Morgan OC vice-chair

Photo: Contributed

Gloria Morgan

Gloria Morgan, former chief of the Splatsin Indian Band and an Enderby resident, will be taking on the role of vice-chairperson of the Okanagan College board of governors.

Chris Derickson, a councillor with the Westbank First Nation and a four-year veteran of the board, was elected chairperson Tuesday.

Derickson replaces Summerland’s Connie Denesiuk, whose six-year term with the board ends in July.

Morgan steps into the role vacated by Derickson.

“Education has been and will be a key determinant for our region’s social and economic health, and I’m honoured to have the opportunity to contribute in this role,” said Derickson. “Okanagan College is a vital part of the economic and cultural landscape and I’m focused on ensuring it continues to develop its reputation and contributions.”

Derickson is a partner in Alderhill Planning Inc., which works with government and First Nations communities developing community plans, community engagement strategies, strategic plans and legal research services.

Morgan was chief of the Splatsin from 2001-05 and has been an RCMP officer, a general practice lawyer as well as a Crown Prosecutor.

She was the president of the Enderby and District Chamber of Commerce, a member of the RCMP's E Division Aboriginal Advisory Committee and served on the board of the Provincial Community Co-ordination for Women's Safety.

“Okanagan College has much to offer in terms of providing the educational opportunities that can serve all people, employers, marginalized groups, and all our communities. I’ve seen its strengths and capacity in the short time I have been on the board and I want to see that grow further,” said Morgan, who has been on the board of governors since 2016.

She was recently appointed to the BC Patient Safety and Quality Council and served on the BC Patient Care and Quality Review Board. She was the recipient of the Community Leader Awards - Community Builder award 2016, North Okanagan.