In Memoriam
Truly one of Canada’s greatest leaders
The Memorial Service video will be posted here soon.
The family of the Late Dr. Joseph A. Gosnell wish to convey our thanks for your kind sympathies and condolences, carts, flowers, and other gifts towards a WWNI scholarship to honour Dr. Gosnell’s legacy.
Story by Christian Apostolovski – CFNR News – August 18th, 2020
Dr. Gosnell passed away peacefully at his home in New Aiyansh after a long battle with cancer. He was a hereditary Nisga’a Chieftan of the Laxsgiik (Eagle) Clan with the Nisga’a name Sim’oogit Hleek. Gosnell was a lifetime fisherman and renowned politician having served the Nisga’a Nation in many capacities over his lifetime.
Most notably, he was President of the Nisga’a Nation when British Columbia’s first modern treaty, the landmark Nisga’a Final Agreement was finalized.
Eva Clayton, President of the Nisga’a Nation says in a statement,
“Through his wisdom, dignity and determination, Dr. Joseph Gosnell helped lead the Nisga’a people out of the Indian Act and into self-government through his work in negotiating and implementing the Nisga’a treaty, which has become a beacon of hope for people the world over.”
Dr. Gosnell was married to his wife Audrey Adele for 64 years and lived in his home community of New Aiyansh.
Here is the last video interview Dr. Gosnell did with CFNR.
It was for National Indigenous Peoples Day in 2020, and the day of celebration on June 21st, happened to be Dr. Joe’s birthday.
Governor General of Canada
Dr. Gosnell on the
The Governor General of Canada website
- Companion of the Order of Canada – 2006
- Officer of the Order of Canada – 2000
Indspire
Dr. Gosnell on the Indspire website
Joseph Arthur Gosnell
Indspire > Events > Indspire Awards > Laureates > Joseph Arthur Gosnell
UNBC
Dr. Joseph Gosnell Sworn in as 7th UNBC Chancellor
https://www.nisgaanation.ca/news/dr-joseph-gosnell-sworn-7th-unbc-chancellor
Order of BC
1999
Dr. Joseph Gosnell – New Aiyansh
https://orderofbc.gov.bc.ca/members/obc-1999/1999-joseph-gosnell/
Royal Roads University
Joseph Arthur Gosnell
Award Received
Honorary Degree
Convocation Ceremony
https://www.royalroads.ca/news-events/convocation/awards/joseph-arthur-gosnell
Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
Testimony from Dr. Gosnell
Thursday, November 4, 1999
https://www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Committee/362/AAND/Evidence/EV1039765/aandev04-e.htm
Speech to the British Columbia legislature, December 2, 1998
No. 120: The Nisga’a Treaty, Winter 1998/99
https://ojs.library.ubc.ca/index.php/bcstudies/article/view/1473/1517
Nisga’a Final Agreement
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Nisga’a Final Agreement, also known as the Nisga’a Treaty, is a treaty that was settled between the Nisg̱a’a, the government of British Columbia, and the Government of Canada that was signed on 27 May 1998 and came into effect on May 11, 2000.[1] As part of the settlement in the Nass River valley nearly 2,000 square kilometres of land was officially recognized as Nisg̱a’a,[2] and a 300,000 cubic decameter water reservation was also created. Bear Glacier Provincial Park was also created as a result of this agreement. Thirty-one Nisga’a placenames in the territory became official names.[3] The land-claim settlement was the first formal modern day comprehensive treaty in the province—[1] the first signed by a First Nation in British Columbia since the Douglas Treaties in 1854 (pertaining to areas on Vancouver Island) and Treaty 8 in 1899 (pertaining to northeastern British Columbia). The agreement gives the Nisga’a control over their land, including the forestry and fishing resources contained in it.
The agreement was signed on 27 May 1998 by Joseph Gosnell, Nelson Leeson and Edmond Wright of the Nisg̱a’a Nation and by Premier Glen Clark for the Province of British Columbia. Then Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Jane Stewart signed the agreement for the Canadian federal government on 4 May 1999.
It was a pleasure to meet and interview Dr. Joe. He was kind, gracious, and every time I saw him speak, it was a powerful message. He will be missed. – Rob @ CFNR
Great loss to the world. Was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. Sincere condolences to his wife Audrey, family and Nisga’a nation. Thank you is an understatement to all Dr. Joseph Gosnell’s life’s achievements and hard work. I admired his heart, spirit and strength. I pray not only for Dr. Gosnell’s legacy but for the life and passion to go on with the younger generations. Rest In Peace!
I’m very saddened to hear the news of a great wise Leader Dr. Joe Gosnell Sim’oogit Hleek’s passing 😢 💔 So sorry for Nisga’a Nation (NLG) & Gosnell Family loss. RIP Dr Joe Gosnell 🙏🏾 Heaven has gained an Angel 🙏🏾 My sincere condolences with Loving prayers sent to you The Gosnell family.🙏🏾
From the Brown family to your Family😢❤️