The Force Commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda and an influential contributor to New Zealand education, especially amongst its indigenous people, will both receive honorary doctoral degrees from the University of Northern British Columbia. Lieutenant-General, the Honourable Romeo Dallaire and Distinguished Professor Graham Hingangaroa Smith will receive the degrees as part of the 2013 convocation ceremonies at UNBC’s Prince George campus on Friday May 31.

The Honourable Romeo Dallaire, a Canadian Senator and retired Canadian Army Lieutenant-General, is likely best known for the role he played as Force Commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda before and during the 1994 genocide. Dallaire learned of the attacks, which would take more than 800,000 lives in fewer than 100 days and provided that information to the UN. Permission to intervene was denied, however, and the UN forces were ordered to withdraw. Dallaire disobeyed the command and remained with a small force of soldiers and military observers to protect refugees seeking help from UN forces. This action saw him receive the Meritorious Service Cross, the United States Legion of Merit, and the Aegis Award on Genocide Prevention. The best-selling author is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a Grand Officer of the National Order of Quebec, and a Commander of the Order of Military Merit.

Distinguished Professor Graham Smith, a respected educationalist at the vanguard of alternative Maori education initiatives, is a key contributor to the development of what he calls the “25-year Maori educational revolution.” This period of alternative educational strategy development by Maori communities was energized by Smith’s commitment to enact his theories rather than just describe them. He has contributed to New Zealand’s broader education system, leading efforts to increase the number of Maori graduate students. Smith works extensively with indigenous peoples internationally, and is a regular contributor to national and international forums on indigenous issues. He is of Ngati Apa, Ngati Kahungunu, Kai Tahu and Ngati Porou tribal descent and is the current CEO/ Vice Chancellor of Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi: indigenous-university.

Honorary degrees at UNBC 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 include Rick Hansen, Bill Reid, and Iona Campagnolo. The 2013 recipients will be recognized during the Convocation ceremonies held in the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre at UNBC’s Prince George campus on May 31, 2013. More than 800 UNBC students are expected to graduate this year and receive their degrees during Convocation.