Another honor was bestowed on Tsilhqot’in National Government Chief Joe Alphonse.
On Thursday (November 10) he was given his Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Victoria.
In a release, the TNG stated that Alphonse has been at the forefront of several historic moments for the Nation that included the protection of sacred lands and waters at Teztan Biny from large-scale mining interests, the recognition of Aboriginal title by the Supreme Court of Canada in 2014 for the first time in Canadian history, and advocating for Indigenous jurisdiction in emergency and land management.
“Chief Joe Alphonse has dedicated his life to fighting against the status quo and his knowledge of the Nation, the Tsilhqot’in language, and the people is something to be celebrated.” Vice-Chair of the Tsilhqot’in National Government, Chief Otis Guichon said, “Chief Alphonse has not only a wealth of traditional knowledge of our Indigenous laws but also an inspiring way of applying these laws to the world today.”
Another honor was bestowed on Alphonse back in March when he received the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest form of recognition.
“We commend Chief Alphonse for the work he had done with the Nation and congratulate him on receiving this Honorary Doctor of Laws,” Guichon said.