Moongazer
Photo by Ann Hoffmann (2025) featured in The Navigator Vol. 56, No. 4.
Welcome to Volume 56 of The Navigator.
We're back in business, baby. Get ready for six new issues fall through spring with content fresh off the boat Mondays and Wednesdays.
That's right—no more waiting on the tides. Sink into the latest issue once a month or wade with us as each story surfaces.
NOW ON NEWSSTANDS: Volume 56 | Issues 4–6
We’re Hiring!
~ Volume 57 ~
The Nav is looking for VIU Student applicants eager to contribute to journalism both on and off campus. That’s right, folks: we want YOU!
Send your resume to editor@thenav.ca by May 10
to apply for one of our open positions
What’s New…
06
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An Old Church Lady Named Pam
A single interaction becomes a possible lifeline in this flash fiction piece.
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AI Poster Generates Controversy for VIU Theatre Department
Who doesn’t like hearing both sides to every contentious issue? This time around we sit down and talk to two contrasting perspectives about the ethics of using generative AI, artistic opportunities on campus, and another successful production for...
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Burned
In this sizzling short story, a father-daughter duo engage in verbal conflict and find the literal result of “fighting fire with fire” (something gets burned).
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Susan Juby and Her Journey to Professorship
Susan Juby is a well-known Creative Writing professor at VIU, but few know the story of how she became one. Picking up near the end of her memoir, Nice Recovery, Juby recounts her path from UofT student to VIU professor.
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VIU | Where Do We Go from Here?
Rumours surrounding VIU’s financial turmoil run rampant. VIUSU, students, faculty, and staff are asking for answers surrounding their educational institution. VIU comes forward to answer our long-awaited questions and set the record...
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Behind the Scenes with the Nanaimo Clippers
Follow Nav Reporter, Grace Penner, and Sports Videographer, Kieran Armstrong, for a behind the scenes of the Junior A Hockey Team, Nanaimo Clippers. In their last video together, Grace and Kieran interview multiple members of the Clippers team and...
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End of Summer Song
A poem describing the sense of urgency on missing out on the chance to play during a sunny summer day.
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The Death of Duolingo and His Iconic Rebirth
Owls, Cybertrucks, and popstars. What do these things have in common? Duolingo’s marketing team does it again, this time bigger than before. They killed off their own mascot. The saga continues…
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Unpopular Opinions
Join Daniela Guevara as she sits down with guest Becky Duarte to react to some unpopular opinions shared by VIU students. After working together on Q&A videos for VIU, Daniela and Becky decided to ask students for their boldest takes on any...
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An Evening in Oz
An exciting evening of figure skating took place at Frank Crane Arena as skaters of all skills soared down the yellow brick road to give us an unforgettable performance.
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Second-hand ChapStick
For two timid lovebirds, there’s nothing more romantic than kissing in the rain.
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Does the VIU Bunny Lay Eggs?
White fur, pink nose, a basket full of eggs—you know the look. The Easter Bunny is an iconic character, but I bet the original myth will surprise you.
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Am I Proud to be VIU?
My experience isn’t a unique one. I am but one of many students—newly enrolled, making friends, attending classes, growing, learning, saying goodbye, and graduating. We cherish the small moments which turn into years. More than money—otherwise...
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Seniors, Secrets, and Mob Ties
Two care aides argue over an old age home’s newest resident and his alleged past (and perhaps present) ties to an Italian mob in this comedic script.
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Free Speech in Brave Spaces
Join Jack Corfield for their last podcast at The Navigator. This episode we’ll discuss the phrase “safe space” and how it can create problems in discussion. We’ll hear detailed interviews with feminist scholars Dr. Melissa...
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VIU’s Dance Team in the Studio
Watch along for a sneak peak performance from VIU’s dance team in the studio. The VIU Dance Team performs multiple different styles such as hip-hop, jazz, tap, contemporary, and lyrical. The team consists of 26 of dancers from all years at...
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Dancers, Dreaming, and Original Joe’s
Maddie Joseph has been dancing since she was two years old. Now a full-time student, she’s coaching the VIU Dance Team, teaching at Harbour Dance Studios, and chasing her dreams.
