A renowned Indigenous scholar and a noted Prince George businessperson will received honorary degrees during this year's University of Northern British Columbia convocation.
Dr. Jo-ann Archibald and John Brink will be presented with Doctor of Laws degrees on May 31.
Archibald, Q'um Q'um Xiiem, is a professor emeritus in the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia and is from the St:l and St'at'imc First Nations.
Archibald said she has worked with colleagues at UNBC over the years.
"I was always impressed with the university commitment to Indigenous peoples and their communities," she said. "At the same time, I admired and valued the expertise, scholarship, and work of the faculty, staff, and students. This honorary degree makes me feel like a very proud extended family member of UNBC."
Brink is the chief executive officer of Brink Forest Products, the largest secondary wood manufacturing company in Canada and 13th largest forest company in B.C.
He established the business in 1975 with a lumber re-manufacturing and finger-jointing plant - the first of its type in Canada.
"Arriving in Canada in 1965 at the age of 24, I had a dream of building a sawmill. I had one suitcase, the clothing on my back and $25.47 in my pocket. Most importantly, I had a dream I would never give up on," Brink said.
"With a positive attitude, relentless passion and undying work ethic, I pushed hard towards my dream and succeeded. Today, nearly 55 years later, I see these exact same characteristics driving UNBC's vision of becoming Canada's leading destination university."
Archibald will receive her honorary degree at the College of Arts, Social and Health Sciences ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Brink will receive his honorary degree at the College of Science and Management ceremony at 2:30 p.m.
In addition to the ceremonies in Prince George, UNBC is scheduled to hold regional celebrations in Gitwinksihlkw on June 3, Terrace on June 4, Quesnel on June 6 and Fort St. John on June 7.
