The Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation (VJKF) proudly announces the election of DeDe DeRose as Chair and President, marking a historic milestone as DeDe becomes the first female and the first Indigenous leader to hold this role.  

DeDe DeRose has long been a champion for Indigenous student success. Born in Williams Lake, British Columbia, she is a member of the Esk'etemc First Nation and carries the values and teachings of her family and community into every aspect of her work. DeDe’s career in education began after her graduation from the University of British Columbia’s Native Indian Teacher Education Program (NITEP) in 1981 with a Bachelor of Education. Her passion for lifelong learning led her to earn a Diploma in Education in 1990 and complete the UBC Ts’kel Master’s Program in 1993 under the guidance of Dr. Verna J. Kirkness.  

Her professional journey includes teaching in the Cariboo Chilcotin School District and over two decades as a principal in the Kamloops/Thompson School District. In 2012, DeDe made history as British Columbia’s first Superintendent of Aboriginal Achievement, a role designed to address the gap in high school graduation rates between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students.  

A Legacy of Leadership with VJKF  – DeDe joined the Foundation’s Board at the personal invitation of Dr. Kirkness. Over the years, DeDe has served as Secretary, Communications Chair and Vice-Chair before stepping into her new role as Chair and President.  

DeDe credits her strong sense of identity and purpose to the wisdom passed down from her elders. Her mother and grandparents instilled in her the importance of remembering who she is and where she comes from—a guiding principle that has shaped her life and career.  

She is the eldest daughter of Len and Kye7e Cecilia DeRose and the granddaughter to Matthew and Amelia Dick of the Esk’etemc Nation.  She and her husband Allan live on an acreage outside Kamloops, where they enjoy spending time with their sons and their families. When not dedicating her efforts to VJKF or her family, DeDe enjoys golfing, riding her horse, downhill skiing, hiking, boating at Lac La Hache, and cheering on their seven grandchildren in their activities.  

DeDe’s election as Chair continues the chapter of growth for VJKF. With a commitment to advance the Foundation’s mission to increase the number of Indigenous students graduating from pure and applied science, engineering and mathematics programs across Canada. DeDe is looking forward to working with the VJKF Board of Directors, universities and Indigenous communities  under the guidance of the Honorary Chairperson, Dr. Verna J. Kirkness.