Professional PhilosophyAs an educator I am in a position of trust and that trust must be continually earned through dedication and persistence.
As a researcher my first duty is to my participants. They trust me to share their stories so that others may learn and we all may benefit. I also owe a duty to who contract me to help address their information needs. Relationships are at the heart of all that I work on. Working with people who ultimately share a desire for a more sustainable and equitable future is the greatest joy of my career. 
Working alongside colleagues in Tanzania has taught me so much. Masuma has a passion for food and introduced me to the best street food in Dar es Salaam
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Ngorongoro Crater - February 2020
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Education
PhD P.E. & Recreation |
MA Leisure Studies |
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Academic Leadership & Governance2021: Vice Chair, Faculty of Management Council (FOMC)
2021: Member, FOM Educational Standards Committee 2021: Recreation & Tourism Curriculum Committee 2021: International Education GSO/Crossing Boarders Steering Committee 2020 - 21: Recreation & Tourism Student Success Committee 2020 - 21: FOM Rep, VIU Educational Standards Committee 2017 - 19: Recreation & Tourism Student Success Committee 2015 - 17: Department Chair, Recreation & Tourism 2014 - 17: Chair, MA Sustainable Leisure Management 2014 - 17: Chair, VIU Research Ethics Board (Human) 2007 - 14: Member, VIU Research Ethics Board 2012 - 15: Recreation & Tourism Curriculum Committee 2011 - 13: SSHRC Graduate Scholarship Committee |
Yukon Study Tour Participants, Dr. Suzanne de la Barre, and I met with Caroline Sparks (RPAY) and Adrien Marsh (Sport & Rec Branch) to learn about recreation delivery in the Yukon - Oct 2020
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VIU Teaching Experience
MA in Sustainable Leisure ManagementSLM 601 - Leisure & Sustainability
SLM 602 - Case Studies in Sustainability SLM 605 - Knowledge Creation & Mobilization II SLM 606 - Field Experience Master's Thesis SupervisionBorgi, S. (2017). The marketing and management of Tunisia’s past: Visitor experience and narratives in historic sites and heritage tourism (Unpublished master’s thesis). Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, Canada. (Thesis)
Ellis, C. (2017). Exploring the implementation process leisure economic accessibility policies: A case study of Greater Victoria area (Unpublished master’s thesis). Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, Canada. (Thesis) Dey, D. (2020). Indian international students as quasi-domestic travellers in Canada: Exploring travel motivations and behaviours. (Unpublished master's thesis) Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, Canada (Thesis) Granja, M.A. (2018). The Shea livelihood in Wechiau, Ghana: Assessment of its sustainability from a gender perspective (Unpublished master’s thesis). Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, Canada. (Thesis) Jessen, K. (2014). Voluntourism and its influence on the capacity of the host community: The case of Ghana (Unpublished master’s thesis). Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, Canada. (Thesis) Kayaga, P.S. (2021). Destination Narratives in a Pandemic: Comparing the SocialMedia Posts of Kenyan and Tanzania Tourism Boards. (Unpublished master's thesis). Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, Canada. (Thesis) Lyimo, W.H. (2021). Exploring factors facilitating the engagement of women in traditionally masculine employment in tourism delivery: A case study of Tanzania Northern Tourism Circuit (Unpublished master's thesis). Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, Canada. (Thesis) Mbilinyi, B. (2021). The Roles and Responsibilities of Tour Guides in Tanzania (Unpublished master's thesis). Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, Canada. (Thesis) O’Keefe, L.R. (2015). Outdoor family leisure: A strengths-based age study of East Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario (Unpublished master’s thesis). Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, Canada. (Thesis) Weir, H. (2018). Parent’s knowledge and valuing of physical literacy and factors influencing their decisions about their children’s sport participation (Unpublished master’s thesis). Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, Canada. (Thesis) Xiao, X. (2018). Analysis of visitor’s perceptions of sustainability of a Chinese cultural destination: A content analysis of TripAdvisor comments on Wuzhen Ancient Town (Unpublished master’s thesis). Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, Canada. (Thesis) Lu, X. (2019). Leisure experiences of Chinese international students: The factors facilitating participation in physical activity (unpublished master’s thesis). Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, Canada. (Thesis) Thesis Co-SupervisonCao, Q. (2016). An examination of the volunteer involvement within the Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival from the perspective of social economy (Unpublished master’s thesis). Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, Canada.
Jonelle Knowles, Jean-Guy Robichaud, & Aggie at
The Rock Restaurant on Zanzibar
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Bachelor of Tourism Management Diploma Recreation & Sport Management
RMGT 161: Leadership in Rec & Sport RMGT 170: Delivery Systems in Rec & Sport RMGT 190: Programming and Event Planning RMGT 251: Research and Evaluation in Recreation RMGT 280: Leisure and Active Lifestyles Diploma Tourism Studies TOUR 161: Leadership in Tourism TOUR 190: Programming and Event Planning TOUR 215: Tour Group Packaging TOUR 251: Market Research in Tourism TOUR 208: Tourism Destinations Bachelor of Tourism Management TRMT 330: Niche Tourism TRMT 351: Statistical Analysis in Tourism TRMT 353: Community Development TRMT 357: Applied Research and Evaluation TRMT 358: Data Analysis for Decision Making TRMT 392: Programming and Services for Seniors TRMT 394: Sport Tourism TRMT 480: Special Topics - Leisure & COVID TRMT 490: Graduating Seminar Field School Programs
Spencer Godlonton - Learning to work with molten glass on the Yukon Study Tour Oct 2021
2021 - Yukon Study Tour
2019 - Ghana Research & Study Tour 2018 - Ghana FAM tour & Wechiau Internships 2017 - Ghana Research & Study Tour 2016 - Wechiau Shea Research launch 2015 - Kenya & Tanzania FAM & ATLAS 2013 - Ghana Research & Study Tour 2012 - Ghana Research & Study Tour (May - July) 2012 - Ghana Gender Realities Research (April) 2011 - Ghana Research & Study Tour 2010 - Ghana-Canada Partnership for Enviro Ed. 2009 - Ghana-Canada Partnership for Enviro Ed. 2007 - Adventure Tourism in Central America 
Exploring Whitehorse, Yukon with Dr. Suzanne de la Barre before students arrive for the 2021 Yukon Study Tour
Snowcapped mountains provided a beautiful backdrop to the Alaska Highway. The Yukon Study Tour travelled to Haines Junction for the 2021 RPAY Recreation Gathering - Oct 2021
Students on the Yukon Study tour assisted with facilitating a World Cafe at the RPAY Recreation Gathering.
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Undergraduate Research MentorshipFortune, M., Fournier, J., & Weighill, A.J. (2020). Exploring environmental knowledge, environmental education curriculum, and programming within the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary in Ghana. Technical Report: Research conducted as part of the 2019 GRST and funded by: VIU REACH Awards & John Weighill Memorial Award. (Report)
Fortune, M., Fournier, J., & Grigg, Z. (2019). Assessing pro-enivironmental behaviours and values of Wechiau junior-high students and teachers’ perceptions of environmental education curriculum in Ghana. Research conducted as part of the 2019 GRST. Fournier, J. & Boersen, A. (2019). Evaluating visitors’ experiences at the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary. Poster presentations at the 2019 Travel & Tourism Research Association Conference, Saskatoon, SK. Evaluation conducted as part of the 2019 VIU GRST. Fortune, M. & Brennan, G. (2019). Collaborative tourism development. Poster presentation at the 2019 Travel & Tourism Research Association Conference, Saskatoon, SK. Research conducted as part of the 2019 VIU GRST. Street, S. (2019). An exploration of the factors that support and constrain women’s participation in recreational ice hockey leagues. VIU REACH Award. Alves, L., Bodner, J., Schneider, K., Thibault, R., & Oware Amoah, M. (2012). Analysis of residents’ perceptions of the benefits and sacrifices of the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary. Research conducted as part of the Ghana Research & Study Tour. Alves, L., Bodner, J., Schneider, K., Thibault, R., & Oware Amoah, M. (2012). Evaluation of tourism services. Research