The University of Northern British Columbia (UN小蓝视频) will be handing out an honorary degree at a special ceremony next month.
Ron Sebastian, an acclaimed northwest coast Indigenous artist with a profound and longstanding connection to the UN小蓝视频, will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the university on Oct. 21.
Sebastian’s artwork is ubiquitous at UN小蓝视频’s Prince George campus, from the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor’s ceremonial chairs as well as the Talking Stick that adorn the stage at Convocation, to the intricately carved and painted Senate doors, to the carved Raven on permanent display in the Rotunda Gallery.
Sebastian has also contributed to the design of UN小蓝视频’s Coat of Arms and he has donated several other pieces of impressive artwork.
“I am honoured to be a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from UN小蓝视频,” said Sebastian. “I am proud of the important relationship I continue to hold with this institution.”
Sebastian is from the community of Hagwilget, 小蓝视频, and is of Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en ancestry. He holds the hereditary name, Gwin Butsxw (Likes-to-be-Packed). Sebastian is from the House of Spookw in the Lak Gibuu (Wolf) Clan.
In addition to being a talented artist, Sebastian is also a knowledge holder, and a proud father and grandfather.
His collaboration with UN小蓝视频 dates back to the university’s earliest days. In the 1990s, UN小蓝视频 commissioned Sebastian to design and carve the ceremonial chairs and Talking Stick.
These items play an important role in UN小蓝视频’s ceremonies and they also tell the story of Indigenous People in the region.
Sebastian returned to UN小蓝视频 to take part in the 25th anniversary celebrations in 2015, where he shared the story of the creation of these special items.
The honorary degrees will be presented as part of a day of celebration on Oct. 21, which will also include a special in-person celebration for the Classes of 2020 and 2021 as well as the formal installation of UN小蓝视频 Chancellor Elder Darlene McIntosh and President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Geoff Payne.
