VIU Tiwsemawtx

10/06/2026

What if we looked at farming through a more holistic lens? Explore agroecology at VIU, including land management perspectives and the ecological, social, and economic connections that shape our farms, gardens, communities and ecosystems.

Register for this course or learn more https://cowichan.viu.ca/professional-development-and-training/agroecology-perspectives-principles-and-practices

Explore Agroecology at VIU

Explore ecological and farm biodiversity, climate-adaptation and ecosystem restoration strategies while building your understanding of sustainable approaches to agriculture and land management.

Online evening classes: October 29 to December 10
Thursdays, 6 to 9 pm

Optional in-person field days: November 14 and 21 in the Cowichan Valley

The course is delivered online, so you can participate from anywhere in BC. Optional in-person field days are highly recommended for those looking for additional hands-on learning and practical experience.

Registration is open now. Learn more and register through the link in our bio.

09/29/2026

Today our campus honoured Orange Shirt Day with a number of events including a presentation of local history, knowledge sharing, and storytelling by Tla’amin Lands and Resources department, screening of the film "Namesake", a Reflection Wall, and a soup and bannock lunch.

Please note campus will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, September 30 for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

09/28/2026

New Course!

Join instructor, Miyuki Kamiya and master the art of homemade sushi in this fast-paced, three-hour session where participants will learn to roll three kinds of sushi including

- Classic Maki
- Flip inside-out Uramaki
- Temaki (the iconic cone-shaped sushi)

All sushi rolling will be done using traditional bamboo mats.

More information and registration https://tc.viu.ca/community-education-and-training

Note: This course is offered as a Lifelong Learning course with reduced fees for anyone aged 50+

09/25/2026

Join your instructor, Shauna Andrews, and explore the craft of genre... and the art of blending them in this 8-week prose and poetry workshop.

Participants will workshop one another's writing in a supportive, craft-focused environment while exploring contemporary examples of published works that blur genre boundaries.

By the end of the course, each participant may end up with a draft, a deeper understanding of what makes their writing more powerful, or simply a memorable experience.

More details and registration https://tc.viu.ca/community-education-and-training

09/24/2026

Team tiwšɛmawtxʷ had a fantastic day today at the annual Brooks Secondary Career Day! Students visited a whole host of local businesses and organizations sharing knowledge on possible career paths for students.

Thank you to Brooks staff and volunteer students for making us feel so welcome and putting on such an incredible event and thank you to all the students who visited our table.

09/22/2026

New course alert!

Have you ever thought about starting a business in qathet? Or maybe you already have one but are wondering how to make it grow. This course will cover the basics of small business creation, from non-profits to investable startups.

Topics include ideation, business development process, market research, presentation and fundraising.

More information and registration https://tc.viu.ca/community-education-and-training

09/18/2026

Everybody dies, yet most people aren’t prepared for their own or a loved one’s death. This series invites participants to consider and plan for three dying-related scenarios that go beyond making wills, appointing POAs, or delegating medical decision makers.

Session 1: The Final Story. Learn how to write a eulogy and/or obituary, even if you feel like the exact wrong person to write it.

Session 2: Beyond the DNR (Do Not Resuscitate). Learn how to document what quality of life really means to you, and how to inspire confidence in those who will make decisions on your behalf.

Session 3: The Creative Legacy. Learn what happens when an artist, musician, or writer dies and how to plan for a creative legacy so loved ones know how to honour your work.

Flexible registration is available. Save by signing up for the whole 3-part series or register for sessions individually.

More details and registration https://tc.viu.ca/community-education-and-training

NOTE: This is a Lifelong Learning course with reduced fees for those under 50.

09/17/2026

New course alert!

Join instructor Chris Arkell and build practical skills for safe deconstruction, material recovery, reuse, and recycling while exploring opportunities in the circular economy. This five-day professional development and training program includes hands-on learning and four industry certifications including

- OFA Level 1
- Confined Space Training
- Asbestos Awareness Training
- WHIMIS

Learning will take place in and out of the classroom addressing material diversion and assessing value and building markets for these materials. Participants will develop the knowledge and skills needed to work safely and effectively in deconstruction environments while contributing to a more resilient regional economy.

More details and application https://tc.viu.ca/circular-economy-deconstruction-and-training

This project is delivered with funding support from the B.C. Government's Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) and Synergy Foundation.

09/17/2026

Food Safe Level 1 is a must for kitchen staff and dining room attendants as well as anyone who handles food.

Learn about illnesses, personal hygiene and health, serving food, food protection and prep, receiving and storing food safely, ware washing and a variety of storage methods.

More details and registration https://tc.viu.ca/community-education-and-training

PLEASE NOTE: PRE-REGISTRATION for this this course is required by Thursday, October 8.

09/16/2026

If you are downsizing for yourself or a family member or planning to in the future, this course will guide you through the emotional and practical aspects of downsizing, providing tools, strategies, and support to make the process manageable and even joyful.

Participants will walk away with a personalized step-by-step action plan with realistic goals and timelines and knowledge about community resources for donating, selling, recycling, and moving.

Gain a clear roadmap, and the tools to move forward with confidence, knowing you can handle whatever comes next while creating space for what matters most.

Registration and more details https://tc.viu.ca/community-education-and-training