conducted as part of the Ghana Research & Study Tour. Drope, N. (2014). International tourists’ perception of beach hawkers in a coastal Ghanaian community. Paper presented at the Canadian Congress of Leisure Research, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Coulter, A., & Labute, B., (2012). Exploring gender roles: The case of Larabanga, northern Ghana. Summary report for Directed Study on Gender and Cross-Cultural Research. Vancouver Island University Huneault, G., & Beaudoin-Lobb, M., (2014). The mutual gaze: How Busua women and female tourists perceive each other.Paper presented at the Canadian Congress of Leisure Research, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Labute, B. & Coulter, A. (2011). Perceived benefits and sacrifices of a community resource management area in Ghana.Paper presented at theBC Protected Areas Research Forum. Vancouver, Canada. Labute, B., Coulter, A., Davies, L., Clark, D., Harmon, C., & West, S. (2012). Perceived benefits and sacrifices of a community resource management area in Ghana. Summary report for the Protected Areas and Poverty Reductions project. Vancouver Island University Schneider, K., Drope, N., Huneault, G., Burgoyne, R., Beaudoin-Lobb, S., & Jessen, K. (2013). Analysis of residents’ perceptions of the benefits and sacrifices of the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary.Research conducted as part of the Ghana Research & Study Tour. |
Funding & Awards
Weighill, A.J. (2021). Research contract with City of Nanaimo for a Visitor Profile Study - $5000
Weighill, A.J., de la Barre, S., & Schroeder, J. (2021) Research contract with the Recreation & Parks Association of the Yukon to investigate COVID-19 impacts on physical activity and recreation delivery - $20,000.
Weighill, A.J., Collishaw, C., & Brouder, P. (2021). Research contract with BC Parks Land Acquisition Division to explore marine protected area use in the Discovery Island and Broughton Archipelago of BC - $35,000.
Weighill, A.J., Stone, G., Moghimefar, F., Johnson, A. (2020). VIURAC Award to Explore Leisure as a coping mechanism for COVID-19 related stress - $4800
Weighill, A.J. (2019). Vancouver Island University President’s Award for International Community Engagement.
Weighill, A.J. (2018). VIU Faculty of Management Leveraging Fund to research tourism and non-timber forest products as sustainable livelihoods in the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary in Ghana, West Africa. - $2000.
Weighill, A.J. (2017). VIUFA Travel and Conference Proceedings Fund to attend the 2017 ATLAS Africa conference in Eldoret, Kenya - $600
Weighill, A.J. (2015). VIU Faculty of Management Leveraging Fund to Travel to ATLAS Africa to attend the bi-annual conference in Dar es Salaam - $1500
Weighill, A.J. (2012).VIURAC Award to Explore the gendered nature of daily life in Larabanga, Ghana - $3960
Weighill, A.J., de la Barre, S., & Schroeder, J. (2021) Research contract with the Recreation & Parks Association of the Yukon to investigate COVID-19 impacts on physical activity and recreation delivery - $20,000.
Weighill, A.J., Collishaw, C., & Brouder, P. (2021). Research contract with BC Parks Land Acquisition Division to explore marine protected area use in the Discovery Island and Broughton Archipelago of BC - $35,000.
Weighill, A.J., Stone, G., Moghimefar, F., Johnson, A. (2020). VIURAC Award to Explore Leisure as a coping mechanism for COVID-19 related stress - $4800
Weighill, A.J. (2019). Vancouver Island University President’s Award for International Community Engagement.
- This award is given to recognize VIU employees that have demonstrated excellence in engagement within the international context.
