Congratulations to Dr. Nyce as a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal
Former Interim Academic Lead
Dr. Deanna Nyce
The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Heath (NCCIH) is thrilled to congratulate Dr. Deanna Nyce, a Tsimshian matriarch and the previous NCCIH Interim Academic Lead, as one of this year’s recipients of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. This medal commemorates a recipient’s significant contributions to Canada.
Dr. Nyce considers the award a tribute to her educational career, and shares this achievement with all who she worked with throughout her career. She acknowledges her achievements as a collective effort with many, especially the Nisga’a Nation, whose support and collaboration have been integral to her work. Dr. Nyce is the second Gitwinksihlkw member of the Nisga’a Nation to have received this prestigious award, following Martha Azak, who was honored with the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal in 1953.
Dr. Nyce spent her early years raised by her grandmother, Elizabeth Beven in her birthplace of Kitselas, BC. Her grandmother commented after studying Deanna’s young hands that she would become a healer someday. Though young, Dr. Nyce initially envisioned becoming a nurse but eventually found her path to healing through education. Dr. Nyce has received numerous awards throughout her notable career, including two from the 2004 Prince George Today’s Woman Awards Ceremony: the Forging Our Future with Education Award and the Aboriginal Woman of Distinction Award. In her 2004 acceptance speech, she shared a message she finds relevant today: “No one stands alone, there are many people who support award-winning endeavors: family, coworkers, partners, etc.”
I am honored and humbled to be considered for this medal. A commonwealth award is an extremely prestigious recognition. I would like to acknowledge all other King Charles III Coronation Medal recipients. - Dr. Nyce
Dr. Nyce graciously guided the NCCIH as the Interim Academic Lead from April 2024 - May 2025. In this role, Dr. Nyce mobilized the NCCIH mandate to advance and support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis public health and health equity, in ways that are meaningful to Indigenous Peoples from coast to coast to coast.
In addition to her role with the NCCIH, Dr. Nyce continues to work as the founding President and CEO of the Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisga’a Institute (a Nisga’a university college) in northwestern BC. Through a federated agreement with the University of Northern British Columbia (1994), the Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisga’a Institute (WWN) delivers numerous degrees and college programs in the Nass Valley. Dr. Nyce is also a member of various international, national and provincial boards and organizations.
Dr. Nyce was nominated for this award by the Senate of Canada. She will accept the award on June 2, 2025, at the WWN’s convocation ceremonies. All are welcome to attend.
Background
About the King Charles III Coronation Medal