KAMLOOPS – The chief negotiator for the First Nations Education Steering Committee, who reached an historic agreement with the provincial and national governments last week, is bringing his expertise to Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops.

Dr. Nathan Matthew, highly regarded as a national leader in aboriginal education, has agreed to work with the university to provide advice to the Office of the President on First Nations initiatives. The announcement was made today in Kamloops by Thompson Rivers University President, Dr. Roger Barnsley.

As the chief negotiator for the First Nations Education Steering Committee, Matthews signed a new agreement on July 5 with the BC Government and the Government of Canada that will lead to the recognition of First Nations’ jurisdiction over First Nations’ education (K-12) in British Columbia.

Matthew, who was also recently recognized by TRU with the awarding of an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree, has distinguished himself over the past thirty years in First Nations government and education, and has played a key role in developing educational and business capacity within his community, the Secwepemc Nation, and other provincial and national organizations.

As a part-time consultant to the president, Matthew will provide a range of strategic advice on First Nations issues, as they relate to the university, and assist with the building of relationships and partnerships in support of aboriginal education initiatives at TRU in the years ahead.