Global Citizens Forum

Opening Ceremony

Location: Malaspina Theatre, Building 310 in the lobby

Time: 10:00 to 10:30am

Host: VIU International

Spiritual Cleansing - Office of Indigenous Education

Location: Malaspina Theatre, Building 310 in the lobby

Time: 10:30 to 11:30am

Host: Office of Indigenous Education

Métis Knowledge Keeper Stella Johnson shares a traditional smudging practice, a cleansing ceremony for body, mind, and spirit. Aunty Stella will speak about the cultural significance of the four sacred medicines: sage, tobacco, sweet grass, and cedar. Elder Randy Fred will share traditional cleansing ceremonies of the local First Nations of Vancouver Island.

Book Club: The Message, by Ta-Nahisi Coates

Location: Malaspina Theater, Building 310 in the lobby 

Time: 12:00 to 1:30 pm

Host: Sonnet L’Abbé

Dr. Sonnet L’Abbé will lead a discussion of Ta-Nahisi Coates' bestselling new book, The Message. Pick up a copy now and come prepared to share responses and questions.

“The Message takes readers through Coates’ journeys all over the world, recounting his experiences in places like Dakar, Senegal; Columbia, South Carolina; and Palestine’s West Bank. Each location is a springboard for reflecting on topics such as white supremacy, colonialism, and what it means to be a Black writer today." - The Oberlin Review.

Working without Borders: Becoming a Global Powerhouse

Location: Room 170, Building 255

Time: 2:00 to 3:00pm

Host: Career Studio

Imagine landing in a brand-new country, stepping into an unfamiliar workplace, or suddenly managing a team from five different cultures. How do you adapt, thrive, and make an impact—anywhere in the world?Join us for this high-energy, interactive workshop where you’ll experience what it takes to be a successful global worker, whether you’re moving abroad or bringing a global mindset to your local career.

Ready to Take On the World?

Expanding Perspectives: The GSO Experience

Location: Room 170, Building 255

Time: 3:00 to 4:30pm

Host: International Mobility

Connect with fellow VIU students who have participated in Global Skills Opportunities around the world. This is a great chance to network, share experiences, and celebrate your global achievements. Lunch will be provided.

Culture Couch: "Talk to me"

Location: Room 170, Building 255

Time: 5:00 to 6:00pm

Host: Thrive & VIU International

In this week's Culture Couch collaboration with Thrive, we will be providing the opportunity to create connections, engage in conversations, and increase students' sense of belonging. This event will include fun activities such as speed friending, and delicious snacks.

National Senses of Place: Patriotism (Cultural Geography)

Time: 9:00 to 11:30am

Location: Room 440, Building 305

Host: Department of Geography (GEOG330)

Patriotism is not commonly considered an example of a sense of place. But why not? Patriotism may indeed be the most fervent sense of place now in existence.This event, hosted by GEOG330 class, will discuss the rise in Canadian patriotism as a response to recently emboldened American expansionism, economic imperialism, and manifest destiny.

Teaching Across Borders: Insights for Future Educators 

Time: 9:00 to 10:00am

Location: Room 125, Building 250

Host: Department of Education 

Teaching in diverse classrooms brings unique challenges and opportunities. In this interactive session, Master of Education students with international teaching experience will share their perspectives on classroom management, physical learning environments, and preparing for multicultural classrooms in Canada. Through discussion and storytelling, we will explore how cultural differences shape teaching practices, student engagement, and inclusive strategies.

Join us for a conversation that broadens understanding, fosters cross-cultural learning, and equips future educators with practical insights for their teaching journeys.

Multiculturalism and Sense of Place

Time: 11:30 to 1:00

Location: Room 440, Building 305

Host: Department of Geography (GEOG290) & Master of Community Planning

Multiculturalism is the cornerstone of Canada’s social policy towards newcomers that encourages greater human understanding and stronger bonds among Canadians of different cultural backgrounds and ethnic origins. It not only supports cultural diversity but also shapes and reshapes Canadian society through the social and cultural contributions of newcomers.In this World Café session, we will explore how multiculturalism influences our sense of place—how cultural diversity shapes our communities, strengthens social bonds, and fosters belonging. We invite you to join the conversation, share your experiences, and reflect on how multiculturalism shapes your own sense of place on the VIU campus and beyond!

Afro Fusion Dance Workshop

Time: 1:00 to 1:30pm

Location: Upper Cafeteria

Host: Tania Amaral

Immerse yourself in a vibrant blend of the diversity of African rhythms. This dynamic class will guide you through the unique movements and cultural expressions that form this powerful fusion.Alongside the dance, explore the rich beauty of African textiles at an exclusive exhibition. Featuring stunning handwoven fabrics, intricate patterns, and colourful designs, the exhibit highlights the craftsmanship and storytelling embedded in African textile traditions.

Taiko Drum Workshop

Time: 1:30 to 2:30pm

Location: Upper Cafeteria

Host: Shinobu Homma

Taiko (meaning "big drum" in Japanese) drumming has become a part of Japanese Canadian Performing Art form across Canada over the last four decades.This workshop will cover the brief history of Taiko drumming in Canada and the USA, and the uniqueness of the North American Taiko compared to the Japanese counter parts, and also describe how the Taiko music is written and learned.Shinobu will demonstrate the fundamentals of Taiko drumming i.e. Kata, Kiai, and Kuchishoga.There will be an opportunity for the audience to try out on Taiko drum.

Film Screening: Tsunagu

Time: 3:00 to 4:00pm

Location: Room 134, Building 180

Host: Lucy Komori

Canadians of Japanese descent have a traumatic shared experience of uprooting and dislocation during World War II. Many families have not shared these experiences with their children and grandchildren. 

Tsunagu, which means "to connect", explores the generational impact of losing this history. Lucy Komori, Director, will be presenting during this event and there will be an opportunity to ask questions after the screening.

Musical Performance - “My Black History Is Poetry, Is Jazz”

Time: 4:00pm Refreshments/Doors open, 4:30 to 5:30 pm performance 

Location: Building 320, Room 105 

Host: Sonnet L’Abbé

Cornel West wrote: “Jazz is a mode of democratic action. [It is] the middle road between invisibility and anger. It is where self-confident creativity resides. Black music is the paradigm for how Black people have best dealt with their humanity, their complexity ...” Come and hear from VIU poet Sonnet L’Abbé how jazz and poetry are interconnected practices of joy and resilience. Sonnet L’Abbé will be on vocals and poetry, and Nick Peck will be on piano.

Rainbow of Desire: Theatre of the Oppressed

Time: 5:30 to 7:30pm

Location: Room 275, Building 210

Host: Eliza Gardiner, THEA108

During this event, students in the host class THEA 108 and guests become spect-actors in an experiential session featuring the Rainbow of Desire method developed by famed Brazilian arts activist Augusto Boal, who developed the Theatre of the Oppressed. We'll play warm-up games, and then enliven an interactive story that expresses perspectives via physical poses called ‘images’. This method allows for much interpretation, refection and dialogue; it is fun, thought-provoking, and empathy-building. This session features artistic and political expression in an inclusive setting where drama is used to explore concepts of freedom, power, conflict and resolution.