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Chief Marilyn Gabriel (left), with husband Kevin Kelly (right), receives
an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s
Convocation ceremony held at Kwantlen's Surrey Campus.
For immediate release
June 10, 2008
Kwantlen honours Chief Marilyn Gabriel with Honorary Doctor of Laws
(SURREY, B.C.) In keeping with the meaning behind Kwantlen’s name, “tireless runner”, Chief Marilyn Gabriel has been a “tireless leader” of the Kwantlen First Nation community; a leader of vision, compassion and dedication to her membership and community.
Chief Gabriel comes from a line of hereditary Kwantlen First Nation leaders. Her traditional name is Stakwsan. She is married to Kevin Kelly, and has eight children and one grandson. Her father was the late Grand Chief Joe Gabriel, who gave permission for the then “Kwantlen College” to use the Kwantlen name. A respected aboriginal leader, Chief Gabriel is also a long-standing and active member of the Kwantlen community, having participated in numerous institutional events.
In recognition of her commitment and inspirational leadership to First Nation and Kwantlen communities, Kwantlen Polytechnic University awards Chief Marilyn Gabriel an Honorary Doctor of Laws at the 2008 Convocation ceremony.
Gabriel, who was born in Murrayville and raised on the Kwantlen reserve in Fort Langley, has served her community of Kwantlen First Nation for much of her life, being appointed as a Council Member in 1989 and Chief in 1993.
Of her many accomplishments, she is proud of the establishment of a successful relationship between Kwantlen, the institution, and the Kwantlen First Nation. “The relationship between Kwantlen, the institution, and the Kwantlen First Nation is growing stronger,” remarked Gabriel. “Kwantlen has always respected the Kwantlen First Nation community and our cultural teachings, and we are pleased with the growing involvement and consultation with the Kwantlen First Nation when it comes to building cultural awareness in the Kwantlen community.”
As Chief, Gabriel has made many contributions. One of her first tasks as Chief was reclaiming the traditional name of Kwantlen for her people and community which was marked by a traditional ceremony held in June, 1994. For many years before this, the Kwantlen First Nation was referred to as the Langley Indian Band, a name bestowed by the Department of Indian Affairs. The significance of reclaiming the Kwantlen name was great for the Kwantlen First Nation community and sparked a resurgence of traditional ways and growing pride that has strengthened her community. Gabriel adds, “Our growth is based on our respect for our traditions; not only are we celebrating and enhancing the lives of our people, but we are also reaching out to members of the larger community and educating them about our culture.”
Chief Gabriel leads her community with honesty, determination and a strong vision based on a respect for cultural traditions and teachings that serve to strengthen and guide the Kwantlen First Nation community into the future. Following traditional protocol, she seeks the input and involvement of Kwantlen Elders in community decisions and issues, and works humbly to serve her community and people, building capacity for Kwantlen First Nation to become self-governing and self-sustaining. She is a strong and focused leader who often inadvertently teaches those who she encounters the strength, wisdom and power that comes from community and people, of all walks and cultures, working together in a respectful and beneficial way.
Receiving this award is a humbling experience for Gabriel, as she appreciates the recognition for her tireless commitment and hard work in the Kwantlen community.
Gabriel explained, “Education is very important, a good education will go a long way.” She commends the Kwantlen graduates on their accomplishments and wishes them much success on their journeys ahead.
Kwantlen’s mission is to create an exceptional undergraduate learning environment committed to preparing learners for leadership, service and success. On April 22, 2008, B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell officially announced university status for Kwantlen, renaming us Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Legislation is required to enable the transition in status and we expect to begin the 2008 academic year under our new name and new identity. In the meantime, we will be changing our name for marketing purposes but not for legal or contractual matters.
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For more information, contact:
Audrey Wang
Manager, Communications
Tel: 604.599.2385
audrey.wang@kwantlen.ca