Dakelh Elder Yvonne Pierreroy has worked in the realm of language revitalization and education, between Prince George–Lheidli T’enneh and Fort St. James–Nak’azdli Whut’en, for the majority of her life. Pierreroy’s work at the university began when it hardly had a presence. In those early years of the institution though, she acknowledged the opportunity to take some post-secondary courses which had then become a new option. She didn’t know that that choice would lead to a legacy of educating others.
Thirty some years later, the institution she helped create is acknowledging her efforts with a Doctor of Laws degree. When it comes to applying her interpretation of law and justice, she refers to an early class where they suggested the now adopted motto for UNBC, “‘En Cha Huná, which means, respect all forms of life. Be respectful, and that’s one of my main teachings, is to be respectful of others, and your surroundings.”
Stories also available on frequencynews.ca, 88.7 FM in Prince George—Lheidli T’enneh, and cfur.ca/listen-live Mon-Fri 7:30am & 5pm PST
CFUR Radio Society’s journalist, Ian Gregg is funded by the Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) through the Community Radio Fund of Canada (CRFC).