Chief Simon Baker

Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, 1990

Khot-la-cha (Man with the Kind Heart) was born on the Capilano Reserve. Much of his life has been spent keeping First Nations culture alive, not only among his own people, but in the hearts and minds of the general population. An ambassador of his culture and of the human spirit, Baker served his people as councillor and chairman of the Squamish Indian Band for 40 years. He has worked in Canada and abroad as a fisherman, longshoreman, public lecturer, actor and performer. He founded the Northwest Coast Indian Cultural Society, the first such organization in B.C. First Nations people across the continent have shown their appreciation and respect for Simon Baker by bestowing upon him such titles as honourary Chief of the Sechelt Nation, and honourary member of the Oshewekan Nation Lacrosse Family of Ontario. He also has an honourary lifetime membership in the Native Brotherhood of B.C., and in 1989 was named King of Elders in B.C. The University of British Columbia has benefited from his invaluable advice and counsel on such projects as the First Nations House of Learning and the Native Indian Teacher Education Program. His support of his family and constant generosity of time and spirit know no bounds. This same energy emerges though his volunteer work for myriad church groups and charitable organizations.

Simon & Emily Baker, photo courtesy of David Neel