Leaders pay tribute to Chief Joe Mathias

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Words of condolence, loss and praise were issued by leaders from across the country at the news of the passing of Chief Joe Mathias.

Mathias, hereditary chief of the Squamish First Nation, died March 10 in Vancouver at the age of 56.

A long-time proponent of Aboriginal rights, Chief Mathias dedicated much time and effort towards the goal of having those rights recognized.

Mathias was a member of the First Nations Summit Task Group from 1991 until his death. As a member of the task group, Chief Mathias was involved in representing the First Nations Summit on specific issues involving treaties, and interim measures on fisheries, health and education.

Mathias was a member of the Constitutional Working Group of the Assembly of First Nations from 1983 to 1987, during which time took part in three First Ministers Conferences on Aboriginal issues, as well as a number of federal/provincial meetings.

In 1985, Mathias was appointed to a federal task force reviewing Ottawa's Comprehensive Land Claims Policy. In 1990 and 1991, he served as a member of the tripartite British Columbia Claims Task Force, which resulted in creation of the independent BC Treaty Commission. In 1992, he was appointed a national co-chair of the Assembly of First Nations Constitutional Working Group.

"Chief Joe Mathias was a guiding light whose perseverance and dedication to the pursuit of social justice and economic well-being of First Nations people has inspired the lives of many," said Grand Chief Edward John, speaking on behalf of the First Nations Summit Task Group. "His vision and eloquence on treaty and Aboriginal issues will be forever in our minds and in our hearts. We owe it to him and future generations to help make his vision a reality."

"The powerful spirit and legacy of Chief Joe Mathias will live on in the hopes and dreams of all of us," said Robert Louie, who served on the task group along with Chief Mathias. "The Squamish Nation and Aboriginal people throughout British Columbia and Canada have lost a great leader today."

Assembly of First Nations Regional Vice Chief Satsan (Herb George) also issued a statement on the passing of Chief Mathias.

"I was deeply saddened to hear of Chief Joe Mathias' passing today. My heart and my sympathies go out to his family, his friends and his nation. Joe was a great First Nations leader, deeply committed to the pursuit of justice for our people. Although we have lost a hero to our generation, he leaves with us a legacy of accomplishments that will serve to guide our people for many generations to come," Chief Satsan said.

Words of condolence were also issued by Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs.

"I learned about the sudden and unexpected death of Chief Mathias as I was driving to attend the First Nations Summit meeting for the first time in seven years," Chief Phillip said. "I was completely stunned and greatly saddened by the news. Upon arriving in Squamish, I offered condolences on behalf of the Okanagan Nation and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs. I pointed out that although we didn't always agree on political matters we always had nothing but the greatest respect for Chief Joe Mathias. Our message to the family of Chief Joe Mathias, the Squamish Nation and the First Nations Summit, was that we have to complete the work of Chief Mathias and get our Aboriginal title recognized by the governments. To this end, we pledged to work in unity with the First Nations Summit to achieve this to honor the memory of Chief Joe Mathias."

Chief Arthur Manuel, chief of the Neskonlith band and chairman of the Interior Alliance, also extended condolences, and spoke in praise of Chief Mathias.

"I received the news today and was shocked to hear of the death of Chief Joe Mathias. This is a tremendous loss not only for his family, in the Squamish Nation, but it is a loss for all Aboriginal nations in British Columbia. We extend our condolences to his relatives an his nation. All we can do on such a sad occasion is to commit ourselves to work in memory of Chief Joe Mathias, with the First Nations Summit to reach the goal of having the governments recognize our Aboriginal title."

Chief Maureen Luggi of the Wet'suwet'en First Nation offered a tribute to Chief Mathias.

"Let it be known to one and all about a great chief from the Squamish First Nation. His name is Joe Mathias. For those of us who knew him, we've come to appreciate his leadership. Joe passed on to the other side on the morning of Friday, March 10, 2000 in Vancouver. He will be missed because of his leadership, his professionalism, his character and how he spoke for all First Nations people. I must reiterate that Joe spoke for all of us. I am deeply saddened to see the leader that many of us depended on has now left us. . . .

Governor General of Canada Adrienne Clarkson also issued a statement on learning of Chief Mathias' death.

"It is with sadness that I learned of the death this morning of the Chief of the Squamish First Nation, Joseph William Mathias. Chief Mathias was a revered and effective Aboriginal leader and activist known for his dedication to improving the quality of life for all Native Canadians, and particularly for the Native community of British Columbia. I had the privilege of meeting Chief Mathias last year in British Columbia, and I was immediately impressed by his wisdom and generosity. With his death the Squamish band has lost its chief and our country has lost a powerful voice," Clarkson said.

A private prayer service for Chief Mathias was held March 14 at the Squamish Nation Recreation Centre in North Vancouver. His funeral was held March 15, also at the Squamish Nation Recreation Centre.