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. An online option is available.
2026 Speaker: Marion Newman
Finding harmony: Exploring reconciliation through the power of song
When: Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 6:30 to 8 pm
Where: Malaspina Theatre (Building 310), VIU’s Nanaimo campus or online
Marion Newman is a critically acclaimed mezzo-soprano of Kwagiulth and Stó:lō First Nations with English, Irish and Scottish heritage. Through her storytelling and performance roles, she is a driving force for truth and reconciliation within the context of classical music.
In her talk, she will examine the role music can play in the discourse on our reconciliation journey. Song can be a powerful way to tell stories and share perspectives. Marion will demonstrate the power of voice by performing select pieces, including her own original work.
Through her roles in academia and as a national CBC program host, Marion works to elevate, empower and promote new voices, particularly from Indigenous and other equity-seeking communities. She will discuss these efforts and her leadership around creating conversations about why it is important to tell our stories, including the joyful ones, through music.
Her talk is followed by a question-and-answer period facilitated by Nahlah Ayed, host of CBC's Ideas.
Biography:
Marion Newman is one of Canada’s most accomplished singers, with a repertoire ranging from Charpentier to Current and a range of operatic roles. Born in Bella Coola, she grew up in Sooke, BC, immersed in and embraced by her community and culture.
As a voice professor at the University of Victoria and host of CBC’s Saturday Afternoon at the Opera, Marion helps develop and create new avenues for talent and bring the work of fellow artists to listeners across Canada and beyond.
She was nominated for a Dora Award and performed on the Juno-nominated recording of the opera Missing. Her career spans opera, orchestral performances and contemporary music, from established works to new operas and compositions written specifically for her. Marion’s work includes performances and collaborations with leading Canadian opera companies, orchestras and composers.
Past speakers
Billy-Ray Belcourt
My Mother's house: A story of haunting and colonial history
Billy-Ray Belcourt is a writer and academic from the Driftpile Cree Nation in northwest Alberta.
Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn)
Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn) spoke on "Our land, our spirit, our story: The Squamish Nation's return to Sen̓áḵw."
Brandi Morin
Indigenous truth in the face of power: a journalist’s call to action
Cree/Iroquois/French journalist Brandi Morin shared her journey to becoming a leading voice in journalism.
Connie Walker
Investigative reporter Connie Walker was the keynote speaker for VIU’s seventh annual Indigenous Speakers Series on November 22, 2021.
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.
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.