The Nisga’a Nation has announced the passing of Dr. Joseph Arthur Gosnell.
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.
Photo By: UNBC
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