Weighill, A.J. (2018). VIU Faculty of Management Leveraging Fund to research tourism and non-timber forest products as sustainable livelihoods in the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary in Ghana, West Africa. - $2000.
Weighill, A.J. (2017). VIUFA Travel and Conference Proceedings Fund to attend the 2017 ATLAS Africa conference in Eldoret, Kenya - $600
Weighill, A.J. (2015). VIU Faculty of Management Leveraging Fund to Travel to ATLAS Africa to attend the bi-annual conference in Dar es Salaam - $1500
Weighill, A.J. (2012).VIURAC Award to Explore the gendered nature of daily life in Larabanga, Ghana - $3960
Refereed Publications & Conference Presentations
Weighill, A.J., (February 2020). Academic and community partnerships for sustainable tourism development: Reflection on 10 years of field work. Conference Presentation: Linking Industry and Academia in Tourism and Hospitality Sector in Developing Countries. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Huneault, G., Otomo, M., & Weighill, A.J. (January 2019). Exploring the intersections of child welfare and Indigenous tourism growth in Canada. Conference Presentation: Tourism and the SDGs Conference: Critical and Constructive Conversations. Aukland, New Zealand.
Weighill, A.J. & Vaudry, K. (December 2018). Sustainable livelihoods within a Ghanaian protected area. Conference Presentation: BC Protected Areas Research Forum. Prince George, BC, Canada.
Weighill, A.J. (December 2018). Improving visitors' experiences through international partnerships. Conference Presentation: BC Protected Areas Research Forum. Prince George, BC, Canada.
Weighill, A.J. (November 2018). The evolution of the Ghana Research & Study Tour: A decade of (re)development. Conference Presentation: Academics Without Boarders: Reaching Across Boarders, Building a Better World. Montreal, QC, Canada.
Huneault, G., Otomo, M., & Weighill, A.J. (January 2019). Exploring the intersections of child welfare and Indigenous tourism growth in Canada. Conference Presentation: Tourism and the SDGs Conference: Critical and Constructive Conversations. Aukland, New Zealand.
Weighill, A.J. & Vaudry, K. (December 2018). Sustainable livelihoods within a Ghanaian protected area. Conference Presentation: BC Protected Areas Research Forum. Prince George, BC, Canada.
Weighill, A.J. (December 2018). Improving visitors' experiences through international partnerships. Conference Presentation: BC Protected Areas Research Forum. Prince George, BC, Canada.
Weighill, A.J. (November 2018). The evolution of the Ghana Research & Study Tour: A decade of (re)development. Conference Presentation: Academics Without Boarders: Reaching Across Boarders, Building a Better World. Montreal, QC, Canada.
Weighill, A.J., Briscoe, P. Msoma, R., Robichaud, JG., Knowles, J., Mibse, N., Maduhu, M., Kobelo, S., & Sabulaki, N. (2017). Seeking Cultural Validation: Tourism and Hospitality Managerial Competencies. Conference Presentation: ATLAS Africa Conference – Africa’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness: Opportunities and Challenges. Eldoret, Kenya.
Weighill, A.J., & Drope, N. (2015). Whose story is told: Exploring destination narratives in two Ghana communities. Conference Presentation: ATLAS Africa Conference – Tourism and Inclusive Growth in Developing Economies. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Weighill, A.J., Agyemen, A., Labute, B., & Coulter, A. (2013). Perceptions and Barriers: A gendered exploration of tourism and daily life in a Northern Ghana community. Conference Presentation: ATLAS Africa Conference – African Tourism and Global Society: Central or Peripheral? Kigali, Rwanda.
Weighill, A.J. (2013). The Ghana Research & Study Tour: A Case study of the benefits and costs to hosts and guests. Conference Presentation: ATLAS Africa Conference – African Tourism and Global Society: Central or Peripheral? Kigali, Rwanda.
