Nisga’a Hereditary Chief Harry Nyce Sr., Sim’oogit Hleek, will be receiving, an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from UNBC this convocation season.
Chief Nyce has dedicated decades of service to the Nisga’a Nation, communities across Northern B.C., the whole province, and the whole country.
“I am grateful to be part of a journey working to build understanding, respect and partnerships,” Nyce said.
“To be recognized with this honorary degree by UNBC, an institution with a mission to empower northern communities and the people who live here, is truly meaningful.”
Born in 1947, Nyce’s childhood included years spent at Indian residential schools.
“I began my schooling in a one-room Indian Day School in Gitwinksihlkw before being required to attend the Edmonton Indian Residential School and the Port Alberni Indian Residential School on Vancouver Island,” he said.
“As I moved forward from those experiences, I cam to see access to inclusive, equitable education as a crucial pathway to healing, building relationships and fostering healthy, thriving communities.”
Nyce studied political science at the University of British Columbia, establishing the foundation for a lifetime of community service grounded in both Indigenous Knowledge and governance theory and practice.
He is also a steadfast supporter of post-secondary education and student success in the Nisga’a Nation and across Northern BC, playing a significant role in the partnership between the Nisga’a Nation and UNBC, with the establishment of the Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisga’a Institute (WWNI), where his wife, Dr. Deanna Nyce, serves as President and Chief Executive Officer.
“Education plays a significant role in cultivating the conditions needed to realize positive change. When we bring together Indigenous knowledge and academic learning, we create stronger paths forward for our youth,” he said.
“Beyond that, education supports the equal distribution of health, healing and positive well-being for all people.”
He contributed to regional governance for more than 30 years on the board of the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, and in 2009, he became the first Indigenous person elected as President of the Union of B.C. Municipalities.
“None of this work has been done alone, I have been fortunate to walk this path alongside my wife Deanna, our children and grandchildren,” Nyce said.
“My family has been a constant source of inspiration as I work with others to create a better future for them and the generations to come.”
Nyce will be awarded the honourary Doctor of Laws degree during UNBC’s 2026 Convocation at the Prince George Campus on May 29.
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