Chief receives honorary degree for service

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Chief Simon Lucas, Klah-kisht-ke-is, best known for his instrumental role in restoring the Hesquiaht band after a devastating tidal wave in 1963, was awarded an honorary degree at the University of British Columbia spring convocation for his continued contribution to both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.

Declared an Elder at the young age of 40, Chief Lucas has long demonstrated a unique ability to draw people together for the common cause of rebuilding natural resources. His vast knowledge of environmental issues, encompassing both traditional Aboriginal teaching and modern fisheries science, is only surpassed by his willingness to share them and his ability to clearly communicate complex ideas in understandable ways.

Chief Lucas is currently Coastal co-chair of the British Columbia Aboriginal Fisheries Commission and an executive board member of the Aboriginal Council of British Columbia. He has served on the advisory board of the British Columbia Medical Association, is a board member of the Native Brotherhood of British Columbia and an aquaculture advisor for the province.

During the award ceremony, UBC President Martha Piper praised Chief Lucas for his devotion to the protection of natural resources and his significant work with the UBC Fisheries Centre and the First Nations Long House.

Chief Lucas provides counsel to UBC academics in the field of Aboriginal fisheries and is well respected as a strong supporter of higher learning opportunities for Aboriginal students. "He is always ready to help UBC reach into communities not always easily accessible," said Piper.

Dressed in a traditional woven cedar wood cloak, Chief Lucas broke into a short song in his language before thanking the university community for the recognition. "You have bestowed honor on my mother, my late dad, my late grandparents and my children; I thank you deeply," he said.

Chief Lucas cited the last throne speech when it was stated that the government planned to better the life of Aboriginal people in Canada. "What does that mean here in British Columbia," he asked, "where there is a 20 to 90 per cent unemployment rate, where in some of our First Nations there is over a hundred homes that are behind, where we're leading in all of the sicknesses in the province?

"It means we have to work together, be tolerant of each other and be understanding so we can achieve what we want here in British Columbia," Chief Lucas said passionately.

He accepted the honorary degree on behalf of all the First Nations people in British Columbia and congratulated those who shared the convocation with him.

"I know some of you who are graduating will come to the Fist Nations with your expertise and talents," said Chief Lucas. "I thank you and congratulate you on your accomplishments."