A Nisga'a hand will take the helm at UNBC, as Dr. Joseph Gosnell Sr. is named Chancellor of the University

Dr. Joseph Gosnell  Sr. has been named the next Chancellor
for the University of Northern British Columbia
(photo from UNBC)

The people of the Nisga'a Nation will be celebrating some good news this week, withe word that Dr. Joseph Gosnell Sr. their  hereditary chief and the First elected President of the Nisga'a Lisims Government will now take the helm at the University of Northern British Columbia, the latest of accomplishments for highly respected First Nations leader.

Dr. Gosnell was instrumental in the days of the negotiation of the Nisga'a Treaty the first modern treaty between a British Columbia First Nation and the provincial and Federal governments, and a document considered the model for modern treaty making in the province.

His work with the Nisga'a Lisims Government was among just a few of the areas of his life story that were highlighted by UNBC in their introduction to the new Chancellor this week.

“Dr. Gosnell has made tremendous contributions to the lives of Northern British Columbians and indeed people across the country. To have him agree to serve as our Chancellor is a tremendous honour for the UNBC community.” -- UNBC Board of Governors Chair, Tracey Wolsey

“Being able to call upon Dr. Gosnell’s lifetime of rich and meaningful experiences is priceless. His wisdom will support our University community as we strive to foster enthusiastic, respectful and productive dialogues that enhance relationships between all people.” -- UNBC President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Daniel Weeks

As the information release from UNBC notes:

The Prince George campus of
UNBC looking over the city

A fluent speaker of the Nisg̲a'a language, Gosnell’s hereditary chief 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. 

He has been married to Adele Gosnell for 63 years and they are proud parents of seven children, with 18 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

His life experiences and vast array of knowledge and ability to bridge cultures will certainly be most useful for the University as it continues to chart its course of delivering Post Secondary education to Northern BC.

In recognition of his work and service to the Nisga'a Nation and Canada, Dr. Gosnell has received a number of awards and citations, among a few of them:

The Order of British Columbia in 1999
The Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation 
Now Indspire, in 2000 
Named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2001
Promoted to Companion of the Order of Canada in 2006
Received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002

You can review more of the UNBC announcement here.

The appointment of Dr. Gosnell marks the seventh Chancellor for the University of Northern British Columbia, among those that he follows is Iona Campagnolo the iconic former Port Edward/Prince Rupert resident who served as the first chancellor for the University from 1992 to 1997.

Notes on Post Secondary Education options across Northern BC can be found here.

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