Foord receives Okanagan College’s highest honour

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Bluesky
• Share on X
• Copy Link

“I’m very proud and humbled to be recognized as an Honorary Fellow,” said Foord. “It would be difficult to put into words how important both education and community are to me, and to our family, so this recognition is meaningful on many levels.

Support for the unhoused

Sleeping outside for a cause: Vernon pair backs homeless outreach

18h ago

Youth Mental Health Care

VJH Foundation commits $500K for Foundry North Okanagan

22h ago

Theft of Tools, Merchandise

Police searching for suspects in theft investigation

22h ago

“The college plays a vital role in creating access to post-secondary education and training in our region, and I’m pleased to be associated with and to be a supporter of their efforts.”

Four others have been named 2020 Honorary Fellows, including Pamela and Wilfred Barnes, Louis Thomas and Don Turri.

Okanagan College says all five have made unique and meaningful contributions through education, public service, mentorship and philanthropy.

“It would be impossible to quantify or to adequately put into words the positive impact this year’s Honorary Fellows have had in their communities,” said Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton. “Their contributions to the social and economic fabric of the region are vast and inspiring.”

Pamela and Grouse Barnes are Indigenous educators and knowledge keepers from Westbank First Nation. They are highly dedicated to preserving Syilx language, knowledge, and culture.

Both are currently adjunct professors in the Faculty of Health and Social Development with UBC’s School of Nursing, where they facilitate cultural sensitivity training.

Grouse Barnes, a fluent nsyilxcen speaker, serves as an Okanagan language and cultural educator.

He attended the En’owkin Centre to enhance his ability as a teacher by learning to read and write in the language.

He also serves as a spiritual care provider at KGH and is a member of the Okanagan Nation Alliance critical response team.

He also works with the Okanagan Nation on traditional lands management and serves as an Elder in Residence at School District 23 and Okanagan College.

Louis Thomas is a Secwepemc knowledge keeper and a councilor with the Neskonlith Indian Band.

He works actively with the Salmon Arm Economic Development Society, Shuswap Trail Alliance, Shuswap District Arts Council, the City of Salmon Arm Housing Taskforce and many other groups in the region.

Thomas has shared his guidance and knowledge with the college in many ways over the years, including providing the traditional welcome and sharing other aspects of his culture at countless events and ceremonies.

“I like to work in the background, but it’s nice to be recognized,” said Thomas. “Education is so important. The world is changing and we all have to adapt. Education is one of the things that will help our people thrive. I am a firm believer in sharing. Our culture is all about sharing.”

Don Turri is a partner and family enterprise advisor with the accounting firm Crowe MacKay LLP in Kelowna.

He has been active in the Kelowna community throughout his career, volunteering his time to the United Way, Kelowna Sunrise Rotary, minor football and hockey, the Central Okanagan Foundation, and as a co-chair of the Okanagan College Alumni Awareness Campaign.

Okanagan College normally would have invested its 2020 Honorary Fellows at convocation ceremonies in June.

Due to the pandemic, Okanagan College, based on the feedback of graduating students, has opted to postpone ceremonies until COVID-19 conditions allow for the events to be held in person.