Lheidli T’enneh elder secures second term as UNBC’s Chancellor

Darlene McIntosh, an Elder with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, has been reappointed as UNBC’s Chancellor for a second term.

The move was made official by the Board of Governors today (Tuesday).

“It has been my honour and pleasure to serve as Chancellor of UNBC. I have seen the positive impacts of the University’s achievements and I am grateful for the opportunity to carry on in the role for another term,” McIntosh said.

“Engaging with students, faculty, staff and community at campus events, at the First Nations Centre and Convocation and graduation ceremonies across northern British Columbia has been so rewarding. We see truth and reconciliation taking place like never before and I look forward to continuing to enhance connections across the region and advancing UNBC’s shared goals around education, research and community impact. The future looks so bright.”

As Chancellor, McIntosh serves on UNBC’s Senate and Board Governors, confers degrees at UNBC’s Convocation and joins in graduation celebrations at campuses in Terrace, Quesnel and Fort St. John.

McIntosh began her role in July of 2022. Her second term begins May 1st 2025 and runs until April 30, 2028.

“It has been a pleasure to work alongside Chancellor McIntosh the past two years. Her reappointment as Chancellor ensures the UNBC community will continue to benefit from her wisdom, guidance and profound commitment to our mission to ignite, inspire and lead change,” says UNBC President Dr. Geoff Payne. “Thank you to everyone who provided feedback to the review committee and to the committee members for the dedication.”

Prior to taking on the role, she was a key member of the UNBC Lheidli T’enneh Translation Initiative team that led to the creation of the entrance sign in the Lheidli T’enneh dialect of the Dakelh language that reads Nizdeh Nekeyoh Hohudil’eh Baiyoh or House of Learning.

McIntosh also works as a Cultural Advisor at the College of New Caledonia where she provides holistic support, encouragement and guidance to Indigenous students, staff and faculty and promotes understanding of Indigenous culture, values and protocols.

“Elder McIntosh has nurtured meaningful and respectful relationships both at UNBC and in the broader community during her first term as Chancellor,” said UNBC Board of Governors Chair Joel McKay. “She is a true champion for the region, supporting and celebrating the best of UNBC’s achievements.”

McIntosh is UNBC’s eighth Chancellor, following the Hon. Iona V. Campagnolo, Dr. K. George Pedersen, Peter J.G. Bentley, Dr. Alex C. Michalos, Dr. John MacDonald, the Hon. James Moore and Dr. Joseph Arthur Gosnell Sr.