A move to Fort St. John to reconnect with extended family has led to a much deeper connection to her cultural roots for Jolene van Wieringen. The recent UNBC graduate found her community and calling during a practicum placement while completing her Bachelor of Social Work degree at the Peace River-Liard campus.

Modelling for others her belief in the importance of education, Julia Adams passionately pursued two degrees in her home community in the Nass Valley as a way to deepen her understanding and further connect to Nisga'a culture and traditions.

The First Nations Planning major in the School of Planning and Sustainability allowed this year's recipient of the Pounamu Taonga Award to explore, understand and further establish her sense of identity. Ryan O'Toole says the experiences gained during her undergraduate degree have been life changing.

As UNBC continues to celebrate the Class of 2023, the importance of lifelong learning and learning in home communities was highlighted during the graduation ceremony at the Wilp Wilxo'oskwhl Nisga'a Institute.

Garry Gottfriedson, a Secwépemc knowledge holder and cultural leader committed to lending his knowledge in both land-based teaching and creative writing, is set to receive an honorary degree on May 26.

It was a season for learning new skills and sharing stories through art, as students gathered with Cree/Dakelh artist Clayton Gauthier for wood carving sessions through the winter months.

Learning from the Elders that water is the most precious of the four elements, Dr. Darlene Sanderson's professional and academic pursuits have focused on caring for and protecting waterways. Recently appointed Dr. Donald B. Rix Leadership Chair for Indigenous Environmental Health at UNBC, Sanderson will join with community-based researchers from Tl’etinqox and Qwelmínte Secwépemc Nations as the keynote presentation on Monday, launching Research Week at our Prince George campus.

UNBC student Sarah Dixon received a 2022 Skills Award for Indigenous Youth from the Forest Products Association of Canada and the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers, recognizing her contributions as a mentor to other Indigenous youth interested in natural resource industries and her commitment to a sustainable future.

UNBC faculty Dr. Sheila Blackstock and Dr. Daniel Sims are stepping into the roles of Academic Co-Leads at the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health, as longtime Academic Lead Dr. Margo Greenwood moves on into her new role as Senator in the federal government.