January 29, 2004 For Immediate Release

A pioneer researcher on fetal alcohol syndrome and one of Canada’s leading First Nations artists will receive honorary degrees from the University of Northern British Columbia in 2004.

Dr Kwadwo Asante first published research on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in 1980 and is now recognized as a Canadian expert in the field. He is currently a paediatrician at the The Asante Centre for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Maple Ridge, BC, a facility founded by concerned parents, professionals, and Dr Asante. The Centre provides diagnostic and support services for families. Dr Asante has a long history in northern BC, providing paediatric services to four hospitals in northern BC and the Yukon from 1970-1990. From 1973-1990, he was also the Medical Director at the Kitimat Child Development Centre. Dr Asante was a member of the BC Children’s Commission from 1997-2002. He received the honour, Friend of UNBC, in 1994.

Haida artist Robert Davidson is considered one of Canada’s most important contemporary artists. He is a master carver of totem poles and masks and works in a variety of other media as a printmaker, painter, and jeweler. He is also noted for his achievements as a dancer. Mr Davidson grew up in Masset on Haida Gwaii and lived there until 1965 when he moved to Vancouver. He started working as an apprentice of Bill Reid in 1966. He has taught at the ‘Ksan school in Hazelton and has been commissioned to create major pieces in Canada and the US. Mr Davidson has received four honorary degrees, a national aboriginal achievement award, the Order of British Columbia, and the Order of Canada.

Dr Asante and Mr Davidson will officially receive their honorary degrees at the University’s May 28th Convocation Ceremony in Prince George. An honorary degree is the most distinguished award that can be presented by a university. It recognizes outstanding achievement in the arts, public service, scholarship, research, or teaching. Previous recipients at UNBC have included Bill Reid (1994), Ray Williston (1997), Iona Campagnolo (1999), and Audrey McLaughlin (2003).