Indigenous leader and UPEI alumnus Brian Francis named to Senate of Canada

The University of Prince Edward Island congratulates Chief Brian Francis of Rocky Point, PEI, on being appointed to the Senate of Canada. He is filling a PEI seat that has been vacant since the Honourable Libbe Hubley retired from the Senate in September 2017 and will be sworn in on Tuesday, October 16 in Ottawa.

A graduate of UPEI’s Certificate in Conflict Resolution Studies program, Senator-Elect Francis holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Dalhousie University and most recently served more than 11 years as Chief of the Abegweit First Nation. He is a formal signatory to the Canada–Prince Edward Island–Mi’kmaq Partnership, and is an executive member of the Fathers of Confederation Building Trust.

“I was so excited to hear that Chief Francis was recommended for appointment to the Senate of Canada, and, on behalf of the University of Prince Edward Island, I extend my sincere congratulations to this great leader,” said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor. “This is wonderful and historic news for Indigenous Peoples, Prince Edward Islanders, and Canadians, and I am honoured to count him as a colleague and advisor.”

In 2016, Chief Francis was recognized by the University of Prince Edward Island as a Founder on behalf of the Indigenous Peoples of Prince Edward Island. He also serves on the President’s Indigenous Advisory Council.

Congratulations, Chief Francis!