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�鶹��Ƶ (�鶹��Ƶ) proudly celebrated the installation of Dr. Trish Kelly as the 10^th President of the university on October 3, 2024, at the Reliance Theatre. The event brought together members from the �鶹��Ƶ community, as well as esteemed guests and visitors from partner institutions, to witness this significant milestone.

The Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Her Honour, the Honourable Janet Austin, administered the Oath of Office following remarks from �鶹��Ƶ’s Chancellor Carleen Thomas and Board Chair, Don Avison, KC. Dr. Kelly was then adorned in the Robe of Office by Board Chair Don Avison, KC, and Manager of Aboriginal Programs, Kajola Morewood, marking her official installment as President + Vice-Chancellor.

The President’s Robe of Office features artwork by �鶹��Ƶ alum , OBC, titled C2Sky. The design includes repeating elements: salmon representing the sea and eagles symbolizing the sky. Together, these motifs reflect building from the ground up—echoing themes from President Kelly’s address.

“Emily Carr University is made up of many brilliant individuals, and my role is to help support and guide our collective vision while sharing the stories of the amazing work happening within our walls,” says President Kelly. “Leadership is not about having all the answers. It’s about listening, learning, and creating space for everyone’s voice to be heard. Together, we will continue to foster an environment where creativity, inclusivity, and collaboration remain at the core of what we do.”

The ceremony thoughtfully incorporated Indigenous themes throughout, honouring �鶹��Ƶ’s relationship and responsibility to the Coast Salish Peoples. Highlights include a Coast Salish Eye, created by , adorning the back of the Robe of Office and cedar boughs framing the stage, offering a cleansing space to be approached with “an open heart and open mind.” The event also features a performance by the Matriarch Mamas and a post-ceremony reception catered by .

In her speech, President Kelly emphasized the shared responsibility for integrating Indigenous perspectives and recognizing the impacts of colonial history.

“As a university situated on unceded Indigenous lands, we are obligated to engage in reconciliation and decolonization. This is not the work of one person or one department—it is the work of all of us,” says President Kelly. “We must continue to engage thoughtfully with Indigenous communities and ensure our actions align with our commitments. This is how we honour the land we are on and the diverse cultures that make up our community.”

Other initiatives highlighted in President Kelly’s address include a forward-looking vision shaped by reflections on �鶹��Ƶ’s upcoming centennial in 2025 and the unveiling of a new strategic plan, outlining a roadmap for the university over the next six years.

“As we approach 100 years as an institution, we have the chance not only to reflect on our past but to boldly envision the tomorrow we want to create,” says President Kelly. “This is a time to embrace change, build on our strengths, and ensure that �鶹��Ƶ continues to be a leader in art and design into the next century.”

Looking ahead to her term, President Kelly encouraged the �鶹��Ƶ community and its partners to come together to shape the next phase of the university’s journey, advancing �鶹��Ƶ with purpose, creativity, and a shared vision.

Visit our presidential installation page for more information about the ceremony.

Media Contact

Kayla Stuckart
Interim Executive Director, Communications, Marketing + Public Affairs
kstuckart@ecuad.ca
Cell: 604.614.5207