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Ekman elected chair of UNBC board

UNBC's board of governors elected labour organizer Aaron Ekman as chairperson. Ekman, who was born in Terrace, became involved in the labour movement while working in construction.
16 Aaron Ekman
UNBC's board of governors has elected labour organizer Aaron Ekman as chairperson.

UNBC's board of governors elected labour organizer Aaron Ekman as chairperson.

Ekman, who was born in Terrace, became involved in the labour movement while working in construction. in 2009 he was elected the president of the Prince George and District Labour Council and in 2011 he became the founding president of the North Central Labour Council. In 2014, Ekman was elected secretary-treasurer of the B.C. Federation of Labour and served two terms.

“Though I’m hardly an academic, I’ve developed a profound appreciation for the herculean effort northerners expended to establish UNBC, and for how vital it remains to the identity and for the advancement of northern communities, many of which are now facing significant economic challenges," Ekman said in a press release. “This university has attracted and developed world-class faculty and staff while remaining laser-focused on serving the diverse interests of northerners. I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished, and honoured to play a roll confronting the challenges ahead.”

Ekman has served on the board of governors as a provincial appointee since May 2018, and was reappointed for another two-year term in July 2019.

“During his time on the board to date, Mr. Ekman has been a leader, providing valuable insight during our many and varied conversations," UNBC interim president Geoffrey Payne said. "I’m looking forward to his support, as well as that from the board as we continue working towards our vision of being Canada’s leading destination university.”

The 15-member board is responsible for the management, administration and finances of the university. The board includes UNBC's president and chancellor, eight provincial appointees and five elected members – two students, two faculty members and one staff member.

The board also elected Andrew Robinson as vice-chair. Robinson is a UNBC graduate and the chief administrative officer of the Laxgalts’ap Village government.

Robinson has served as a deputy representative – aboriginal of the B.C. Representative of Children and Youth, an Indigenous consultation reviewer with BC Assets and Lands and served various positions with the McLeod Lake Indian Bank and and Nisga’a Lisims government.