Hay ch qa’ sii’em siye’yu mukw mustimuxw
(Thank you respected ones of this place)
Situated on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples, VIU is fortunate to host a large number of Indigenous students. VIU provides a learning environment that is accessible, relevant for all learners, celebrates success, and acknowledges history and traditions.
Our Services for Aboriginal Students and Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement offer a range of programs, supports and services for students, employees and the wider community.
Services for Aboriginal Students
Services for Aboriginal Students are available for one-on-one appointments with students, either in person, online or by phone at 250.740.6510 or by email at SAS@viu.ca.
Educational Advisors are available to help you with:
- Exploring and developing your educational and career goals
- Changing programs, courses, and assisting with timetabling and registration
- Connecting you to academic supports
- Finding daycare and housing
Jennifer Christoffersen and Dale Hunt are here to listen and support students as they explore, plan and achieve their professional and educational goals. Please note they are usually based out of Shq’apthut, VIU’s Aboriginal Gathering Place but Shq'apthut is currently closed for renovations until further notice. Services for Aboriginal Students has moved temporarily to Building 180, Room 326.
Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement
The Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement is a team of dedicated practitioners who work to:
- develop community-based educational opportunities for students, such as the Indigenous Eco-Tourism Training program
- create a sense of belonging for Indigenous students on campus through the ‘su’luqw’a’ Community Cousins Indigenous mentorship program and the Elders-in-Residence program
- support faculty to bring Indigenous ways of knowing and being into their classrooms through the Na’tsa’maht Shqwaluwun (One Heart, One Mind) professional development series
- and foster relationships with Indigenous nations