Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Victor Kaisar

New TRU President

Tkemlúps te Secwépemc lauds appointment of Dr. Airini as new TRU president

Apr 4, 2025 | 1:59 PM

TK’EMLÚPS TE SECWÉPEMC — Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc says it is “encouraged and inspired” by the appointment of Dr. Airini as the fifth President and Vice-Chancellor of Thompson Rivers University (TRU).

In a statement Friday (April 4), Tk’emlúps says TRU’s appointment of Airini is a significant step forward “for the broader landscape of Indigenous education and reconciliation across Canada.”

“Dr. Airini brings with her a wealth of experience in advancing equity in education and working in partnership with Indigenous communities,” the statement said. “As an internationally respected scholar and former Dean of the Faculty of Education and Social Work at TRU, she has already demonstrated a strong commitment to Indigenous engagement and inclusive leadership.”

“Her return to TRU as President signals a renewed opportunity to strengthen relationships between the university and the original peoples of this land.”

Tk’emlups says it hopes Airini’s appointment as TRU’s top administrative official will lead to deeper collaboration between the First Nation and the university where Indigenous voices are “not just acknowledged, but respected, included and uplifted.”

Two and Out

PETERS: 'Go be homeless somewhere else' is no solution

14h ago

The Tattle of Hastings

THE TATTLE OF HASTINGS: Olynyk talks TRU WolfPack legacy, fight against cancer, life as sports dad

17h ago

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

“We look forward to working with Dr. Airini and TRU in good faith, building a relationship that honours the principles of respect, responsibility and reciprocity,” Tkemlups added.

“Her leadership is an example of what reconciliation in action can look like — one where Indigenous voices are not only heard but are central to shaping the future of post-secondary education.”

Airini will officially take over from the retiring Brett Fairbairn on July 1. Fairbairn has been TRU’s President and Vice-Chancellor since December 2018.

“With Dr. Airini at the helm, we are confident that great things lie ahead — not only for TRU, but for Indigenous students, learners and communities,” the Tkemlups statement added.

“Her presidency stands as a model for other Canadian institutions to follow: a university grounded in collaboration, accountability, and respect for Indigenous peoples.”