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Sound Heritage
Sound Heritage store owner Nathan Randall isn’t just selling music—he’s fostering community in a city that’s constantly evolving.
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Ellisif, Uninterrupted
In the second part of her going to school with her family series, Ella foregrounds the loveable (insufferable) heroine: herself. As she approaches graduation, Ella reflects on her journey of self-discovery, the unwavering support of her family, and...
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I Dream in Poetry
A poem from an Indigenous scholar not defined by any prism.
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The Latest Catch
Nav alum Sam’s poem ponders creatures caught by pastel boutiques and restaurants at Fisherman’s Wharf.
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WARNING: May Contain Gay Blood (PART 2)
Swabs, blood draws, and urine tests. This is Part Two of the two-part series sharing Laurent’s story of complicated ineligibility to donate blood and getting tested for STIs. Read on as he normalizes regular testing, vaccinations, and alternate...
-
An Old Church Lady Named Pam
A single interaction becomes a possible lifeline in this...
-
AI Poster Generates Controversy for VIU Theatre Department
Who doesn’t like hearing both sides to every contentious...
-
Burned
In this sizzling short story, a father-daughter duo engage...
-
Susan Juby and Her Journey to Professorship
Susan Juby is a well-known Creative Writing professor at...
-
VIU | Where Do We Go from Here?
Rumours surrounding VIU’s financial turmoil run rampant....
-
Behind the Scenes with the Nanaimo Clippers
Follow Nav Reporter, Grace Penner, and Sports...
-
End of Summer Song
A poem describing the sense of urgency on missing out on...
-
The Death of Duolingo and His Iconic Rebirth
Owls, Cybertrucks, and popstars. What do these things have...
-
Unpopular Opinions
Join Daniela Guevara as she sits down with guest Becky...
-
An Evening in Oz
An exciting evening of figure skating took place at Frank...
-
Second-hand ChapStick
For two timid lovebirds, there’s nothing more...
-
Does the VIU Bunny Lay Eggs?
White fur, pink nose, a basket full of eggs—you know the...
-
Am I Proud to be VIU?
My experience isn’t a unique one. I am but one of many...
-
Seniors, Secrets, and Mob Ties
Two care aides argue over an old age home’s newest...
-
Free Speech in Brave Spaces
Join Jack Corfield for their last podcast at The...
-
VIU’s Dance Team in the Studio
Watch along for a sneak peak performance from VIU’s...
-
Dancers, Dreaming, and Original Joe’s
Maddie Joseph has been dancing since she was two years...
-
Sound Heritage
Sound Heritage store owner Nathan Randall isn’t just...
-
Ellisif, Uninterrupted
In the second part of her going to school with her family...
-
I Dream in Poetry
A poem from an Indigenous scholar not defined by any...
-
The Latest Catch
Nav alum Sam’s poem ponders creatures caught by...
-
WARNING: May Contain Gay Blood (PART 2)
Swabs, blood draws, and urine tests. This is Part Two of...
Back Issues
IN THIS ISSUE:
We embrace visual diversity, ice-cold immersions, parental guidance, raw poetry, and extrasensory artwork. Beacons illuminate community leadership, a star setter, food insecurity, and discriminatory policies behind blood donation. Contributors also share fantastically fiery tales, four drinks in five stanzas, and a funny little crab comic. Remember to take it easy, tiger.
05
IN THIS ISSUE:
We turn to musical exchange students, Mount Washington, ex-athletes, literary and student-run magazines (*cough* now in print *cough*), transformative literature, and the tale of a tiger-striped man. Contributors share comical HR complaints, problematic plane ticket prices, a positive portrayal of young love in poetry, pictures of the moon, and a passerine charcoal piece.
04
01
VIU Mariners Upcoming Season
Get ready to put your game face on! Varsity sports teams are back fighting for a PACWEST championship title. Mariners hockey will return to defend their BCIHL title, while Mariners baseball will have a strong start in the spring season.
