Community education and training

Wednesdays, October 7 to November 4; 5:30 to 7:30 pm

This course guides participants through the emotional and practical aspects of downsizing, providing tools, strategies, and support to make the process manageable and even joyful.

Each session builds upon the previous week's learning while addressing both the logistical and emotional challenges of transitioning to a smaller living space. 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.

If you are downsizing for yourself or a family member, you will feel supported and guided along the journey and will have everything you need to succeed at what can be an overwhelming process. By the end of these five weeks, you'll have 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.

Course code: DOWN 001 F26R70
5 sessions
$154 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for Downsizing with Confidence: How to Get Started

Instructor: Cheryl Siba

Cheryl is an entrepreneur and professional expert with a degree in Energy Psychology and an Elder Planning Counselor (EPC) designation. She brings both personal and professional experience supporting individuals and families through downsizing and life transitions. Cheryl is passionate about teaching practical, real-life strategies while also acknowledging the emotional aspects of change. Her approach creates a supportive learning environment where participants feel understood, capable, and empowered to move forward. Cheryl’s goal is to help make what can feel like an overwhelming process more manageable, clear, and achievable for everyone involved.

Wednesdays, October 28 to November 25; 5:30 to 7:30 pm
No class Wednesday, November 11

Treating others ethically means acting with fairness, respect, and consideration, but our natural personality differences can lead to misunderstandings—even when we try our best. As Peter Drucker observed, most people think they know themselves and others, but they’re usually wrong.

This course uses the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) as a communication tool to help you understand your own needs, distinguish between "must-haves" and compromises, and recognize the needs of others through simple conversation using Keirsey’s temperaments. You will learn to move beyond conflict by exploring assertive communication and ethical collaboration—clearly stating your needs while finding mutual compromises—over aggressive or passive approaches. Aggressiveness produces resistance. Passivity is giving up your needs. Finally, the course will explore neuroscientific insights into how these preferences manifest in behaviour.

Pre-work: As a starting point for discussion, participants are expected to complete the free online personality questionnaire at Psychology Junkie (approx. 20 mins) and bring their four-letter type result to the first class.

Course code: KNOW 001 F26R70
4 sessions
$145 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for Ethical Communication: Know Yourself; Know Others

Instructor: Neil R. Abramson

Neil, BA in Sociology (U. of Saskatchewan), MA in Social Psychology (U. of Western Ontario), MBA and PhD in International Business (Richard Ivey School of Business/U. of Western Ontario), is a retired business professor from Simon Fraser University. Prior to academia, he was a salesperson (insurance, advertising, training and development) and an entrepreneur/partner in three businesses (advertising, games, consulting) in Saskatchewan.

Saturday, October 24; 9 am to 4 pm

This course is a must for kitchen staff and dining room attendants and is worthwhile for anyone who handles food. 

You will learn about:

• illnesses
• personal hygiene and health
• serving food
• food protection and preparation
• receiving and storing food safely
• ware washing and storage methods

You must attend all class hours.

Textbook and certificate are included in the cost of tuition. Certificate issued by Vancouver Coastal Health.

Course code: QFOO 001 F26R70
1 session
$85 + $30 lab fee 
Pre-registration required by Thursday, October 8, 2026
Location: on-campus

Register for FoodSafe Level 1

Instructor: Michael Nguyen

Michael is an experienced Environmental Health Officer (EHO) and passionate educator, specializing in food safety and public health. With a deep commitment to ensuring the well-being of communities and the environment, Michael has dedicated his career to promoting safe food handling practices and fostering a culture of health and sustainability. Michael has worked extensively across the qathet region as an EHO.

Tuesdays, September 29 to October 13; 5 to 8 pm

Introduction to the Neuroscience of Manifestation is a three-part workshop that explores how neuroscience supports manifestation by rewiring thought patterns, emotions, and habits to achieve goals. Led by Dr. Jaspreet Soor, this course combines practical exercises, guided reflections, and evidence-based techniques to harness the power of the mind and manifest success.

Participants in this workshop will:

• understand the scientific principles behind manifestation, including key brain systems such as the Reticular Activating System (RAS), Prefrontal Cortex, Mirror Neurons, Amygdala, and neuroplasticity
• learn how positive thought patterns and emotional alignment contribute to effective manifestation
• practice powerful neuroscience-based tools such as visualization, affirmations, mindfulness, and habit creation
• begin to identify and overcome limiting beliefs and mental barriers to amplify manifesting power

Course code: NEMA 001 F26R70
3 sessions
$200 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for Introduction to the Neuroscience of Manifestation

Instructor: Dr. Jaspreet Soor

Dr. Jaspreet (MBChB) is an experienced Transitions Consultant certified as a life coach, end-of-life doula and energy healing, with a background in neuroscience and holistic wellness practices that help individuals embrace their true power. Dr. Soor brings a unique blend of medical expertise, coaching skills, and a deep understanding of habit transformation to empower individuals in achieving their fullest potential. She has been supporting individuals for about two decades, steeping her work in a philosophy of holistic wellness with a Live Authentically, Die Meaningfully approach giving clients a safe space to explore their physical, emotional and spiritual wellness needs.

