Okanagan College will bestow its highest honour on a respected First Nations elder during a series of convocation ceremonies in June.
Ernie Philip will be recognized as an Honorary Fellow of the College for his contributions and leadership in the areas of cultural awareness.
An acclaimed international dance artist, Philip has won more than 130 awards for his performances in powwows. Philip, who is often referred to as Dancing Bear or Black Feather – names that were given to him by the Sioux and Blackfoot – will be the first to address graduates at the college’s Spring Convocation June 8.
His performances, including those for royalty, have done much to spread understanding and knowledge of his people and their traditions well beyond Canadian borders.