Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, OC, OBC, is a true peace-builder whose life and work are examples of his commitment. A Hereditary Chief of the Gwawaenuk First Nation, Chief Dr. Robert Joseph has dedicated his life to bridging the differences brought about by intolerance, lack of understanding, and racism at home and abroad. His insights into the destructive impacts these forces can have on peoples' lives, families, and cultures were shaped by his experience with the Canadian Indian Residential School System.
As one of the last few speakers of the Kwakwaka'wakw language, Chief Dr. Robert Joseph is an eloquent and inspiring Ceremonial House Speaker. He shares his knowledge and wisdom in the Big House and as a Language Speaker with the University of British Columbia, an internationally recognized art curator, and as co-author of "Down from the Shimmering Sky: Masks of the Northwest Coast."
- In 2003, Chief Dr. Robert Joseph received an Honorary Doctorate of Law Degree from the University of British Columbia for his distinguished achievements in serving BC and Canada.
- In 2012, Chief Dr. Robert Joseph was presented The Diamond Jubilee Medal by the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada.
- In 2014, Chief Dr. Robert Joseph received the Jack P. Blaney Award for Dialogue from Simon Fraser University and an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the Vancouver School of Theology for his work in reconciliation and renewing relationships between Indigenous peoples and all Canadians. That same year, the City of Vancouver awarded Chief Dr. Robert Joseph the 2014 Diversity and Inclusion Award of Excellence.
- In 2015, Chief Dr. Robert Joseph was presented a Deputy Ministers' Recognition Award for Collaboration and Partnerships and was appointed to the Order of British Columbia, the Province of British Columbia's highest honour. He was also named one of the "50 Most Powerful People in Vancouver (2015)" by Vancouver Magazine.
- In 2016, Chief Dr. Robert Joseph received the Wallenberg-Sugihara Civil Courage Award and the Inspire Lifetime Achievement Award.
- In 2018, Chief Dr. Robert Joseph received an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Vancouver Island University. In the same year, Chief Dr. Robert Joseph was named an officer of the Order of Canada for his dedication to the community and contributions to the country.
- In 2022, Namwayut - We Are All One: A Pathway to Reconciliation; in this book, Chief Robert Joseph traces his journey from his childhood surviving residential school to his present-day leadership journey bringing individual hope, collective change, and global transformation.
Chief Dr. Robert Joseph is currently the Ambassador for Reconciliation Canada. He was formerly the Executive Director of the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, a member of the National Assembly of First Nations Elders Council, and an honourary witness to Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
As 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 (IFWP), Chief Joseph has sat with the leaders of South Africa, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia and Washington, DC to learn from and share his understanding of faith, hope, healing, and reconciliation.
Download a copy of the 2023 BCIA Provincial Conference, Events & AGM Schedule