See the Medical Terminology and Anatomy and Physiology page.

Tuesdays, September 15 to November 3; 4:30 to 6 pm

This course is for those who understand basic notation and rhythm and want to build on their introductory music reading knowledge and delve deeper into the elements of music. Participants need to be able to read pitches, basic notes, and rest values; understand the difference between a tone and a semitone; and be able to recognize sharp and flat signs. If you are not sure if you should register for this course, you may contact the instructor for guidance.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• recognize the difference between simple and compound time signatures
• name scale degrees
• identify selected major and minor scales and corresponding key signatures
• identify selected major and minor triads
• identify selected intervals
• identify letter names of notes on bass and treble clefs accurately including accidentals
• tap/clap a range of rhythms accurately at sight
• sing/play a range of melodies at sight
• understand a range of common musical terms, symbols, and markings

Course code: REMU 002 F26R70
8 sessions
Fee: $100 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for Music Theory Level 1

Instructor: Susan Lines

Susan has been a facilitator of community music education for over 30 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Leicester University, a Bachelor of Music from Ulster University and a Master's degree in Vocal Performance from Queen's University, Belfast. Susan was a lecturer in Performing Arts in Belfast prior to immigrating to Canada. She worked as a church soloist, voice teacher and recitalist in Ottawa. Now in Powell River, Susan continues to teach voice privately and offers group vocal training through the Sing Outside the Shower courses (a model she developed in Ottawa). Susan is an active vocalist and sings with Vox Madrigal.

Mondays, October 5 to November 16; 6:30 to 7:30 pm
No session Monday, October 12

Soon after you board an airplane and are seated and settled in, a Flight Attendant goes over the in-flight safety rules and gives one vital instruction: “If the oxygen masks drop down during the flight, always put your own mask on first.” The logic is simple: If you can’t breathe, you can’t help anyone else. The same is true of parenting: it is very rewarding, but it can also be challenging, stressful, and sometimes extremely overwhelming. 

Join Frank to get the "oxygen" you need to navigate the ups and downs of raising children. He will present strategies to reduce your stress and effectively support you and your children, helping you build the emotional resilience to raise a connected family.

By the end of these six weeks, you will be able to:

• understand the stages of a child’s brain development to better manage reactions
• reduce challenging behaviour by creating effective routines
• teach your child how to process and manage big feelings
• maintain a Reflective Journal to track progress

This workshop will involve group discussions and direct facilitation focused on practical skills.

VIU - tiwšɛmawtxʷ extends a special thanks to Frank Radcliffe, whose generous volunteer hours allow us to charge only a nominal $30 fee.

Course code: PRNG 001 F26R70
6 sessions
$30 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for Parenting: Unlock Your Potential

Instructor: Frank Radcliffe

Frank is a long-time Powell River educator with experience primarily with students from Kindergarten through to Grade 9. Over the years, he noticed how much more challenging it was becoming for children to maintain focus and follow direction in the classroom.

Frank began doing research into and attending courses and workshops which focused on supporting the needs of children who struggle with attention span, hyperactivity, anxiety, and an inability to manage their emotions. For the next five years, he worked in elementary schools with classroom teachers and support staff to address these issues. Together, they reviewed, developed, and implemented strategies to help students lower their stress levels and function more effectively in the classroom.

Tuesdays, September 29 to November 3; 5:30 to 7:30 pm and Saturday, October 17; 9 am to 12 pm (Session 3: field trip)

This six-session photography course is designed for beginners and enthusiasts who want to build confidence and gain creative control with their camera. Across ten hours of in-class instruction plus a three-hour field trip, participants will explore core principles including composition, exposure, ISO, shutter speed, aperture, and focal length, along with the strengths and limitations of different lenses. Sessions blend clear, practical theory with guided exercises, helping you understand not just how to take a photo, but why it works.

You will also learn how to work with natural and available light and gain an introduction to popular styles such as landscape and portrait photography with an in-class portrait session using lights, backdrop, and other equipment/set decoration. One off-campus field trip (Session 3) will provide hands-on opportunities to apply your skills in real-world settings, with personalized feedback to support your growth.