Weighill A.J., Sasu K.A., Arthur J.L.,, Hammer, K. & Rollins, R. (2011). The role of university extension and conservation in ecotourism development. Conference Presentation: ATLAS Africa Conference – Sustainable Tourism And Environmental Education: A Natural Link? Kampala, Uganda.
Weighill, A.J., Walker, G.J., & Hinch, T.D. (2006). Moving beyond the average: Women as active sport travelers. Conference Presentation: Travel and Tourism Research Association of Canada Annual Conference. Montebello, QB.
Walker, G.J., Hinch, T.D., & Weighill, A.J. (2005). Inter- and Intra-gender similarities and differences in motivations for casino gambling. Leisure Sciences, 27, 111-130.
Weighill, A.J., & Drope, N. (2015). Whose story is told: Exploring destination narratives in two Ghana communities. Conference Presentation: ATLAS Africa Conference – Tourism and Inclusive Growth in Developing Economies. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Weighill, A.J., Agyemen, A., Labute, B., & Coulter, A. (2013). Perceptions and Barriers: A gendered exploration of tourism and daily life in a Northern Ghana community. Conference Presentation: ATLAS Africa Conference – African Tourism and Global Society: Central or Peripheral? Kigali, Rwanda.
Weighill, A.J. (2013). The Ghana Research & Study Tour: A Case study of the benefits and costs to hosts and guests. Conference Presentation: ATLAS Africa Conference – African Tourism and Global Society: Central or Peripheral? Kigali, Rwanda.
Weighill A.J., Sasu K.A., Arthur J.L.,, Hammer, K. & Rollins, R. (2011). The role of university extension and conservation in ecotourism development. Conference Presentation: ATLAS Africa Conference – Sustainable Tourism And Environmental Education: A Natural Link? Kampala, Uganda.
Weighill, A.J., Walker, G.J., & Hinch, T.D. (2006). Moving beyond the average: Women as active sport travelers. Conference Presentation: Travel and Tourism Research Association of Canada Annual Conference. Montebello, QB.
Walker, G.J., Hinch, T.D., & Weighill, A.J. (2005). Inter- and Intra-gender similarities and differences in motivations for casino gambling. Leisure Sciences, 27, 111-130.
Weighill, A.J. (2005). Women’s leisure: A building block of community? In T. Delamere, C.Randall, & D. Robinson (Eds.) The eleventh Canadian Congress on Leisure Research. The two solitudes: Isolation or Impact? Nanaimo, BC: Malaspina University-College. 654 – 658.
Weighill, A.J., & Hinch T.D. (2005). Moving beyond the average: Women as sport travelers. In T. Delamere, C. Randall, & D. Robinson (Eds.) The eleventh Canadian Congress on Leisure Research. The two solitudes: Isolation or Impact? Nanaimo, BC:
Malaspina University-College. pp. 654 – 658.
Weighill, A.J. (2004). Women who play while away: Domestic active travel in 2001. Conference presentation: Travel and Tourism Research Association International Conference; Montréal, QB.
Misener, L., & Weighill, A.J. (2003). Sport chicks, trad betty’s, and mountain mama’s: Exploring the female climbing experience. Conference presentation: North American Society for the Sociology of Sport conference, Montréal, QB.
Weighill, A.J. (2002). Women, leisure, and the redefining of “men’s work”. In E.L. Jackson (Ed.) CCLR 10 Book of Abstracts. Celebrating the Past and Future of Canadian Leisure Studies. Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta. pp 43 – 45.
Weighill, A.J. (2002). Canadian domestic sport travel in 1999. In M. Joppe (Ed.) TTRA-Canada Conference Proceedings. Accessing Destinations: How Do You Get Here From There? Toronto, ON: Ryerson University. (no page numbers)
Weighill, A.J. (2002). Women, leisure, and the redefining of “men’s work”. In E.L. Jackson (Ed.) CCLR 10 Book of Abstracts. Celebrating the Past and Future of Canadian Leisure Studies. Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta. pp 43 – 45.
