UNBC Honors Edie Frederick with Renaming of Research Studio

The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) has officially renamed its First Nations Centre Research Studio to the Edie Frederick Indigenous Research Studio. This change honors the late Edith Frederick, UNBC’s first Elder in residence, who made significant contributions to the preservation of the Dakelh (Carrier) language and culture.

The renaming was celebrated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on November 24. Family members of Frederick, alongside representatives from the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, students, and UNBC staff and faculty, gathered to recognize her profound impact on the university and the wider community.

Jason Frederick, speaking on behalf of the Frederick family, expressed the significance of this honor. “It is so special to see this space named in honour of my mother,” he stated. “She cared deeply about sharing language, stories and traditional skills so others could learn them. This studio will continue that spirit of connection, learning and cultural exchange.”

A Lasting Legacy of Cultural Preservation

UNBC’s interim vice-president Indigenous, Penína Sara-Lynn Harding, emphasized that the renaming serves as a tribute to Frederick’s enduring legacy. “The studio embodies the kind of space Edie helped cultivate — one grounded in respect, reciprocity and community,” she said. “The Edie Frederick Indigenous Research Studio is a small way to acknowledge her lasting legacy at the First Nations Centre and UNBC.”

Frederick’s influence has been significant, supporting numerous students, faculty, and staff in engaging with Indigenous knowledge systems. Her efforts contributed to advancing reconciliation and promoting Indigenization throughout the Prince George campus.

“Edie was a teacher, a language keeper and a bridge between generations,” remarked Lheidli T’enneh First Nation Chief Dolleen Logan. “She helped ensure that Dakelh culture and knowledge have a place at UNBC. This renaming honours not only Edie’s memory but also our shared responsibility to carry her teachings forward.”

Frederick also played a crucial role in providing Dakelh translations and names for important campus spaces. Notably, she was part of the team that proposed the Dakelh name for the university, known as Nizdeh Nekeyoh Hohudel’eh Baiyoh (House of Learning), and personally selected the name Tseba (by the fire) for the Firepit located in the Agora Courtyard.

A Tribute to Contributions and Values

The impact of Frederick’s work is deeply woven into the fabric of UNBC’s community. Bill Owen, the university’s interim president, highlighted her legacy, stating, “Through sharing her passion for language and culture preservation and revitalization, Edie’s contributions are woven into the fabric of the campus. Her guidance and generosity of spirit will have a lasting impact on the university community. This space stands as a tribute to her profound contributions and the values she embodied.”

An engraved wooden plaque detailing some of Frederick’s numerous contributions will be displayed in the studio, alongside her portrait, ensuring that her memory and teachings continue to inspire future generations at UNBC.