Georges Henry Erasmus

Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, 1993

Georges Erasmus began his career with the Yellowknife Band Council and quickly made his name as a quiet, articulate spokesperson for First Nations concerns. He was a guiding light with the Indian Brotherhood in the Northwest Territories during the 1970s, and became Director of the Brotherhood's Community Development Program, then President of the Dene Nation. He has been involved extensively at the national level working with, among others, the Association for Indian and Eskimo Education, and the MacKenzie Valley Pipeline Inquiry. He was Canadian delegate to the World Council of Indigenous Peoples, and has represented Canada at many international councils and conferences. He became the first Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and, during his tenure, set the course for developments that led up to the inclusion of First Nations concerns in the Charlottetown Accord. He was appointed to the Order of Canada in 1987 and received an honourary Doctorate of Laws from Queens University. He co-chaired the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Erasmus has given a high level of service to Canada and has provided great dignity to the positions he has held. He played an important part in the evolution of self government for First Nations, and continues to be an articulate voice for First Nations interests.

Photo courtesy of UBC Ceremonies Office, 1993