Wondering how to engage with the Indigenous community at VIU? There are many ongoing initiatives. Some are planned and resourced through the Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement, and others involve partnerships with faculty and department areas.
On-campus events
Soup and Bannock Lunch and Learn
Hear from Indigenous speakers or those speaking about work in partnership with Indigenous communities. Held four times during the academic year. Each series concludes with a presentation by VIU’s annual Fulbright Scholar.
Semélshun
VIU’s Indigenous Graduate Celebration
As part of convocation week, families and friends are invited each year to witness students graduating from their programs.
VIU Fest Indigenous Artisan Market
Each year we invite the public to visit Shq’apthut during VIU Fest to shop for treasures created by local Indigenous artists.
Student engagement
Elders-in-Residence
Elders-in-Residence provide support and guidance to all students at VIU. Elders-in-Residence are active in a variety of areas including classroom instruction, ceremony and cross-cultural sharing.
Access initiatives
Access initiatives for Indigenous learners ensure seats are reserved in a variety of competitive programs such as Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Education, Forestry, Social Work, and more.
Indigenous Student Access Coordinators
Indigenous Student Access Coordinators help students find resources and supports on campus and off campus.
Indigenous Living and Learning Community (ILLC)
A supportive and welcoming environment for Indigenous students living within VIU Residences. There are gatherings at the start of the semester, storage for traditional foods and medicines, and ample gathering space. Elders-in-Residence live at the ILLC part-time and a youth leader connects the community though events, check-ins and friendship.
Governance and administration engagement
Hwulmuxw Mustimuxw Siiem
An Indigenous advisory body to the Director, Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement and regional campus administrators to support advocacy for change and improvements to access and self-defined success for Indigenous learners from local communities.
Indigenous Commitments Committee
Embeds Indigenous voice into VIU’s governance structures and curriculum review practices.
Faculty resources
Centre for Innovation and Learning (CIEL)
For information on how to maximize Indigenous student success, book a one-on-one consultations with CIEL staff.
Engagement beyond campus
In-community training
VIU has worked closely with communities for decades to co-create and co-deliver community led programs. This includes Relational Land-Based Learning and on-campus programming.
Indigenous Storytelling
The First Voices section of VIU’s community classroom features stories centred on Indigenous supports, successes and promising practices.