VIU’s tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus invites public input on future of post-secondary training in region

Residents can have their say through a survey and in-person session.

Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus is planning for the future delivery of post-secondary education and training in the qathet region.

The plan will ensure that program delivery reflects the needs of the community while contributing to the health and well-being of the region.

Input from community will inform the plan. Feedback is being collected through an online survey as well as an in-person focus group session. The survey is a quick way for local residents to give their opinion and be entered into a draw featuring an array of prizes from local businesses.

“This is an opportunity to help us shape the next two decades of post-secondary education in the qathet region,” said VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ Campus Administrator Liam Haggarty. “VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ is committed to delivering courses and programs tailored to the needs and priorities of our community. This process will guide us forward.”

The in-person session will further explore and develop themes that have emerged from VIU’s meetings with community partners over the past months and from the survey.

“We have received input from key community stakeholders, including Tla’amin Nation, City of Powell River, qathet Regional District, SD47 Administration, Brooks high school students and teachers and various community organizations,” said Nathan Jantz, Project Lead, Strategic Development Initiative. “The feedback has been invaluable, providing direction for this survey and engagement.”

The tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus was gifted its name by the Tla’amin Nation executive council in 2022 and means House of Learning. This year marks the campus’ 50th year of operation and last year it was voted “the Best Place to Learn” by qathet Living Magazine.