Distinguished British Columbians to be Recognized in May

March 20, 2009

A forest scientist, an Aboriginal land rights activist, and a medical philanthropist will be receiving honorary doctoral degrees from the University of Northern British Columbia in 2009 as part of the annual Convocation ceremonies on May 29. 

 John Borden is a forest insect specialist at Simon Fraser University with an unparalleled influence on the policy and practice of forest health in BC. In fact, every university-level course on forest entomology is taught by former students or associates of Dr. Borden and every regional forest entomologist in the province is one of his former students. He has published more than 300 papers on insect management.

Alfred Joseph (Gisdaywa) is a Witsuwit’en elder from Hagwilget who has been a proponent for Aboriginal land rights since the 1960s, serving as a co-plaintiff in the landmark Delgamuukw-Gisdewe court case. He is also a carver, historian, and education advocate, who assisted in the development of courses for UNBC on local aboriginal cultures.

Donald Rix is a physician who has made valuable contributions to patient care by establishing laboratory and diagnostic services in communities across BC and Canada. A member of both the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada, Dr. Rix is a former Chair of the UNBC Board of Governors whose contributions to health research have earned him the distinction of having the Northern Health Sciences Centre (home of the Northern Medical Program) named in recognition of his generosity.

In addition to the honorary degree, the University will be recognizing faculty members who have recently retired. In recognition of their service to UNBC and to the North, former First Nations Studies professor Margaret Anderson and History professor Gordon Martel will be receiving the distinction of being named a professor emerita/emeritus.

This year, graduation will be split between three ceremonies on May 29, with all being held in the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre.

Contact:
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622