Photo: ONA

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip has been awarded an honorary degree from the University of British Columbia.

The head of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs and former Penticton Indian Band chief was recognized during a ceremony Wednesday in Vancouver.

“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,” said PIB Chief Chad Eneas “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!”

Phillip has been president of the UBCIC since 1998 and is also chairman for the Okanagan Nation Alliance.

ONA executive director Pauline Terbasket called him a “visionary.”

“He is a role model for all our young people,” she said. “The Syilx people join together in celebration of this man who has fought tenaciously for indigenous title and rights.”