Description
This award was created by the Indigenous Adult & Higher Learning Association (IAHLA) in memory of Dr. Jacob McKay, Simmogit Bayt N’eeikhl (1938-2009). Dr. McKay was a founding member of the IAHLA and a Nisga’a hereditary Chief. He was strongly rooted in his Nisga’a language and culture and deeply passionate about passing on that legacy to young people. He was a well-respected chairman of the Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisga’a Institute, an Indigenous post-secondary institute in the Nass Valley that he helped to establish. He also contributed to many regional, provincial, national and international education committees.
This award is financially supported by the Laxgalts'ap Village Government where Dr. McKay served for over 30 years representing his community on the First Nations Education Steering Committee, a body that he co-founded, and served as a trustee in School District #92 for 15 years.