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 (TRC). It is held every fall at the Nanaimo campus, on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.
Upcoming speaker
Join us at the eighth annual Indigenous Speakers Series. Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn) will share the story of the Squamish Nation’s fight to have their traditional lands in downtown Vancouver returned to the Nation. He will speak about the history and importance of the lands and how the Nation’s development of the Sen̓áḵw lands at the foot of the Burrard Street Bridge will contribute to the future prosperity and well-being of the Nation in his talk: Our land, our spirit, our story: The Squamish Nation’s return to Sen̓áḵw. This free event will be moderated by Nahlah Ayed, host of CBC Radio’s Ideas. Free parking is available in Lot G from 5 to 9 pm.
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When: Monday, March 20, 6:30 – 8 pm
Where: Register for this FREE event on Eventbrite
Attend in-person at VIU's Malaspina Theatre (Building 310 on VIU's Nanaimo campus) or join us via Zoom webinar.
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Doors open at 6 pm, event starts promptly at 6:30 pm. The talk will be followed by light refreshments in the lobby.
Past speakers
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.