Weighill, A.J. (2000). Exploring the meanings of leisure and community in the experiences of women building homes for Habitat for Humanity. In A. Loucks-Atkinson and C. Shannon (Eds.) University of Waterloo Eighth Annual Graduate Leisure Research Symposium Conference Proceedings. Issues and Challenges in Leisure Services and Scholarship. Waterloo, ON: University of Waterloo. pp 29 – 32.
Weighill, A.J., & Hinch T.D. (2005). Moving beyond the average: Women as sport travelers. In T. Delamere, C. Randall, & D. Robinson (Eds.) The eleventh Canadian Congress on Leisure Research. The two solitudes: Isolation or Impact? Nanaimo, BC:
Malaspina University-College. pp. 654 – 658.
Weighill, A.J. (2004). Women who play while away: Domestic active travel in 2001. Conference presentation: Travel and Tourism Research Association International Conference; Montréal, QB.
Misener, L., & Weighill, A.J. (2003). Sport chicks, trad betty’s, and mountain mama’s: Exploring the female climbing experience. Conference presentation: North American Society for the Sociology of Sport conference, Montréal, QB.
Weighill, A.J. (2002). Women, leisure, and the redefining of “men’s work”. In E.L. Jackson (Ed.) CCLR 10 Book of Abstracts. Celebrating the Past and Future of Canadian Leisure Studies. Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta. pp 43 – 45.
Weighill, A.J. (2002). Canadian domestic sport travel in 1999. In M. Joppe (Ed.) TTRA-Canada Conference Proceedings. Accessing Destinations: How Do You Get Here From There? Toronto, ON: Ryerson University. (no page numbers)
Weighill, A.J. (2002). Women, leisure, and the redefining of “men’s work”. In E.L. Jackson (Ed.) CCLR 10 Book of Abstracts. Celebrating the Past and Future of Canadian Leisure Studies. Edmonton, AB: University of Alberta. pp 43 – 45.
Weighill, A.J. (2000). Exploring the meanings of leisure and community in the experiences of women building homes for Habitat for Humanity. In A. Loucks-Atkinson and C. Shannon (Eds.) University of Waterloo Eighth Annual Graduate Leisure Research Symposium Conference Proceedings. Issues and Challenges in Leisure Services and Scholarship. Waterloo, ON: University of Waterloo. pp 29 – 32.
Fundraising
Vancouver Island University. (2021). Global Skills Opportunity program: Crossing Boarders: Using the Power of Place to Build Connections ($770,000). Part of the proposal development group and steering committee.
Vancouver Island University. (2018). Queen Elizabeth Scholar's Program ($300,000). Part of the partnership recruitment team. Darrell Harvey (Coordinator, International Projects & Internationalization) wrote the updated proposal.
Vancouver Island University. (2015). Improving Skills Training for Employment Program ($400,000). Team member in the development of the proposal with Peter Briscoe, Jean-Guy Robichaud, Jonelle Knowledge, and Darrell Harvey.
Vancouver Island University. (2014). Queen Elizabeth Scholar's Program ($800,000). Part of the proposal development team with Dr. Pam Shaw, Meg Savory (retired), and Audrey Hansen (retired).
Vancouver Island University. (2018). Queen Elizabeth Scholar's Program ($300,000). Part of the partnership recruitment team. Darrell Harvey (Coordinator, International Projects & Internationalization) wrote the updated proposal.
Vancouver Island University. (2015). Improving Skills Training for Employment Program ($400,000). Team member in the development of the proposal with Peter Briscoe, Jean-Guy Robichaud, Jonelle Knowledge, and Darrell Harvey.
Vancouver Island University. (2014). Queen Elizabeth Scholar's Program ($800,000). Part of the proposal development team with Dr. Pam Shaw, Meg Savory (retired), and Audrey Hansen (retired).