Indigenous

Vancouver Island University (VIU) will host an online webinar about the future of reconciliation in Canada on April 20. 

A Talking Stick gifted by University of Victoria officials to Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) chancellor, Cloy-e-iss, Dr. Judith Sayers, solidifies a longstanding relationship between the two institutions and reaffirms a commitment to reconciliation.

The series will begin Feb. 3 with Preston Buffalo, a Cree, two spirited artist whose work explores the complexity of Indigenous identity through the use of mediums such as sculpture, printmaking, photography, soundscape and digital media.

Sheila Watt-Cloutier, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee for her advocacy work in showing the impact of global climate change on human rights, will be the sixth keynote speaker in VIU’s Engaged Citizens Speaker Series.

The provincial government says it will launch a program to highlight B.C.-based Indigenous cannabis producers in private retail and government stores.

BC Ferries vessel Kwigwis will enter service next year as part of a two-ship operation on the Nanaimo Harbour – Gabriola Island route. 

Maynard Johnny Jr.’s design was selected out of 36 submissions by a committee of Indigenous artist peers and BC Ferries representatives.

Connie Walker is currently investigating a story about the St. Michael’s residential school in Duck Lake, Saskatchewan.

The program came about after Indigenous Elder Linda Jack gathered friends and community groups to help her quest to learn how to read.

The vessels are named to honour and recognize the Coast Salish as the original mariners of the Salish Sea.