Indigenous students attending the upcoming term at Vancouver Island University will have access to more space for ceremonial and support services in the expanded Shq’apthut — a gathering place — building.
The building is a safe space on campus, says Leah Vaisanen, Indigenous students’ representative on the university’s student union.
“As a mature student, I knew I could always go there to get the support I needed. If you’re feeling lonely, there’s always someone there to say hello to.
“Having a ceremonial space is going to bring culture back to campus, and having the Elders there all in one space is the most important part.”
Elders play a major role for students, and knowing they are present with support is a comfort to many Indigenous students, she said.
The bigger centre opens next month after going through a $4.2-million expansion. Of that, the province put in $3.8 million and VIU $400,000.
Some exterior work and landscaping remains to be completed in 2025.
The expanded building features a ceremonial space, Elder-in-residence offices, an upgrade to existing kitchen amenities to support cultural events and ceremonies, and universally accessible washroom facilities heated and cooled by VIU’s district geo-exchange energy system.
In 2023-24, 1,585 VIU students were identified as Indigenous, making up 12 per cent of its total student population of 13,618.
The expansion reflects the growing presence of Indigenous culture on the campus, Gary Manson, an Elder-in-residence from Snuneymuxw First Nation at VIU, said in a statement.
It started with Elders-in-residence, followed by the first stage of the Shq’apthut building and then totem poles were erected.
“With the new cultural part of the building, we have the space to do dancing and drumming.”
This will allow Indigenous people — who were subjected to 150 years of suppression — to showcase their culture to the community, he said.
Deborah Saucier, university president, said she has dreamed of an expanded Shq’apthut.
“I’m excited to attend and participate in the enhanced learning opportunities and events that will be possible in the new space.”
The building is a tangible demonstration of the university’s commitment to building stronger relationships with Indigenous communities and doing more to honour Indigenous students, employees and communities, she said
“It is often very difficult for students to be away from their territory, traditional knowledge keepers and loved ones while pursuing higher education,” said Murray Rankin, minister of Indigenous relations and reconciliation.
“Having access to a culturally safe space and extra supports will greatly benefit Indigenous learners at Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus,” he said.
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