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In this issue:

Read about mental health, an emotionally conflicting stage play, Nanaimo’s non-profits and homelessness, and the truth about Orange Shirt Day. See Canada’s weather through the lens of an international student, get to know our new Interim President and so much more!

Articles

Headliners

Aerial view of Vancouver Island University.

VIU’s New President and Vice Chancellor

VIU has been facing a financial crisis for the past six years and needs to get back on track. Newly appointed VIU President and Vice Chancellor Dr. Dennis Johnson is part of the solution. With his experience, education, and drive, Dr. Johnson may be the missing piece VIU needs.
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Aerial view of Vancouver Island University.

VIU’s New President and Vice Chancellor

VIU has been facing a financial crisis for the past six years and needs to get back on track. Newly appointed VIU President and Vice Chancellor Dr. Dennis Johnson is part of the solution. With his experience, education, and drive, Dr. Johnson may be the missing piece VIU needs.
Books and bills sprawled across the counter.

Banking for Books

With the costs of Vancouver Island, how can anyone afford post-secondary? Read more about two University students’ financial experiences and some expert saving tips.

Features

A photo of the Strong Nations book and gift store.

How Strong Nations Tells a Story

Over the last 15 years, Strong Nations has supported literacy communities of Vancouver Island by publishing authentically diverse stories of Indigenous voices. As the Manager of Publishing, Topher Beaton provides exclusive insight on their recent and upcoming endeavours of this local business that doubles as publishing house and online bookstore.
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Sketch of the audience’s view of As You Like It.

The Likeability of “As You Like It”

The Island Summer Theatre Festival’s “As You Like It” takes you back in time, but not as far back as you might think. Amidst technical difficulties and confusing additions to the script, a brilliant cast pulls together an entertaining performance that united communities looking for a unique summer experience.
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A photo of a women wearing an orange shirt sitting cross-legged

Orange Shirt Day

A call to action to understand what Orange Shirt Day means and how VIU students can honour the past and make steps to reconcile the future. Also known as Truth and Reconciliation Day, Orange Shirt Day is a day for all Canadians to acknowledge, commemorate, and honour the survivors and families of residential schools. We invite our generation to continue these practices. What does that look like...
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Two posters to help prevent suicide, call 988 toll free 24/7 for help

Reach Out

There is never a wrong time to reach out for help. Vancouver Island Crisis Society and VIU counsellors share their perceptions on suicide.
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Hands belongings to an unhoused person.

Sheltering the Unhoused

In British Columbia, comfortable living has become luxury. As housing becomes more expensive and the wages are not growing at a fast enough to catch up with inflation, let’s talk about the housing affordability crisis and the homeless population of Nanaimo.
Read More
A photo of the Strong Nations book and gift store.

How Strong Nations Tells a Story

Over the last 15 years, Strong Nations has supported literacy communities of Vancouver Island by publishing authentically diverse stories of Indigenous voices. As the Manager of Publishing, Topher Beaton provides exclusive insight on their recent and upcoming endeavours of this local business that...
Sketch of the audience’s view of As You Like It.

The Likeability of “As You Like It”

The Island Summer Theatre Festival’s “As You Like It” takes you back in time, but not as far back as you might think. Amidst technical difficulties and confusing additions to the script, a brilliant cast pulls together an entertaining performance that united communities looking for a...
A photo of a women wearing an orange shirt sitting cross-legged

Orange Shirt Day

A call to action to understand what Orange Shirt Day means and how VIU students can honour the past and make steps to reconcile the future. Also known as Truth and Reconciliation Day, Orange Shirt Day is a day for all Canadians to acknowledge, commemorate, and honour the survivors and families of...
Two posters to help prevent suicide, call 988 toll free 24/7 for help

Reach Out

There is never a wrong time to reach out for help. Vancouver Island Crisis Society and VIU counsellors share their perceptions on suicide.
Hands belongings to an unhoused person.

Sheltering the Unhoused

In British Columbia, comfortable living has become luxury. As housing becomes more expensive and the wages are not growing at a fast enough to catch up with inflation, let’s talk about the housing affordability crisis and the homeless population of Nanaimo.

Poetry

Videos

The Port Theatre building used for the Nanaimo Fringe Fest. "Inside Nanaimo Fringe Fest"

Inside Nanaimo Fringe Fest

Nav Videographer Daxton Comba goes behind the scenes on Nanaimo’s 2025 Fringe Festival for its fifteenth anniversary. Shining a light on this backstage effort, Daxton talks with Fringe Fest’s Artistic Producer Yvette Dudley-Neuman about the challenges of organization, Fringe Fest’s Technical Director Brandon Caul on the significance of the festival to members of the community, and learns about...
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Poster for the Hub City Soap Box Derby. Showing two carts racing around the back of a man with a mic.

August in Nanaimo: Hub City’s 4th Annual Soap Box Derby

Liam Prendergast captures the Hub City’s fourth Annual Soap Box Derby in his first exciting video as The Nav’s Sports Videographer. Homemade, creatively designed, gravity-powered carts raced downhill on August 16, 2025, near Bowen Park on Wall Street in Nanaimo, bringing the community together for a fun-filled fundraising event. Beyond the fun and speed, all proceeds from the event go to the...
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The Port Theatre building used for the Nanaimo Fringe Fest. "Inside Nanaimo Fringe Fest"

Inside Nanaimo Fringe Fest

Nav Videographer Daxton Comba goes behind the scenes on Nanaimo’s 2025 Fringe Festival for its fifteenth anniversary. Shining a light on this backstage effort, Daxton talks with Fringe Fest’s Artistic Producer Yvette Dudley-Neuman about the challenges of organization, Fringe Fest’s Technical...
Poster for the Hub City Soap Box Derby. Showing two carts racing around the back of a man with a mic.

August in Nanaimo: Hub City’s 4th Annual Soap Box Derby

Liam Prendergast captures the Hub City’s fourth Annual Soap Box Derby in his first exciting video as The Nav’s Sports Videographer. Homemade, creatively designed, gravity-powered carts raced downhill on August 16, 2025, near Bowen Park on Wall Street in Nanaimo, bringing the community together for...

Podcasts

Thumbnail for podcast episode featuring text that reads "VIU Students and Faculty react to RateMyProfessors.com. Give a listen to the Nav's new podcast series, Elke's on the Island" against a navy background.

VIU Students and Faculty React to RateMyProfessors.com

We all know RateMyProfessors.com exists. At the start of a new semester, students frequent the professor reviewing site more than ever. Associate Media Editor Elke Sorensen spoke with three VIU students: Cynthia deConinckSmith, Meetika Kher, and Liv Loewen to discuss why RateMyProfessors.com is a helpful tool in determining what to expect from instructors in her new Nav Podcast, Elke’s on the...
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Thumbnail for podcast episode featuring text that reads "VIU Students and Faculty react to RateMyProfessors.com. Give a listen to the Nav's new podcast series, Elke's on the Island" against a navy background.

VIU Students and Faculty React to RateMyProfessors.com

We all know RateMyProfessors.com exists. At the start of a new semester, students frequent the professor reviewing site more than ever. Associate Media Editor Elke Sorensen spoke with three VIU students: Cynthia deConinckSmith, Meetika Kher, and Liv Loewen to discuss why RateMyProfessors.com is a...

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