VIU's Indigenous Speakers Series, delivered in partnership with CBC Radio's Ideas program, began in 2015 to mark the release of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It is held every fall at the Nanaimo campus, on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.
2024 Speaker: Brandi Morin
Indigenous truth in the face of power: a journalist's call to action
When: Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 6:30 to 8 pm
Where: Malaspina Theatre (Building 310), VIU’s Nanaimo campus or online via Zoom webinar
Cree/Iroquois/French journalist Brandi Morin delivers a powerful keynote that transforms her personal story of survival into an urgent call for change. She shares her journey from a childhood marked by intergenerational trauma to becoming a leading voice in journalism. Through raw and honest storytelling, she challenges Canadians to move beyond superficial gestures of reconciliation and confront the ongoing impacts of colonialism. Her message speaks to everyone – not just journalists or policymakers – arguing that real change requires all Canadians to understand and acknowledge hard truths about Indigenous experiences. Drawing from her grandmother’s residential school survival to her own frontline reporting, she demonstrates how storytelling can break cycles of trauma and create pathways for justice, while urging all Canadians to find their own role in building a more equitable society.
Past speakers
Riley Yesno
The "Reconciliation" Generation: Indigenous Youth and the Future for Indigenous People
Riley Yesno is a queer Anishinaabe scholar, writer and commentator from Eabametoong First Nation.
Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn)
Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn) spoke on "Our land, our spirit, our story: The Squamish Nation's return to Sen̓áḵw."
Connie Walker
Investigative reporter Connie Walker was the keynote speaker for VIU’s seventh annual Indigenous Speakers Series on November 22, 2021.
Jesse Wente
Jesse Wente, an Anishinaabe writer, broadcaster, speaker and arts leader, shared his perspective on Canada’s truth and reconciliation process during VIU’s sixth annual Indigenous Speakers Series on November 25, 2020.
Max FineDay
Max FineDay, Executive Director of the Canadian Roots Exchange, shared his perspective on what reconciliation looks like during VIU’s fifth annual Indigenous Speakers Series on Monday, November 25, 2019.
Douglas White III Kwul’a’sul’tun
Douglas White III Kwul’a’sul’tun, a lawyer and former director of VIU’s Centre for Pre-Confederation Treaties and Reconciliation, delivered the keynote address at the University’s fourth annual Indigenous Speakers Series on Monday, November 26, 2018.
Gabrielle Scrimshaw
Indigenous entrepreneur, activist, speaker, writer and academic Gabrielle Scrimshaw shared some reflections on youth and reconciliation during the University’s third annual Indigenous Speakers Series on November 20, 2017.
Dr. Tracey Lindberg
Dr. Tracey Lindberg, accomplished Cree academic and writer explored the complexities of reconciliation at VIU’s Indigenous Speakers Series on November 22, 2016.
Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo
Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo spoke on “Daring Greatly Together: Reimagining Canada” in VIU's inaugural presentation of the Indigenous Speakers Series on November 26, 2015.