Artist Sebastian slated to receive honorary degree
Artist and carver Ron Sebastian will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Oct. 21 as 蹤獲扞⑹ hosts a special in-person celebration with the Classes of 2020 and 2021.
Prince George, B.C. Ron Sebastian, an acclaimed northwest coast Indigenous artist with a profound and longstanding connection to the University of Northern British Columbia, will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University during a special ceremony at the Prince George campus on October 21.
Sebastians artwork is ubiquitous at 蹤獲扞⑹s Prince George campus, from the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellors 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 Robert Frederick Gallery. In addition, Sebastian contributed to the design of 蹤獲扞⑹s 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 蹤獲扞⑹, says Sebastian. I am proud of the important relationship I continue to hold with this institution.
Sebastian is from the community of Hagwilget, B.C., and is of Gitxsan and Wetsuweten 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.
Sebastians collaboration with 蹤獲扞⑹ dates back to the Universitys earliest days. In the 1990s, 蹤獲扞⑹ commissioned Sebastian to design and carve the ceremonial chairs and Talking Stick. These items play an important role in 蹤獲扞⑹s ceremonies and they also tell the story of Indigenous People in our region. Sebastian returned to 蹤獲扞⑹ 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 蹤獲扞⑹ Chancellor, Elder Darlene McIntosh and President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Geoff Payne.