Equipment Requirements: All students will need to bring their own camera, ideally:

• a Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) plus at least one lens; or
• an advanced point-and-shoot camera that has manual settings and a zoom lens; or
• an advanced phone camera (e.g., iPhone12 Pro/ProMax and above, or equivalent Android with manual Pro mode or installed app unlocking manual settings).

Students with a DSLR will gain the most from the course; however, the majority of principles to be explored will be relevant to all photography and this course will provide an excellent primer for those wanting to advance their skills from point-and-shoot or phone camera to more advanced equipment.

Pre-work: To better personalize the learning, prior to course delivery the instructor will be sending all students a brief questionnaire on their photography experience and equipment they plan to use for the course.

Note: Session 3 is an off-campus field trip of three hours.

Course code: PHOP 001 F26R70
6 sessions
Fee: $250 + GST
Location: on-campus and an off-campus field trip

Register for Photography Fundamentals: From Snapshot to Skill

Instructor: Neil Every

Neil has worked as a photographer and videographer for over twenty years. A graduate of the Vancouver Film School, Neil was a member of the camera department on many hit TV series including The X Files, The Outer Limits, Dark Angel and the Canadian cult classic Hardcore Logo.

Neil moved to Powell River with his family several years ago and does all marketing for VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ. Through his company qathet Media, Neil provides photographic and video services to the qathet Region with recent clients including POW, the PR Kings hockey team, qathet Regional District, Desolation Sound Resort, and Kiwanis Manor Residential Home.

Thursdays, October 15 to November 19; 5:30 to 7:30 pm

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. We will discuss the challenges and opportunities with starting and operating a business in qathet.

With a blend of theoretical and practical exercises, this course aims to equip students with the basic concepts of business creation and provide the tools and resources to start a new business in the qathet region.

Course code: ENTR 001 F26R70
6 sessions
Fee: $220 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for Starting and Growing a Business in qathet

Instructor: Dr. Patrik Jones

Dr. Patrik is co-founder of five deeptech companies. He was Professor at Imperial College London (a global top 10 University) and received the European Research Council fellowship. He has published more than 60 peer-reviewed papers and taught entrepreneurship to undergraduates, postgraduates, and academics.

In qathet, Patrik operates a consulting business helping clients ranging from individual startups to the European Commission solve Research and Development (R&D) challenges and evaluate investment opportunities. He also mentors for several national and international organizations.

Thursdays, October 22 to December 10; 5 to 7 pm

In this eight-week prose and poetry workshop, participants will explore the craft of various genres – and the art of blending them. As a group, we will workshop one another’s writing in a supportive, craft-focused environment while exploring contemporary examples of published works that blur genre boundaries. Through guided discussion and peer feedback, writers will deepen their practice, refine their voice, and experiment with hybrid forms if desired. This course is best suited for intermediate to advanced writers who are comfortable and committed to sharing work and engaging critically. 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.

Course code: PPWR 001 F26R70
8 sessions
Fee: $185 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for The Living Form Collective: Where Genres Meet

Instructor: Shauna Andrews

Shauna (she/her) is a freelance writer and workshop facilitator with an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. She has been longlisted for the CBC Poetry Prize and published in literary periodicals including The Malahat Review, Maisonneuve, The Humber Literary Review, Petal Projections, Portal and Incline. For more about Shauna, visit Cowgirl Grammar.

Mondays, September 14 to November 23; 5 to 6:30 pm
No class Monday, October 12

This by-audition course is for you if you sing in the treble range (soprano, mezzo soprano, alto) and have prior singing experience as well as an understanding of basic vocal techniques. You will need to practice your part between classes.

You should have completed a Sing Outside the Shower course or equivalent and be able to sing your own part in tune with some confidence. Some ability to read music is necessary.

Note: If you are interested in this course, please contact us to reach the instructor to discuss scheduling an audition.

By the end of the course, you will be able to do the following in selected works:

• demonstrate healthy phonation and very good tuning when singing
• demonstrate good breathing techniques, the smooth negotiation of vocal registers, and good body alignment when singing
• sing in harmony with other parts with confidence
• sing with vowel uniformity and achieve tonal unity with other singers
• develop an increasingly resonant sound individually and in ensemble
• take part in a performance of one piece at the end of the course (optional)

Course code: ENSG 003 F26R70
10 sessions
Fee: $100 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for Treble Ensemble Singing

Instructor: Susan Lines

Susan has been a facilitator of community music education for over 30 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Leicester University, a Bachelor of Music from Ulster University and a Master's degree in Vocal Performance from Queen's University, Belfast. Susan was a lecturer in Performing Arts in Belfast prior to immigrating to Canada. She worked as a church soloist, voice teacher and recitalist in Ottawa. Now in Powell River, Susan continues to teach voice privately and offers group vocal training through the Sing Outside the Shower courses (a model she developed in Ottawa). Susan is an active vocalist and sings with Vox Madrigal.

