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.
Announcing the 2023 speaker
Riley Yesno
This year's keynote speaker is Riley Yesno. Join us on November 22 for her talk:
The "Reconciliation" Generation: Indigenous Youth and the Future for Indigenous People
When: Wednesday, November 22, 6:30 to 8 pm
Where: Malaspina Theatre (Building 310 at VIU's Nanaimo campus) or online via Zoom webinar
Register for this free event via Eventbrite.
Riley Yesno is a queer Anishinaabe scholar, writer and commentator from Eabametoong First Nation.
She is highly sought after for her words and analysis – called an “Indigenous powerhouse” by the Toronto Star – she has been a contributor and commentator for some of the largest media outlets in Canada and the world, including the New York Times, BBC World News, The Globe and Mail and CBC National News.
Riley has also travelled the globe speaking at internationally renowned institutions and events, including the UN climate negotiations, the Stockholm Forum on Gender Equality, TEDx stages and many others.
Her major project right now is teaching Indigenous governance and justice at Toronto Metropolitan University and completing her PhD at the University of Toronto, where she studies Indigenous/Canadian politics and is a Vanier Scholar.
Watch her Tedx Talk, “It’s time to re-imagine Canada’s ‘nice’ identity.”
Past speakers
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.