Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, O.B.C. is a Hereditary chief of the Gwawaenuk First Nation who has dedicated his life to bridging the differences brought about by intolerance, lack of understanding and racism at home and abroad. As one of the last few speakers of the Kwakwaka’wakw language, Chief Joseph is an eloquent and inspiring Ceremonial House Speaker. He is currently the Ambassador for Reconciliation Canada, a member of the National Assembly of First Nations Elders Council and an Honorary Witness to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). He has served as the Executive Director of the Indian Residential School Survivors Society. As Chairman of the Native American Leadership Alliance for Peace and Reconciliation and the 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. Awards and Recognition • 2003 – Honorary Doctorate of Law, University of British Columbia • 2012 – Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal • 2014 – Jack P. Blaney Award for Dialogue, Simon Fraser University • 2014 – Honorary Doctorate of Divinity, Vancouver School of Theology • 2015 – Deputy Ministers’ Recognition Award for Collaboration & Partnerships • 2015 – Order of British Columbia • 2016 – Wallenberg-Sugihara Civil Courage Award • 2016 – Indspire Lifetime Achievement Award • 2017 – Order of Canada • 2019 - Honorary Doctorate of Law, Simon Fraser University • 2023 – Recipient of the CCAB's 2023 Award for Excellence in Aboriginal Relations