UBC appoints first-ever Indigenous chancellor

In a period of global racial tension, an Indigenous man will become the University of British Columbia's chancellor for the first time in history.

The Honourable Steven Lewis Point is the former Lieutenant Governor of B.C. and two-time UBC alumnus. Point will assume his new role as the 19th chancellor on July 1, succeeding Lindsay Gordon.

“I am incredibly honoured to become UBC’s next chancellor,” Point said in a press release.

“My father is from the Musqueam Nation and I’ve always felt a personal connection to this land. I look forward to returning to my alma mater and working alongside students, faculty, academic leaders and the broader community to advance the university’s vision.”

Point is a member of the Skowkale First Nation and has advocated for Indigenous people throughout his career. 

From 1991-1994, Point served as director of the First Nations Legal Studies program at the Peter A. Allard School of Law. In 2013, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree for his work and leadership within the Indigenous community.

He has been honoured with several prestigious awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals and the Order of B.C.

“Steven Point is truly an inspiration, not only for the UBC community, but all of B.C.,” UBC board of governors chair Michael Korenberg said in a release. “Steven has demonstrated exemplary leadership through his decades of outstanding service to the people of British Columbia and we are thrilled that he is returning to UBC to bring his vast knowledge and experience to the university.”

As chancellor, Point's duties will include representing the university as its honorary head and presiding over all major ceremonies and convocations.

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