First Nation chief Nathan Matthew was appointed chancellor of Thompson Rivers University Feb. 2, 2018.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Thompson Rivers University
February 02, 2018 - 4:25 PM
KAMLOOPS - Simpcw First Nation Chief Nathan Matthew has been selected as the next chancellor for Thompson Rivers University.
In a news release, TRU says the school's board of governors announced the selection today, Feb. 2.
Matthew is chief of the Simpcw First Nation of Chu Chua near Barriere, a position he's held for more than 20 years. He's also an educator and well-known advocate for the advancement of Aboriginal education in the province.
“Nathan Matthew’s commitment to create a better future for others embodies all that we are at TRU and makes him the right choice as chancellor,” Jim Thomson, chair of the university’s board of governors, says in the release.
Matthew was the university's first executive director of Aboriginal Education from 2006 to 2014, and was awarded an honorary doctorate of letters in 2006, the release states.
“We are thrilled to have someone with Matthew’s background take such an important role,” Alan Shaver, TRU’s president and vice-chancellor says in the release. “The individual holding the honorary position of chancellor is a reflection of the university’s values at the highest level.”
Matthew has also been a member of the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs Committee on Education, and an education consultant throughout the province.
Matthew has "played a key role" in advancing education jurisdiction legislation and the Tripatite Education Framework Agreement between First Nations, provincial and federal governments which recognized significant First Nations control over education programs and provided appropriate funding for First Nations schools, TRU says.
He was also a founding member and chair of School District 73's First Nations Education Council. He was recognized for his advocacy in education with an honorary membership in the B.C. First Nations Schools Association in 2006, and the national Inspire Award for Education in 2017. Most recently, he was awarded School District 73’s Owl Award of Excellence in Public Education.
"It is an honour to be selected chancellor of Thompson Rivers University, which is situated on the traditional lands of the Secwepemc people,” Matthew says in the release. “As a lifelong resident of the Interior, I have witnessed the positive impact of the decades of development of this post-secondary institution, from a local college campus to a progressive, multi-disciplined degree-granting university. I am pleased to have the opportunity to represent TRU, a university that is committed to sustainability and excellence through the provision of a broad range of programs, a research orientation and access to open learning.”
Matthew will be TRU's third chancellor, with his appointment effective March 1. University chancellors serve three-year terms, which can be renewed.
The institute's first chancellor was Nancy Greene Raine who held the position from 2004 to 2010. Current Chancellor Wally Oppal has been in the position since 2010.
TRU chancellors preside over convocation ceremonies and are members of the university’s board of governors and senate.
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