Quest’s longest serving board member, Hereditary Chief Pekultn Siyam (Dale Harry), has been appointed as the university’s fifth Chancellor. The succession ceremony was woven into this year’s graduation ceremony, wherein Chief Dale took over the role from Peter W. Webster, who had served as Chancellor since 2017.
Chief Dale was born and raised in Squamish. He is one of sixteen Hereditary Chiefs of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and is an integral part of both the Quest and Squamish communities.
Chief Dale’s deep connection to the Squamish community is evidenced by the many boards, organizations, and committees with which he has been associated: Aboriginal Housing Management Association, Squamish Credit Union, Squamish Nation Peacekeepers, Aboriginal Education Council School District #48, Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Center, and Squamish Valley Development Corporation.
For over a decade and a half, Chief Dale has served as Negotiator on the Squamish Nation Council. He also serves as a consultant for Aboriginal Economic Solutions Inc.
At Quest, Chief Dale has continuously guided, blessed, and brought both leadership and vision to the University.
“A lot of the work that I do here today, through our staff, our faculty, our students here, always makes me feel good, cause you know what? It’s always about people helping people,” Chief Dale said. “Quest University is in the heart of our Squamish Nation territory. We can build our sense of identity, of who we are and where we come from, and let everybody know that we are here.”
May 5th, 2022 | Contributed by Derek Nobert