Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed, who has spent his career expanding awareness and understanding of Inuit rights and realities as well as advocating for social equity for Inuit in Canada, is set to receive an honorary degree on Oct. 21.

Carrier Sekani Family Services Chief Executive Officer Warner Adam has spent his career advocating for Indigenous children and families. He has collaborated with UNBC researchers on studies related to health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people as well as reshaping the politics of health care. Now he's set to receive an honorary degree from UNBC on Oct. 21.

Artist and carver Ron Sebastian will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Oct. 21 as UNBC hosts a special in-person celebration with the Classes of 2020 and 2021.

The Wabooz garden has undergone an inviting transformation this summer as phase one of the First Nations Centre's revitalization plan nears completion. UNBC student Sarah McLaughlin credits tremendous support from Facilities staff for helping with her efforts to lay a foundation that will allow the garden to bloom and grow in the years to come.

First Nations Studies Associate Professor Dr. Daniel Sims has been working extensively with communities in the Tsek’ehne Nation to determine how concepts of wilderness have impacted economic development in the territories. A new grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Insight Grant program will help Sims further his research.

Elder Darlene McIntosh is honoured to be the first UNBC Chancellor from the Lheidli T’enneh Nation. She has been an active member of the UNBC community for years, from providing welcoming words at events to participating in the UNBC Lheidli T’enneh Translation Initiative committee.

Hubert Haldane and Kaitlyn Nyce are the oldest and youngest graduates in the history of the Wilp Wilxo'oskwhl Nisga'a Institute. They each earned UNBC Bachelor of Arts in First Nation Studies degrees in 2022. They learned from each other during their studies, sharing knowledge through generations.

The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health and the Health Arts Research Centre, both housed at UNBC, are receiving a $1-million Indigenous Services Canada grant for a two-year project focused on promoting cultural safety and Indigenous knowledge in health care.