By Canadian Press

Nisga’a Chief who led nation to landmark treaty, Joe Gosnell, dies of cancer

Aug 18, 2020 | 12:24 PM

NEW AIYANSH, B.C. — Joe Gosnell, a renowned treaty negotiator, politician and leader of the Nisga’a Nation, has died at the age of 85.

A statement from the Nisga’a Lisims government of northwestern British Columbia says Gosnell  died in his home in New Aiyansh after a long battle with cancer.

A hereditary Nisga’a chieftain of the Eagle Clan, Gosnell was president of the nation when the landmark Nisga’a Final Agreement was completed in 2000.

The treaty that gave the Nisga’a control over their land, including forestry and fishing rights, was the first modern-day treaty signed in B.C. since the 1800s.

Eva Clayton, Nisga’a Nation president, says Gosnell’s wisdom, dignity and determination helped lead the Nisga’a people out of the Indian Act and into self-government.

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Gosnell, a recipient of the Order of Canada, the Order of B.C., is survived by his wife Audrey, seven children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Clayton says Gosnell’s work to negotiate the Nisga’a Treaty produced a “beacon of hope” for people around the world.

“His focus was always on what the Nisga’a, British Columbians and Canadians can achieve together,” she says in the statement.

“His legacy will help shape the project of reconciliation for generations to come.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 18, 2020

The Canadian Press