Chief Dr. Robert Joseph
“Reconciliation includes anyone with an open mind and an open heart who is willing to look into the future with a new way”
– Chief Dr. Robert Joseph
About him:
Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, a Hereditary Chief of the Gwawaenuk First Nation, and an inspiring leader who works towards spreading awareness about the impacts of intolerance and racism, communicating his vision of reconciliation and healing.
As a Residential School survivor, Chief Joseph acts on bridging harmony among Indigenous Peoples and all Canadians, fostering a meaningful reconciliation journey.
He was formerly the Executive Director of the Indian Residential School Survivors Society and is an honorary witness to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Chief Joseph was a Chairman of the Native American Leadership Alliance for Peace and Reconciliation and Ambassador for Peace and Reconciliation with the Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace.
His dedication to the community, contributions to the country, and significant achievements were recognized on many occasions. He received an Honorary Doctorate of Law Degree from the University of British Columbia, an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Vancouver Island University, a Diversity and Inclusion Award of Excellence, among others. He was also named an officer of the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada.
He is currently the Ambassador for Reconciliation Canada and a former member of the National Assembly of First Nations Elders Council.
Sources
https://indspire.ca/laureate/chief-robert-joseph-2/
https://reconciliationcanada.ca/about/team/chief-dr-robert-joseph/
https://reconciliationcanada.ca/walk-for-reconciliation-2017/shareable-resources/
