A distinguished Nisg̲a'a leader will become the University of Northern British Columbia’s (UNBC) seventh chancellor.
A chancellor is the ceremonial head of the university and is appointed through the board of governors after a lengthy process, which includes a broad call for nominations and consultation.
“It’s a blessing to have this honour conferred on me,” said Dr. Joseph Arthur Gosnell Sr., who will be sworn in at UNBC’s May 31 convocation ceremony.
“The best thing I can do is encourage young men, women, no matter who they are, to take advantage of education. Go as far as you can and come out of University with degrees behind your name. Once you’ve done that, the world is open to you.”
Gosnell is a hereditary chief in the Laxts’imilx Laxsgiik (Beaver/Eagle) tribe of the Nisg̲a'a Nation, who grew up in the communities of Gitwinksihlkw and Gitlaxt'aamiks (also known as New Aiyansh), in the Nass River Valley, about 100 kilometres north of Terrace.
As a young man, he worked as a commercial fisherman, carpenter, and traditional carver and would eventually become a band councillor and Chief of the Gitlaxt'aamiks Band.
He was the first elected President of the Nisg̲a'a Lisims Government and was instrumental in bringing modern medical care, education, and resource management to his Nation.
He was the lead Nisg̲a'a representative in negotiations that led to the Nisg̲a'a Treaty signing in 1998, the first modern treaty between a B.C. First Nation, the province, and Canada.
“Dr. Gosnell has made tremendous contributions to the lives of northern British Columbians and indeed people across the country,” said UNBC board of governors chair, Tracey Wolsey. “To have him agree to serve as our chancellor is a tremendous honour for the UNBC community.”
Gosnell is a fluent speaker of the Nisg̲a'a language.
His hereditary chief name Sim'oogit Hleek, which is the most senior name in the House, means “well-used” or “most useful,” reflecting the manner that the Nation uses his wisdom, strength, and knowledge of culture to inform everything they do on the land.
“Being able to call upon Dr. Gosnell’s lifetime of rich and meaningful experiences is priceless,” said UNBC President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Daniel Weeks.
“His wisdom will support our University community as we strive to foster enthusiastic, respectful and productive dialogues that enhance relationships between all people.”
Gosnell has a long list of accomplishments: he received the Order of British Columbia in 1999; in 2000, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, now known as Indspire; 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 follows previous Chancellors Iona V. Campagnolo, K. George Pedersen, Peter J.G. Bentley, Alex C. Michalos, John MacDonald, and the Hon. James Moore.
