Former Qualicum First Nation Chief Kim Recalma-Clutesi is one of nine outstanding individuals who were bestowed with an honorary degree by Simon Fraser University.
SFU’s honorary degree is the highest honour conferred by the university. The degrees are awarded to distinguished individuals in recognition of their scholarly, scientific or artistic achievement, or in recognition of exceptional contribution to the public good.
Ogwi’low’gwa Recalma-Clutesi, of the Pentlatch and Kwakwaka’wakw Nations, was granted the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws at the 2025 at SFU's 2025 convocation ceremony on June 13.
Matriarch, scholar, academic and cultural mentor, traditional knowledge-holder, teacher, writer, filmmaker, community leader, and cross-cultural interpreter are the many roles of Recalma-Clutesi. She is deeply committed to helping share Indigenous Peoples’ values and perspective to the non-native world and has devoted her life to upholding traditional Indigenous rights, knowledge and values through teaching and advising archaeologists, government ministries and cultural organizations.
Currently, Recalma-Clutesi, is a cultural adviser on Simon Fraser University’s Xwe’etay/Lasqueti Archaeology Project. She has served on the University of Victoria Senate, and has advised on numerous Master’s and PhD theses, ensuring that traditional knowledge is accurately and respectfully represented.
During the last four decades, Recalma-Clutesi, has advised local, provincial and national governmental and NGOs about a wide range of Indigenous issues.
Alongside her father, the late Clan Chief Ewanuxdzi, Recalma-Clutesi has travelled throughout British Columbia, Canada and the Northwestern United States, advocating with and for coastal First Nations on issues like voting rights, residential schools, and the management of traditional lands and resources.
She has worked tirelessly to ensure that the rich body of Indigenous knowledge, particularly related to healthy coastal environments and ecosystems, remains intact.