Joseph, Lawrence

Websites:  No
Origin: Big River First Nation → Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, 🇨🇦
Biography:

Lawrence Joseph was a remarkable figure whose life wove together leadership, public service, music, and deep community devotion. Born May 19, 1945, on Big River First Nation in Saskatchewan (located about 120 kilometers northwest of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan), Joseph’s early years were marked by hardship as a residential school survivor. Yet he persevered, becoming the first Grade 8 graduate from his reserve before continuing his studies in business, social work, and psychology at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina.

Joseph built a distinguished career in public service, including three decades with the federal government and six years at Saskatchewan Penitentiary. In 1985, he broke new ground as the first Indigenous alderman elected in Prince Albert, later serving as city councillor, acting mayor, and school board trustee. His leadership continued on the national stage, serving over a decade as Vice-Chief and then Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), where he became a respected advocate for Indigenous rights, education, and healing. His contributions were widely recognized, receiving numerous honors including the Governor General’s Medal and an honorary Doctor of Canon Law.

Parallel to his civic work, Joseph nurtured a deep passion for music. In 1982, he composed the music for The Saga of McBride, collaborating with lyricist Sisko Kivari of Mountainview Road to mark the 50th Jubilee of McBride, British Columbia, a picturesque railway village nestled in the Robson Valley, originally founded in 1913 as Mile 90 on the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, incorporated in 1932, and located approximately 210 km southeast of Prince George along the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16). The song was recorded in Calgary, Alberta, and pressed on gold-colored 45 rpm vinyl in Nashville, Tennessee, becoming a cherished commemorative release for the community.

Joseph continued performing in the years that followed, singing and playing guitar with Brian Sklar and the Prairie Fire Band, including televised appearances on CBC’s No. 1 West. His performances, such as “Shadow of Your Distant Friend”, highlighted his musical talent and community presence.

Joseph was equally known for his commitment to faith, family, and healing. Celebrating over five decades of sobriety, he became a beacon of hope for others battling addiction, openly sharing his journey of recovery. Married for 57 years to his wife Priscilla, and a proud father and grandfather, Joseph lived his final years surrounded by family, passing away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. His last words — simply, “thank you” — captured the grace and humility that defined his life.

Lawrence Joseph leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership, resilience, and creativity that continues to inspire both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across Canada.
-Robert Williston