Aboriginal Students

Discover a community

Students and visitors at VIU campuses receive a warm welcome in the Hu’qumi’num language of this region’s First Nations people: “Hay ch qa’sii’em siy’yu mukw mustimuxw — Thank you respected ones of this place.”

VIU is situated on the traditional land of the Coast Salish peoples. It is a place where history and traditions are acknowledged, where contributions are valued and where success is celebrated.

Shq’apthut — a gathering place Shq’apthut is home to Services for Aboriginal Students and a welcoming home away from home for Aboriginal students on our Nanaimo campus.

Here students can:

• Visit with Elders for guidance and assistance

• Get help finding accommodations and day care

• Access workshops, writing and research opportunities

• Participate in and witness traditional culture from our four Vancouver Island nations

‘Su’luqw’a’ Community Cousins Connect with a current Aboriginal VIU student from ‘Su’luqw’a’ Community Cousins. They are a source of support and are here to help you navigate the campus, access resources or sit down for a chat over coffee!

Email community.cousins@viu.ca or visit viu.ca/community-cousins

Elders in Residence Elders are one of our most important resources. They provide counselling, support and guidance to all students at VIU and are involved in classroom instruction, teaching traditional protocols and language, and cross-cultural sharing. Students at VIU’s Nanaimo, Cowichan and Powell River campuses can connect with VIU Elders.