Destruction Over Dialogue
In the wake of Vancouver Island University’s removal of the Palestinian Solidarity Encampment, Lee Groen speaks with Sara Kishawi about the school’s handling of the situation, the Canadian government’s hypocrisy, and what’s next for Palestinian...
What is Neurodiverse Love, Teigan & Padraig?
Teigan and Padraig share their experience as neurodiverse people in love. With the longest standing relationship of anyone we’ve talked to so far, their relationship has grown from living in a tiny-home, to graduating university, to building...
Saying “Goodbye”
Saying goodbye is never easy. Staying in touch can be even harder. University students share how they maintain meaningful friendships while attending university away from their hometown.
From Textbooks to Tuscan Tales
Signing up for my first Liberal Studies class felt like an accident, but it led me straight to Florence. Between the endless reading and shared apartments, I discovered two things: Renaissance art is mind-blowing, and bonding with fellow students...
VIU Mariners Hockey ft. Matthew Fleet and Maxwell Struss
The Nav’s Grace Penner asks two VIU Mariners—a goalie and a defenseman—about hockey superstitions, what the team does to prepare for games, and more!
Island Time Axe Throwing
Discover one of the best things to do in Nanaimo. Today we’ll visit Island Time Axe Throwing, a small business aiming to create a safe space for young adults and youth alike. Have fun at this alcohol-free establishment where you can throw...
Discovering Mocktails and Mixology
What makes a good mocktail? What makes them more than just fruit juice? Join me on my exploration into the world of non-alcoholic cocktails.
Tale of Two Danielas
Two Danielas discuss the importance of building a supportive community and how finding your group of friends makes all the difference—especially when studying abroad.
Saplings of Hope
I planted trees for three summers in the heat of the fire season from May to the end of July. It was a physically demanding job. I had countless scrapes and cuts, tendonitis in my elbow, and a hand swollen twice its size. Despite these physical...
Meeting Jesse Roper
Jesse walks into the Rhino Coffee House in Victoria at nine in the morning. He’s wearing flip-flops and gives off an overall Billabong vibe that matches his infamous bluesy tunes.
02
What to Do When You Get SAD
Living in Vancouver may feel like a dream in the summer, but once fall hits, the shift from West Coast to ‘Wet Coast’ is a harsh reminder that no sun comes without its share of rain. As the colder seasons roll in, it’s easy to get dragged down by...
Students on VIU’s Education Program
Homeschooler Jack Corfield asks students in VIU’s Education Program about their experiences in their practicums and classes. What skills do they learn to use? What do they learn on their feet? How can they help each other succeed? Find out in...
Renewable Hydrogen Energy
Advancement of Turquoise Hydrogen Energy Production Through Methane Pyrolysis.
Buried Connections
We’d hate to spoil this contributor’s shroomy short story….
Navigating Thanksgiving
Elke meets two VIU Elders and an Indigenous Studies student to discuss how they observe a holiday that harbours complicated origins. How do they celebrate this historically tense holiday? Do they celebrate at all?
A Summer to Remember
Eamon and I decided that if we were going to die, we were going out with good music. I cranked the Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Volume 1 and we held on for dear life.
VIU Mariners Soccer: WOMEN’S MIC’D UP WARM-UP!
Grace Penner heads over to Q’unq’inuqwstuxw Stadium to watch the women’s soccer match as VIU Mariners face the Douglas College Royals. After meeting Courtney Ingram, Tori Hauptman, and Mya Creed to talk team dynamics, we have Ingram mic up and...
The Spectre of Haven Hall
Mysteries. Manuscripts. Mansion-sitting. Fran Bacon faces distraction once again. With fresh signs of an intruder and the safety of her bedroom compromised, she has little choice but to risk detection in search of her missing cell phone.
Polls? In My Province? TODAY? It’s More Likely Than You Think
If you’re reading this, it’s not too late. Probably. Sure, politics can be scary, but it’s time. Time to vote in BC’s 2024 General Election.
Joyride
Whether I was struggling my way through life as a single mom driving a boxy Volvo, or on top of the world in a muscle car, what I drove represented the yardstick of how I was doing. I’ve been driving since I was fifteen, and who I am can still be...
