Global Citizens Forum

Smart Devices, Smarter Privacy: A Youth-Centered Privacy-by-Design Workshop 

Location: Madrona Room, Building 305 Room 332
Time: 8:30 am to 10 am
Hosted by: Dr. Ajay Shrestha

In a rapidly changing digital world, resilience begins with awareness. This interactive workshop explores how everyday smart devices collect, use, and share personal data; and how privacy-by-design can empower individuals and families to make informed decisions.

Participants will engage in hands-on activities and guided discussions to examine privacy settings, permissions, and digital habits. By bringing together students, parents, and community members, this session fosters collective understanding and practical strategies for building safer, more privacy-aware communities.

This workshop is a part of a research project that has been funded by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC). RSVP to secure your spot by clicking this link.

Rainbow of Desire: Theatre of the Oppressed

Time: 1 to 2:30 pm
Location: Building 170, Shaq'apthut
Hosted By: Eliza Gardiner, Theatre Department

During this event, students in the host class THEA 212 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.

What Connects Us! Movie Night 

Location: Building 170, Shaq'apthut
Time: 4 to 6:00 pm
Hosted by: VIU Thrive & Cultural Connections

Join us for a special Culture Couch movie night in collaboration with VIU Thrive to spark real conversations about connections, community and mental health. The event also features games, fun activities, therapy dogs and refreshments.

Through short creative films, guided reflection, and small group discussion, you’ll have the chance to:

• explore mental health in a new way
• meet therapy dogs, play games and design your own pin!
• reflect on your own experiences
• connect with fellow students

Spiritual Cleansing Ceremony

Location: Malaspina Theatre Lobby, Building 310
Time: 10 to 11 am
Hosted by: Office of Indigenous Education

Tseshaht First Nation Knowledge Keeper Elder Randy Fred will share about traditional cleansing ceremonies of the local First Nations of Vancouver Island. The event would also provide an opportunity to learn about the cultural significance of Spiritual Cleansing, the four sacred medicines: sage, tobacco, sweet grass, and cedar and experience traditional smudging practice, a cleansing ceremony for body, mind, and spirit. 

Dr. Who's TARDIS: Growing Up Global

Location: Room 170, Building 255
Time: 11:30 am to 12:45 pm 
Hosted by: Darrell Harvey (Global Studies), Enrique Chacon (Advising), Matt Bowes (Geography) and Sherri McKinnon (ELL)

Inspired by the magical time-traveling TARDIS of television's Dr. Who, this session will bring together Geography and English Language Learning students to share stories of their youth. Participants will travel through time and space to learn from each other's different cultural perspectives about what it's like to grow up, go to school and follow their educational dreams. Please note: This is a closed event, participants are students from these courses.

Community Connection Tables 

Time: Noon to 2 pm
Location: Upper Cafeteria

Explore interactive tables hosted by campus groups and our community partners. 
Connect, learn about local initiatives, discover resources, and find ways to get involved.

Salsa and Bachata Dance Workshop

Location: Upper Cafeteria
Time: Noon to 1 pm
Hosted By: Nanaimo Salsa & Bachata (Natalia & Sergio)

Discover the vibrant rhythms of Salsa and Bachata in a fun and engaging workshop by Nanaimo Salsa and Bachata. Perfect for all levels, this session introduces the basics of these popular dance styles, no prior experience required.

Turntabling Workshop 

Time: 1 to 2 pm
Location: Upper Cafeteria
Hosted By: DJ All Good (Peter Poole) 

Discover the art of DJing and turntabling in a dynamic, hands-on workshop led by DJ All Good who is a nationally renowned award winning DJ. Perfect for all levels, in this session participants get to manipulate their own sounds using turntables. Learn the basics of scratching and much more, no prior experience required.

Spinning Connections: Community Through Clay 

Time: 2 to 2:30 pm
Location: Upper Cafeteria
Hosted By: Ajay Sood, VIU Student

Join Arun for a live wheel-throwing pottery demonstration exploring how clay connects us across cultures and communities. Watch as a simple lump of earth is transformed into a functional form while learning about the process of centering, shaping, and creating with intention.

Discover how pottery builds patience, balance, and connection: both to the earth and to each other.

Drawing Connections: Community Through Cartooning

Time: 2:30 to 3:00 pm
Location: Upper Cafeteria
Hosted By: David Harvey, VIU Student

Join David for an engaging cartooning workshop where art becomes a tool for expression and community building. Through live demonstrations and guided practice, participants will explore simple techniques, creative tips, and storytelling through drawing.

Discover how cartooning can spark conversation, share perspectives, and bring people together, one sketch at a time.

No prior experience needed.

Game On: Building Community Through Play

Time: 2:30 to 3:30 pm
Location: Upper Cafeteria
Hosted By: VIU Housing & VIU Board Games Club

Join us for a welcoming and interactive board games session designed to bring students together through play. Whether you’re competitive or just looking to meet new people, this is a space to relax, connect, and build community.

Explore a variety of board games that encourage teamwork, strategy, laughter, and conversation.

Discover how shared play can spark friendships, strengthen belonging, and help us build resilient communities together.

Cyrano de Bergerac Preview & Introduction to VIU Malaspina Theatre

Time: 6:30 to 9:30 pm
Location: Malaspina Theatre Lobby
Hosted By: Malaspina Theatre  

Join us for a special evening at the VIU Malaspina Theatre.

Cyrano de Bergerac is a timeless story of courage, identity, love, and sacrifice. Beneath the dazzling sword fights and poetic brilliance lies a powerful reflection on belonging, self-worth, and the resilience it takes to live authentically in a world shaped by appearances.

The evening begins with an Introduction & Theatre Tour at 6:30 pm, offering insight into the creative space and the people behind the production. The preview performance begins at 7:30 pm.

Come experience how storytelling and the arts help us build empathy, deepen understanding, and strengthen community together.

International Women's Day

Time: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Location: Upper Cafeteria,  Building 300
Hosted By: VIU Faculty Association’s Women’s and Gender Equity Committee, VIUSU and VIU

On Monday, March 9 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, you’re invited to join us at the VIU cafeteria (bldg. 300) to commemorate and celebrate International Women’s Day. Guests can take part in free, outdoor arts activities at our all-welcome information table just outside the main cafeteria doors. 

Come receive a flower, write a message, and learn about the theme of this year’s annual global event: Give to Gain.

"As individuals, giving support means calling out stereotypes, challenging discrimination, questioning bias, celebrating women's success, and more." The international campaign asks that we all give support to gain advancement for women and girls.

Inside the cafeteria, in the upstairs Royal Arbutus Room at noon, our panel presentation event will feature student presenters and keynote speaker Elizabeth Lorenz on the Hope for Youth bakery school in Uganda. 

Hope for Youth-Uganda (H4YU) is a registered local NGO operating in rural communities of Nama and Kyampisi, sub-counties of Mukono district. Elizabeth, a retired Music teacher in school district 68 and H4YU Board member, recently visited her friend and Executive Director Peter Nsubuga at the school that is partly funded by BC’s Federation of Post Secondary Educators’ International Solidarity Fund. Elizabeth will share photos and stories about this project that builds hope, empowers youth, and creates change — one small act of greater love at a time.