it. Check out her interviews with:
Sustainable tourism
VIU Professor and Director of the World Leisure Centre of Excellence, Dr. Aggie Weighill, was on Global BC to discuss how tourism businesses and tourists themselves can measure and lessen their impact on communities and the environment. Watch the segment.
VIU events
The Urchin Tank
VIU’s Urchin Tank is back with five new student teams competing to see who has created the best-fermented seaweed product. The event is Friday, November 24, 5 to 7:30 pm at VIU’s Malaspina Theatre (Building 310), Nanaimo campus. Urchin Tank is presented by VIU’s Centre for Seafood Innovation. Attendees will have a chance to sample the students’ seaweed creations. Doors open at 5 pm and the show begins at 6 pm. Tickets are by donation and available on Eventbrite.
Milner Christmas Magic
Make memories with family and friends this holiday season during Milner Christmas Magic, presented by VIU’s Milner Gardens & Woodland. This year the festive light display runs from December 1 to 3, 8 to 10, and 15 to 20 from 5 to 8 pm, with viewing up until 8:30 pm. Admission is by a suggested donation of $8 for adults, $4 for children and $20 for a household.
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