Indigenous educator Dr. Deanna Nyce appointed interim Academic Lead at National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health

Indigenous educator Dr. Deanna Nyce appointed interim Academic Lead at National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health

April 17, 2024 - Prince George, BC

A prominent First Nations educator has been appointed interim Academic Lead for the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH). Dr. Deanna Nyce will guide the work of the centre, a federally funded organization that supports Indigenous public health renewal and health equity through knowledge translation and exchange. The role includes leading the implementation of the centre’s strategic plan and providing guidance, mentorship, and direction to NCCIH staff, affiliates, and trainees.

Dr. Nyce, a member of the Nisga’a First Nation, has a Bachelor of Education from the Native Indian Teacher Education Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC). She also earned a Master Degree in Education Administration from UBC’s Tskel Program and a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies, also from UBC.

She is a former high school teacher, university professor, and the Aboriginal Education Coordinator for the Province of B.C. Dr. Nyce has lectured and taught in many B.C. education institutions and is an adjunct professor in the First Nations Studies Department at the University of Northern BC (UNBC). She has also given numerous presentations in Canada and internationally.

“Dr. Nyce is noted for her contribution to Indigenous post-secondary education in Canada and beyond,” said Dr. Terri Aldred, Co-Chair of the NCCIH’s Advisory Committee. “Her research and publications have provided a template for Indigenous curriculum development. She is also familiar with the work of the centre through her membership on our advisory board. We are fortunate to have the benefit of her knowledge and experience in this key role.”

Dr. Nyce is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisga’a Institute. The institute provides post-secondary education and training to people in the Nisga’a community in northwestern B.C. It also works to ensure the survival of the Nisga’a language and culture.

Dr. Nyce takes over the Academic Lead position from Dr. Sheila Blackstock and Dr. Daniel Sims, who shared the role. Both are Indigenous scholars and Associate Professors at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). The centre’s founding Academic Lead was Dr. Margo Greenwood, a scholar of Cree descent, who served in the position for 20 years before being appointed to the Senate.

“The NCCIH has benefited from powerful and renowned Indigenous stewardship for more than two decades,” said Warner Adam, Advisory Committee Co-Chair. “We welcome the contributions of Dr. Nyce as she helps us build on that strength – both as interim Academic Lead and as a key figure in the search for a successor to this important position.”

I strongly believe in the centre’s work to support the inclusion of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in the public health system. I’m pleased to have a part in continuing that work – including finding the right person to step into this leadership role for the long-term.

Background

The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health was established in 2005 and is funded through the Public Health Agency of Canada. The NCCIH supports a renewed public health system in Canada that is inclusive and respectful of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The NCCIH fosters links between evidence, knowledge, practice and policy while advancing self-determination and Indigenous knowledge.

The NCCIH is hosted by the University of Northern BC in Prince George, B.C. in the traditional unceded territory of the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation.