March 14, 2011

A pioneering physician, a UNBC founder, and an Inuit activist are the most recent recipients of UNBC’s most distinguished public award.

Gabor Mate has been a physician for more than 25 years but it has been his compassionate work with patients in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver that has made him a sought-after speaker and best-selling author. Dr. Mate’s work on mental illness, drug addiction, HIV, fetal alcohol syndrome, and attention deficit disorder has reinforced his conviction that mental health and bodily health are strongly connected.

Ian (Jim) Soles has the distinction of being a public servant who was able to realize the dreams of a region. He was a primary author of the UNBC Act, which created and governed UNBC until 2002. He was also an essential advocate for the creation of the Northern Medical Program. He is currently the Assistant Deputy Minister for Small Business, Technology, and Economic Development.

Sheila Watt-Cloutier is passionate about the effects of climate change on the people of the Arctic and it was her work on this topic as Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council that led to her nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. She has attracted much national and international acclaim during her career: a “nation builder of the decade” (Globe and Mail), the “northern medal” from Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, and the Order of Canada.

Honorary degrees are presented to individuals who display the highest levels of achievement in public service, the arts, business, politics, environmental stewardship, and community development. Past recipients have included Wade Davis, Rick Hansen, Bill Reid, and Iona Campagnolo. The 2011 recipients will be recognized during the Convocation ceremonies in Prince George on May 27, 2011.

Contact:

Rob van Adrichem, Vice President, External Relations, UNBC - 250.960.5724