Musqueam Territory, Vancouver, British Columbia: Today, November 28, 2018, at the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Chan Center, ʔaʔsi wɬ  (Grand Chief Stewart Phillip) was awarded an honorary degree.

On behalf of the Syilx Okanagan people, we want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to ʔaʔsi wɬ for his years of hard work. It is our tradition to celebrate the achievements of our people, but today we also pause to honour him for his perseverance and commitment.  He has fought many battles, and today we are in a new era, where our Title and Rights are finally being recognized. There is a genuine desire for reconciliation on all sides, and we, the Syilx Okanagan Nation, are the beneficiaries of these tireless efforts to improve the lives of all indigenous people within our Nation, our province, in this country and internationally. Today, we acknowledge and honor ʔaʔsi wɬ for this extraordinary achievement and recognition of his life’s work.

Chief Chad Eneas stated that ‘When Grand Chief Stewart Phillip began working for our communities and fighting for indigenous rights, he was not welcome at the table, but he was undeterred. He is a man of conviction, a diplomat, and steadfastly committed to the rights of indigenous people everywhere. We are proud to call him our own!”

Pauline Terbasket followed, remarking that “Grand Chief Stewart Philip is a visionary, a man of integrity and I’m proud to call him a mentor. He is a role model for all our young people. The Syilx people join together in celebration of this man who has fought tenaciously for indigenous title and rights.”

Lim’ limpt Grand Chief Stewart Phillip for all that you have done, and continue to do, for the Syilx Okanagan Nation!

For further info contact:

Tara Montgomery, ONA Communications Lead
t: 1.250.707.0095 ext.120 e: tmontgomery@syilx.org
MEDIA RELEASE – GCSP Honorary Degree