JOSEPH
GOSNELL was
born in the Nisga’a village of New Aiyansh in the rugged and isolated
northwest corner of British Columbia. As a young man he worked as a commercial
fisher before entering tribal politics. He served in a variety of positions
on the local band council and later became active in the Native Brotherhood
of British Columbia, where he served as chairman.
A former member of the Northern Native Fishing Corporation, Chief Gosnell
also served on the Pacific Salmon Commission.
Active in Nisga’a Tribal Council politics for more than a quarter
century, Chief Gosnell was elected President in 1992, twice winning re-election.
He was lead negotiator for the landmark Nisga’a Treaty, which was
initialed on August 4, 1998, in New Aiyansh. The agreement was the first
in modern-day British Columbia history and made news around the world.
It is expected to be ratified by the Canadian Parliament later this year.
For his role in negotiating the landmark treaty, Chief Gosnell received
an Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree from Royal Roads University in Victoria
on October 17, 1997.
Chief Gosnell traveled to Europe and the United Kingdom in November, 1998,
for a successful speaking tour. To overflow crowds, he described the Nisga’a
Treaty as a triumph for Canada and a beacon of hope for aboriginal people
throughout the world.
On his return to Canada, Chief Gosnell entered the British Columbia Legislature
on Dec. 2, 1998, and made a historic speech that initiated formal ratification
debate on the Nisga’a Treaty. National Post columnist Vaughn Palmer,
who witnessed the event from the press gallery, acclaimed the speech:
"The doors of the Legislative chamber were thrown back and Chief
Gosnell himself stood at the bar of the house and delivered a speech that
was surely one of the finest ever delivered anywhere in this country."
Chief Gosnell lives in New Aiyansh with his family; he is a member of
the Gitlaxt’aamiks Ceremonial Dancers.
Chief Gosnell also received the following awards for his lead role in negotiating the Nisga'a Treaty:
> The Humanitarian Award from the Canadian Labour Congress in Toronto on May 6, 1999.
> An Honorary Doctor of Laws from the Opening Learning Agency in Burnaby on May 7, 1999.
> The Order of British Columbia, the province's highest honor, on May 12, 1999. Chief Gosnell received his award at a ceremony held at Government House in Victoria on June 17, 1999.
> On March 10, 2000, Chief Gosnell received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation.
> On May 26, 2000, he will receive an honorary degree from the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George.
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