Deanne is a Creative Writing graduate from Vancouver Island University, where she also completed a minor in Marketing and a certificate in Digital Marketing. She is returning to The Navigator for her second year, moving into the role of Associate Editor after serving as Features Editor for Volume 57.

Originally from Yellowknife, NT, Deanne is the recipient of Briarpatch Magazine’s 2025 Northern Writing Prize for her forthcoming feature on gaps in addiction recovery and aftercare in the North. Her writing and photography have also appeared in Lazy Dog Magazine and Portal Magazine, and her short story “Soaring” was shortlisted for the Nanaimo Arts Council’s Islands Short Fiction Review in 2025.

Outside of The Navigator, Deanne works as a Publishing Assistant at Strong Nations Publishing. When she isn’t writing or wandering outdoors in search of mushrooms, she is attempting to become a birder and dreaming about finally finishing that novel.

Daxton is a fourth-year Creative Writing student at VIU, a Graphic Designer, physical media hoarder, and filmmaker. He served as Script Editor and Audio/Visual intern for Portal 2025, and moved to Acquisitions Editor for Portal 2026 while working as videographer for The Nav. His writing has been published in both Portal and GOOEY magazines, and he received the Meadowlarks Award for Fiction in 2025.

A short stage play of his was produced for VIU’s 2025 One-Act Festival, and over the summer he wrote and directed a stage play titled Funeral Cake for the 2026 Nanaimo Fringe Fest. He is now the Associate Media Manager for Vol. 58 at The Navigator, and insists that he has overcome his fear of ghosts.

Raya is a fourth-year Graphic Design student joining The Navigator for her first year as Art Director. She brings experience from her time at Foe Creative in Victoria, along with a growing portfolio of work.

Raya enjoys the art of storytelling and discovery, and she may just leave easter eggs in the artwork. She believes in being present and making the most of the moment. Find her wherever the energy is: a café, playing pool, or on the dance floor.

Rachel is a third-year student pursuing an honours in Philosophy and a major in English. She has previously volunteered as an editor for The Compass Rose and has presented her work at conferences in Nanaimo and Victoria. When she is not working on assignments or reading a book, she can be found hosting events across campus as president of the Philosophy Club.

Masha is a fourth-year student at Vancouver Island University pursuing a double major in English and Creative Writing. Her award-winning short story “Don’t Fence Me In” and non-fiction piece “Borrowed Time” both appeared in Portal 2025. She is a multi-genre writer and a mixed-media visual artist.

Lauren is a third-year English major at VIU with a passion for all things literary. They’ve been writing fiction since they were ten, and she doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon. This is their first year at The Navigator, and she’s thrilled to be contributing as this year’s Metro Editor.

When they’re not writing, they can be found baking, watching bad movies, and trying her very best to grow vegetables.

Karen is a fourth-year graphic design student and is returning for their second year with The Navigator! Previously working as the website designer Karen is excited to be moving into the graphic designer role for this year! During the summer she worked with Tourism Nanaimo in their marketing department and managing their social media!

When not working or studying you can often find Karen meticulously browsing through housing listings to take a look at their floorplans, or taking some time to chill and play Minecraft!

Tyler is a fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration student at Vancouver Island University, majoring in Marketing with a minor in International Business. He brings communications experience from his roles working in the Faculty of Management and the Future Students department. He is eager to apply his marketing skills to elevate the digital presence and social media channels of The Navigator.