VIURRSpace (Royal Roads University and Vancouver Island University)
Not a member yet
25170 research outputs found
Sort by
Pyracantha
No full textPressed specimen of Pyracantha coccineahttps://viurrspace.ca/bitstream/handle/10613/27236/Arendt2.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=
Linking animals, social justice and social work
No full textSpeciesism is a social justice issue that refers to a widespread set of discriminatory beliefs, practices and structures that harm nonhumans. This research aims to contribute to the elimination of speciesism by raising awareness of this issue among social workers and by beginning to reshape their relations with nonhuman animals encountered in practice. Social workers were chosen for this study because of their commitment to social justice. Building on previous studies showing the need for education about animal-human relations in social work, this study explored the impact of education and networking on social workers’ willingness to advocate for nonhuman animals.
Nibert’s theory of oppression explains speciesism as the economically driven subjugation of nonhuman animals that is maintained by a pervasive ideology that devalues them. Ecofeminism points to the intersectionality of oppressions which includes the oppression of nonhuman animals. Critical animal studies provide an understanding of the foundational role of the animal-human boundary in constructing and maintaining these oppressions and identifies this boundary as a sight for change. Using participatory action research methodology, animal advocates were recruited to form a research team with me to develop an education module that reflected needs and interests of the oppressed group – nonhuman animals. The module challenged the fundamental belief of human exceptionalism by disrupting the animal human boundary. It did this by highlighting the agency of nonhuman animals demonstrated in displays of caring among animals – human and nonhuman. The education module was delivered to social workers and students in three focus groups and follow-up interviews were held to understand its impact.
After the education and networking, social workers were found to have a stronger connection of nonhuman animals in their practice as well as an expanded sense of social justice. The moral norm of social justice was determined to be an important influence in the process through which participants became more willing to advocate for nonhuman animals. The findings of this research also illuminate social work’s role in maintaining the animal-human boundary. The research points to the need for a) education about speciesism and consideration of the wellbeing of nonhuman animals in social work practice, b) professional organizations to support a community of practice related to inclusion of nonhuman animals, and c) grassroots mobilization to propel change in social work institutions. It is recommended that social work recognize trans-species social justice and make nonhuman animals, whom the profession has kept physically, conceptually, politically and morally invisible, visible
Analyzing the active transportation user experience in small, sprawled Canadian cities
No full textThroughout recent history, transportation planning and engineering have primarily been focused on improving automobiles' efficient movement, which has contributed to car dependency among small, sprawled cities. This thesis analyzes the active transportation user experiences in small, sprawled Canadian cities to better understand how planners can improve their experiences and perceptions and ultimately create healthier, more resilient transportation systems. Literature collected explores active transportation with physical activity and the built environment, transportation equity, and the planning profession concerning improving community health and transportation systems. Data was collected through surveys and interviews with active transportation users and transportation planners. The discussion section attempts to categorize findings into three main themes found in the research. Finally, recommendations are offered on how the small, sprawled cities analyzed could improve the transportation user experience.https://viurrspace.ca/bitstream/handle/10613/25764/VinceThesis.pdf?sequence=3Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Community Planning in the Department of Community Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vancouver Island University
Decolonization journey: nourishing the writer, learner, Montessori teacher
No full textThis study utilizes narrative inquiry to illustrate my journey as a Montessori teacher who aims to challenge colonial thoughts and behaviors that contribute to a Eurocentric worldview in the classroom. Understanding my complicity in settler colonialism helps to orient my teaching practice along relational and anticolonial lines and exploring my settler identity necessitates questioning my sense of belonging on Indigenous lands. I employ autoethnographic writing to better understand my context and responsibility as a white settler Montessori teacher. Personal fieldwork tools include a Transformative Inquiry Journal and a Critical Self-Reflection Template that assist me in applying critical self-reflection to identify personal assumptions and biases, as well as those embedded in Montessori content and materials. The autoethnographic products include storied letters with two of my ancestors, poetry, and critical self-reflection that connect my personal experience to larger relational and cultural contexts. I use my experience to describe and critique cultural beliefs and practices through utilizing reflexivity to name and interrogate the intersection between myself and society by turning back on my experience, identity, and relationships and how they influence my work as a settler Montessori teacher. The personal and professional implications of this project include a commitment to lifelong learning, a pedagogy of discomfort, the practice of critical self-reflection, and the impetus for adopting an inclusive leadership style. This study is premised on the concept of the learning spirit and is intended for settler teachers who are willing to confront and challenge cognitive imperialism in their classrooms (Battiste, 2013).https://viurrspace.ca/bitstream/handle/10613/26087/Holkestad.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=
Examining change responsiveness in healthcare and the frontline leader at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance
