January 13, 2000 For Immediate Release

The University of Northern British Columbia will be awarding two honorary degrees at its 2000 Convocation ceremony on May 26th.

Joseph Gosnell is President of the Nisga'a Tribal Council and was the lead negotiator for the landmark Nisga'a Treaty, which was initialed in August 1998. The agreement was the first modern-day treaty in British Columbia and made news around the world. Chief Gosnell was born in New Aiyansh north of Terrace and worked as a commercial fisher before entering tribal politics. Chief Gosnell has received the Humanitarian Award from the Canadian Labour Congress, the Order of British Columbia, and has received honorary degrees from the University of Victoria, Royal Roads University, and the Open Learning Agency.

Horst Sander has been instrumental in establishing the University of Northern British Columbia. He was the Chair of the University's Implementation Planning Group and Founding Chair of the UNBC Board of Governors. Mr Sander worked for Northwood Pulp and Timber in Prince George for 25 years, the last seven of which as President and CEO. He has served on a number of public and industry boards and committees, primarily in the public health, forestry, commerce, and international trade. He is a former Chair of the Council of Forest Industries Northern Interior Lumber Sector and Chair of the Pulp and Paper Industrial Relations Bureau. He was named Prince George's Citizen of the Year in 1999.

Honorary degrees are awarded by UNBC to individuals whose achievements have earned them national distinction.