Iona Campagnolo

Founding Chair, Fraser Basin Council

Born on Galiano Island, B.C., the Honourable Iona Campagnolo became the first woman Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia in 2001 where she served for six years. In 1974, she was elected as a Member of Parliament and, in 1982, was elected the first female President of the Liberal Party of Canada, serving two terms. Ms. Campagnolo has served on many boards and commissions for causes she feels passionately about including the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development, CUSO and Project Angola. In B.C., she was the founding Chair of the Fraser Basin Council. Ms. Campagnolo has received seven honorary degrees in B.C. and Ontario, as well as a number of awards including being designated as a member of the Order of Canada in 1973 and an Officer of the Order of St. John. Two First Nations have also recognized her with honoured names from the T’Simpsean – Notz Whe Neha – (Mother of the Big Fin) and from the Haida Saan Naag XWhe – (Person who sits high).