Hullo Re-Review
Follow The Navigator’s Alonso Ortiz to ‘sea’ what the Hullo ferry service has to offer. Find out how this fast ferry is different from previous attempts, discover its positive impact on the Nanaimo community, and say ‘hullo’ to Xander France in an...
Meet Thrive
Join Daniela for another episode of The Navigator Podcast as guests Paola and Hannah from VIU Thrive discuss the mental health support programs available to VIU students. Discover how Thrive’s events and resources empower students to prioritize...
03
Reviving Girls on Fire
Join Jack, Becca, and Frankie as we discuss the return of VIU’s feminism club, a space for everyone! In this short update, we explore the exciting prospects for community creation and education that forming a club like Girls on Fire provides....
To Bed for the Winter
It’s important to not only care for the plants in the garden, but the garden itself.
Breaking Barriers
As a woman in a world of sports, journalism is challenging for not only Nav Reporter Grace Penner, but other journalism students Noelle Suzuki and Emily Brandstaetter. Follow their story and discover how these women conquer the scrutiny.
Welcome to the Tip-ocalypse
We’ve all had that awkward standoff with the tip screen; it’s man versus machine all over again. You’re standing there, staring at it like it’s some moral quiz you didn’t study for. Thoughts start spinning. This person probably needs the...
VIU Students Vote Yes for CHLY
VIU students voted to increase fees to support campus radio station CHLY 101.7FM. Find out how the CHLY Fee Referendum result benefits campus culture and how to get involved.
Local Theatres Take Centre Stage
Phones off please—we’re about to take a look at whether local theatre is an endangered artform, if it’s alive and well, or if it’s something somewhere in-between.
Paying Lip Service
Alyona Latsinnik interviews BC Conservative Candidate Marina Sapozhnikov during an election night. As an Indigenous Studies student, she is appalled by the shocking news she obtains during her interview. This is the exclusive, expanded...
Theatre After Dark
Join Daniela for another episode of The Navigator Podcast as guests Max Rukus, Alex Bhargava, and Jenna Bigmore discuss their experiences in VIU’s Theatre department. They explore themes like work/life balance, building friendships, and...
VIU Companions
Follow The Navigator into the small world of VIU’s favorite companions, the bunnies! Explore campus with our fluffy friends and take a minute to relax with us.
VIU Mariners Court Highlights ft. Max D’Amato and Kai Leighton
Grace Penner dribbles over to the gym to watch the VIU Mariners Men’s Basketball team win against the CBC Bearcats on October 25, 2024. Forwards Kai Leighton and Max D’Amato give us a recap and discuss plans to keep up the winning streak for the...
Stomaching the Landscape
Beatrix Taylor may be our Business Manager, but she’s also a poet and we didn’t even know it. Enjoy this treat we snuck into the magazine for The Nav’s return to print. (Everyone say “Thank you, Bea.”)
More, More, More
Beyond Words
Videos
Episodes
Creative Writing
Short Stories
Poems
Gallery Deck
Castle
Photo by James O’Reilly featured in Vol. 55, No. 2: Trick or Treat.
Sea Cue #2
Comic by David Harvey (2025) featured in The Navigator Vol. 56, No. 4.
Dozer
Drawing by Zoey Crispens (2025). Pencil portrait featured in The Navigator Vol. 56, No. 6.
Sea Cue #1
Comic by David Harvey (2025) featured in The Navigator Vol. 56, No. 4.
Playing with Heartstrings
Illustration by Charlie Szafron featured in Vol. 55, No. 5: Heartstrings.
Corvus Macrorhyncos Japonen
Illustration by Micha Marie (2025). Sketch featured in The Navigator Vol. 56, No. 4.
Nightmare Approaching
Illustration by Charlie Szafron featured in Vol. 55, No. 4: Dreamer.
Yellow Bird
Photo by James O’Reilly featured in Vol. 55, No. 2: Trick or Treat.
Autumn’s Beacon
Illustration by Charlie Szafron (2024). Digital Art featured in The Navigator Vol. 56, No. 2.
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