Skeetchestn’s Dr. Marianne Ignace appointed to Order of B.C.

Aug 3, 2026 | 6:15 AM

SKEETCHESTN — A renowned Secwepemc linguist is one of 12 newly announced appointees to the Order of British Columbia, the province’s highest honour.

Dr. Marianne Ignace (Gulkiihlgad) of Skeetchestn has dedicated her career to helping to revitalize Indigenous languages through her research and education initiatives.

Ignace’s appointment was announced by Lieutenant Governor Wendy Cocchia Monday (Aug. 3).

In its citation, the province notes Ignace is a Distinguished Professor at Simon Fraser University and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

“For more than three decades, she has built lasting partnerships with Indigenous communities, including a landmark SFU-Secwépemc Nation program that delivered extensive education opportunities and graduated hundreds of First Nations students,” noted the citation. “A leading advocate for Indigenous data sovereignty, she helped reshape research ethics by promoting community ownership of oral histories and knowledge.”

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“Through scholarship, policy influence and community collaboration, she has made enduring contributions to education, language revitalization and land stewardship that continue to benefit Indigenous peoples and society as a whole.”

An investiture ceremony is planned for Sept. 24 at Government House in Victoria.

by James Peters

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Skeetchestn’s Dr. Marianne Ignace appointed to Order of B.C.

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