Thompson Rivers University recognizes Indigenous scholar Graham Hingangaroa Smith

Thompson Rivers University (TRU) awarded Dr. Graham Hingangaroa Smith an Honorary Doctor of Letters during its Fall Convocation ceremony. Dr. Smith was recognized for his work in transforming post-secondary education for Indigenous and Māori students in Canada and New Zealand.

Dr. Smith, who helped popularize Kaupapa Māori Theory to center traditional Māori knowledge and language in education, addressed the graduating class. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of proactive leadership and Canada’s pursuit of humanitarian ideals, stating, “Everyone must become a leader.”