Chris (Syeta’xtn) Lewis joins SFU in advisory role on Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation

Over a long and meaningful connection with SFU, Chris (Syeta’xtn) Lewis has served in an ever-growing list of roles. He is an alumnus, graduating in 2005 with a BA in geography and First Nations Studies. He was a member of the Board of Governors and also served as Board Chair.  He was the co-chair of the Aboriginal Reconciliation Council (SFU-ARC). And in 2021 he received the Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award.

Throughout those roles, Syeta’xtn has been a deeply valued counsellor and advisor to senior leadership at SFU. In his newest role, Director, Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation, Syeta’xtn will continue to advise the President and senior leadership. Along with Dr. Catherine Dauvergne, he will continue to co-chair the Indigenous Leadership Listening and Implementation Task Force, which is developing the senior leadership role recommended in the SFU-ARC report and the subsequent Pathways Report. He will guide and support a number of other activities that help SFU move toward reconciliation.

“I am excited to continue and build on the work that has began with the Aboriginal Reconciliation Council Report,” he says. “As we consider reconciliation, decolonization and Indigenization at SFU there is work to do, but I am confident that when we work together, we can achieve great things.”

Syeta’xtn has recently completed his third consecutive four-year term as elected Councillor and Spokesperson with Squamish Nation, and continues to be an active leader in the community.