In 2023, Chief Lawrence Joseph accepted the William Ahenakew Award at the Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Awards . (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Respected leaders

‘We were blessed’: Lawrence Joseph passes away at 79

Apr 21, 2025 | 6:44 PM

Kevin Joseph said his father’s last words were ‘thank you’.

Lawrence Joseph, a lifelong Chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and a former Prine Albert city councillor, passed away Sunday at the age of 79.

After one last date with his wife, Joseph requested to have Easter dinner with his family.

“We knew afterwards why because he wanted his last breath to be at home with his family and his last words were ‘thank you,'” Kevin said.

Well known for his political career, Joseph also loved to sing and perform. He was also a proud family man. Kevin noted it’s been eight years since his father was diagnosed with a lung disease and told he would have two to five years to live

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While Lawrence initially took the news as a death sentence, Kevin said his father soon found new strength with the births of his great grandchildren and not long after that, picked up his guitar and started speaking and emceeing again.

“We had lost his spirt when he couldn’t get out, when he couldn’t sing, when he couldn’t drive around the province like he used to, to go to every funeral so he could support families,” Kevin said.

Father and son perform together. Kevin says it was his father who introduced him to music and supported his passion. (Facebook)

When asked about the lessons he learned from his father, Kevin said it was the importance of family. No matter how busy everyone was, it was mandatory that once a week the family got together to share a meal.

“We were blessed and he made sure to tell us we had to continue that after he goes”

Another lesson Kevin said he learned from his father was what it meant to serve.

Prior to running for FSIN Chief, Lawrence asked his family’s permission, knowing in advance his decision would affect them all.

“And it did get ugly, it did get violent, we had death threats and he said this is what it is to serve. We have to be above that.”

Lawrence tried his hand at municipal, provincial and federal politics. (Facebook)

Throughout his career he has held several elected positions in the public service sector.

He was elected as a trustee and as vice-chairman of the Prince Albert Public School Board of Education. He served two terms as Alderman for Prince Albert, first in 1991 and again in 1995. Together with other city councillors, he served in turn as acting mayor in 1993 when Mayor Gordon Kirkby was elected as a Member of Parliament. In 2006, he was elected Chief of the FSIN after having served nearly a decade as vice-Chief.

Lawrence fought tirelessly for treaty rights, justice and children’s issues. Current FSIN Chief and nephew of Joseph, Bobby Cameron said he also had a huge impact in the community.

“He was instrumental in thousands of people’s lives in the areas of healing and spirituality, but also in the area of just being a wholehearted, full-some human being,” he said.

Noting Joseph was a man of the church, an accomplished musician, and a military veteran, Cameron said he lived life to the fullest extent and lived with his heart.

“He played a significant role in my position, along with thousands of other people he helped to guide and advise,” he said.

Lawrence Joseph loved the stage at the EA Rawlinson Centre. (Facebook)

In 2010, Joseph tried his hand at provincial politics, running as the NDP candidate. Provincial NDP party leader Carla Beck said she was saddened to learn of the passing of Chief Lawrence Joseph.

“Chief Joseph was a role model for so many and served in numerous leadership roles in our province. He was such a strong voice for Indigenous people,” she said.

“My condolences go out to his family and to every person touched by his important work.”

Dr. Lawrence Joseph’s dedication and service to his country were exemplary. Serving in theCanadian Army’s Royal Canadian Artillery, 44th Battery (Militia)as aBombardier or Corporal (Service Number: L803837), he demonstrated unwavering patriotism and courage.

His commitment continued in the Royal Canadian Air Force Reserves, where he received the Queens Commission from the Hon. Paul Heller, Federal Minister of Defence, in 1966 at Penhold, Alberta Air Force Base, achieving the rank of Flying Officer. These accomplishments reflect his leadership, valour and may his legacy inspire future generations to serve.

A funeral is scheduled for Thursday, April 24 at St. Alban’s Anglican Cathedral.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social

— with files from CKOM Staff