Jean Sandy William to be recognized with TRU honorary degree

By Andie Mollins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Williams Lake Tribune Kyé7e (Grandmother) Jean Sandy William of T’exelcemc (Williams Lake) First Nation is being recognized for her dedication to her community with an honorary degree from Thompson Rivers University (TRU). As a fluent speaker and educator of Secwepemctsín, William has been instrumental in the preservation and revitalization of the Secwépemc (Shuswap) Nation’s language and culture. “She is one of the most influential language speakers and knowledge keepers in the entire Secwepemc Nation,” said Willie Sellars, Chief of T’exelcemc First Nation. “We will be forever grateful for her contributions.” An Indigenous knowledge keeper, practical nurse, educator and cultural advisor, William has created safe spaces for residential school survivors to share their experiences and has contributed to research on Indigenous well-being. William…

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