Community in mourning: UNBC Chancellor, Joseph Gosnell dies

Gosnell grew up in the communities of Gitwinksihlkw and Gitlaxt’aamiks, in the Nass River Valley, about 100 kilometres north of Terrace. In his young years he worked as a commercial fisherman, carpenter and traditional carver, eventually becoming a band Councillor and Chief of the Gitlaxt’aamiks Band.

“The world has lost a tremendous leader, a man who repeatedly demonstrated a love for his community, his people, education and a commitment to enhancing the lives of others.”—Dr. Geoffrey Payne, UNBC Interim President and Vice-Chancellor

Gosnell held the role of lead Nisga’a representative in negotiations that led to the Nisga’a Treaty signing in 1998. The Nisg̲a’a Treaty was the first modern treaty between a B.C. First Nation, British Columbia and Canada.

He also was the recipient of the Order of British Columbia in 1999, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, now Indspire, in 2000, was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2001 and promoted to Companion in 2006, and received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. Gosnell’s hereditary cheif name is Sim’oogit Hleek, the most senior name in the House. It means “well-used” or “most useful,” and in the manner that the Nation uses his wisdom, strength, and knowledge of culture to inform everything they do on the land.

by Veronica Beltran

Community in mourning: UNBC Chancellor, Joseph Gosnell dies

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