Tuesdays, October 13 to October 27; 9:30 am to 12 pm

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. 

Topics included in this series:

• Session 1: The Final Story. Learn how to write a eulogy and/or an 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.

Each session will address emotional, spiritual, and practical considerations for decision-making and provide clear frameworks to ensure plans are documented and stored effectively. Lana offers a safe, supportive, and skills-based environment for people to claim and record their hopes, beliefs, and preferences about death and dying.

Flexible registration is available: save by signing up for the whole series, or register for individual classes.

Course code: LFLL 004  
Choose one of the following:  
F26R70 - 3 sessions
Fee: $30 + GST (whole series)
F26R71 - session 1
F26R72 - session 2
F26R73 - session 3
Fee: $17 + GST (individual classes)
Location: on-campus
Those under 50 can register for an additional fee of $20 + GST to attend this class

Register for Beyond the Will: The Stuff Nobody Teaches about Dying

Instructor: Lana Cullis

Lana is a writer and change maker. Her writing draws on waking dreams, voices, and visions that reveal the tender places where human truth, individuality, and courage intersect. She is a lay minister who respects the teachings shared by traditional elders and nature as well as family lineage. Lana strives to be a bridge between people of all faiths. Her career as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor, serving people with complex needs and determined spirits, spanned three decades. Before retiring, Lana became an accreditation specialist with CARF, helping recovery-focused agencies meet and maintain the highest industry standards in both Canada and the United States. As a facilitator and as a writer, Lana utilizes the power of wonder to activate change in work, life, and play. Lana lives, writes, and plays on BC’s Sunshine Coast.

Saturday, October 3; 12 to 3 pm

Discover the fresh and vibrant flavours of coastal Mexico in this hands-on cooking experience. In this class, you will learn how to prepare authentic Acapulco-style ceviche, a traditional fish recipe from the state of Guerrero, as well as delicious fish pescadillas (tortillas filled with seasoned fish), one of the most popular street foods from Mexico’s Pacific coast.

While cooking, we will explore the history, ingredients, and culinary traditions that make these dishes favourites in coastal Mexican households. At the end of the class, we will share tips for recreating these dishes at home. No previous cooking experience is required. 

Note: Please bring an apron and plastic containers.

Dietary note: This class utilizes corn tortillas, fish, and fresh produce (tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime).

Course code: LFLL 006 F26X70
1 session
Fee: $17 + $20 lab fee + GST
Those under 50 can register for an additional fee of $20 + GST to attend this class
Seats are limited
Location: Cranberry Seniors Centre

Register for Coastal Flavours of Mexico

Instructor: Samantha Enríquez Sotelo

Samantha was born and raised in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, where she developed a deep connection to traditional Mexican cuisine and family recipes passed down through generations. Coming from a coastal region known for its fresh seafood, ceviches, and traditional street food, she learned to appreciate food as an essential part of cultural identity and family life.

Samantha currently lives in British Columbia and enjoys sharing the richness of Mexican cuisine. Through her classes, she creates a warm and welcoming environment where participants not only learn authentic recipes, but also the stories, traditions, and cultural heritage behind Mexican cooking.

Tuesday, October 20; 10 am to 1 pm

Master the art of homemade sushi! This fast-paced, three-hour sushi class offers a hands-on experience in three distinct styles of sushi. Students begin by learning how to wash, cook, and season perfect short-grain sushi rice before practicing vegetable slicing. Participants will roll classic Maki, flip inside-out Uramaki, and craft the iconic cone-shaped Temaki using traditional bamboo mats. The workshop concludes with a wrap-up where you can proudly package and take home your delicious creations to enjoy!

Note: Please bring an apron, plastic containers, and a bamboo sushi rolling mat. If you do not have a mat, spares will be available.

Course code: LFLL 005 F26X70
1 session
Fee: $17 + $25 lab fee + GST
Those under 50 can register for an additional fee of $20 + GST to attend this class
Seats are limited
Location: Cranberry Seniors Centre

Register for Japanese Sushi: 3 Styles

Instructor: Miyuki Kamiya

Miyuki has lived in Powell River since 2003. Originally born in Japan, she also spent 10 years living in Edmonton. Miyuki is passionate about exchanging cultural awareness and sharing her heritage through the culinary arts. She looks forward to meeting everyone and sharing stories.