No full textThis thesis used an action engaged research methodology to cocreate actionable strategies that the senior leadership team at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance can use to support their staff in future change initiatives. This study investigated the question: How might frontline leaders at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance contribute to a change management framework that could inform future change initiatives? A qualitative sequential data collection approach was applied using interviews and a small group design activity. Four main themes emerged from the data: (a) perceptions and adaption to change, (b) input from managers and frontline staff versus tokenism, (c) communication processes during change, and (d) understanding the change and applying context. The project recommendations focused on cocreating a change management framework that can be used by the organization. This study adhered to the Royal Roads University Research Ethics Policy
A mindful adventure: a collaborative inquiry of mindfulness, adventure education, and student success
No full textThis collaborative inquiry sought to answer the primary research question “How can a series of facilitated dialogues focused on mindfulness and adventure enhance student success within the Adventure Studies Department at Thompson Rivers University?”. Guiding this inquiry was the intention to work with the department and its students using an action research methodology that considered the Action Research Engagement model and an appreciative stance. Five second-year diploma students from the Adventure Studies Department participated in three dialogical methods of learning circle, participant journaling, and a focus group. Any interaction with participants adhered to the Royal Roads University Research Ethics Policy. Using both an inductive qualitative analysis and a deductive analysis the following four themes emerged: understanding mindfulness, mindfulness and adventure education, community, and emotional intelligence. Each conclusion ultimately informed recommendations that center on implementing mindfulness into the program and are worth pursuing. The recommendations are: adopt mindfulness into the Adventure Studies Department’s strategic plan, encourage staff to explore mindfulness for their own sake, and integrate mindfulness into the existing curriculum using guiding principles
Sanctuaries: Creating nurturing spaces within communities
No full textSanctuaries exist in many forms. They provide safety and refuge for humans and animals, in form of natural and wildlife sanctuaries. Sanctuaries also provide a sacred space for humans intending to “transcend”, meaning to connect to a higher power. Therefore, sanctuaries can be found as physical indoor and outdoor places but also as a place within oneself. There is a physical and a “non-physical” aspect to sanctuaries. The research in this major project focuses on both, while at the same putting more attention towards the “physical” aspect of sanctuaries. This includes a detailed approach on how community planners can integrate and establish sacred spaces within their communities. It provides a small toolkit for planners, including practical’s steps, on how to transform macro-and micro spaces into sanctuaries. Furthermore, this research also includes a scientific background, based on environmental psychology, on why sanctuaries and sacred spaces contribute to people’s mental, emotional and physical health and wellbeing. This is going to be the foundation for why communities need to integrate more sanctuaries and sacred spaces.https://viurrspace.ca/bitstream/handle/10613/25738/WolfProject.pdf?sequence=3Major project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Community Planning in the Department of Community Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vancouver Island Universit
VIU Library Collections Spend Breakdown 2020-21
No full textA list of VIU Library collections-related expenses by format, acquisition model, and individual products. This includes data for fiscal year 2020-21.A list of VIU Library collections-related expenses by format, acquisition model, and individual products. This includes data for fiscal year 2020-21
Where the land meets the sea: Defining blue carbon extent within Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council boundaries
No full textCoastal wetlands such as tidal marshes, eelgrass, and estuaries have the unique ability to sequester carbon and are commonly known as blue carbon sinks. As the impacts of climate change worldwide are becoming intensified, the use of blue carbon sinks as a carbon management tool through carbon credits is an innovative way to manage carbon emissions. The study uses multidimensional Landsat imagery in a Principal Component Analysis to classify and identify coastal wetland areas using Random Forest and Support Vector Machine classifiers. The classified coastal wetlands are then used as an input in the Coastal Blue Carbon Integrated Valuation of Environmental Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) tool to evaluate carbon storage found within Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council (NTC) boundaries. Coastal wetland extents were found to have grown at rates of 58.93 % to 42.3 % over a twenty-year period. The total gross carbon emission for the entire study area was found to be between 3,188 to 21,415 tonnes of carbon. This study estimates that the total net gain in carbon storage for the entire study area ranges from 16,761 to 460,998.1 tonnes of carbon for the nominal year 2019. The study also estimated a future prediction of total net carbon storage where 80,750.97 to 852,387.04 tonnes of carbon are predicted to be stored within the study area by 2030. The estimated carbon storage and coastal wetland trends support the importance of land management and long-term planning within the study area. Interested groups such as NTC Nations can use this study as a foundation for future blue carbon projects, enabling them to define revenue streams using carbon tax incentives, eco-tourism, and prioritize restoration projects.https://viurrspace.ca/bitstream/handle/10613/26023/FossReport.pdf?sequence=
A scoping review of good methodological practices in research involving transgender, non-binary, and two-spirit youth
No full textTransgender, non-binary, two-spirit, and other gender non-conforming (GNC) youth have been the focus of increasing scholarly attention over the past decade. A scoping review method was applied to this growing body of literature to identify good practices and important themes in conducting research with GNC youth. A body of non-clinical, English-language scholarship was identified utilizing keywords relating to GNC youth, methods, and methodologies via searches in 33 databases, 3 specific journals, and other online sources. These works were then analyzed for good practices, with themes emerging related to institutional review boards (IRBs) and assent/consent, advisory boards and community involvement, recruitment, identity descriptions, adultism, youth agency and voice, intersectionality, knowledge mobilization, and researcher reflexivity.This work was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada in the form of Doctoral Fellowship #752-2020-3079