Dr. Nathan Matthew, Chancellor Emeritus

Matthew is one of Canada’s most-respected advocates for Indigenous education. A member of the Simpcw First Nation and former Kúkwpi7 (chief), he was a senior negotiator for First Nations education in BC, playing a key role in advancing education jurisdiction legislation. In 2006, Matthew received an honorary doctorate from TRU and he joined the university as its inaugural executive director of Aboriginal Education. For the next eight years, he oversaw numerous successful efforts to indigenize the campus and curriculum.

For his advocacy in education, Matthew was recognized nationally with the Indspire Award for Education in 2017. His belief in the power of education to change lives and communities continued to inspire colleagues and students at TRU in his role as chancellor from 2018 to 2024. The first Indigenous person in that role at TRU, Matthew taught the university community about Secwépemc values through his example. TRU values his wisdom and guidance as chancellor emeritus.