Lawrence Joseph

1945 – 2025

Lawrence Joseph was born on the Big River First Nation on May 19, 1945. He passed away at his home in Prince Albert on April 20, 2025. Easter Sunday was his favorite day of the year as it holds such great significance in his walk of faith. He would speak of how the day signifies hope for everlasting life and the Easter season speaks to forgiveness and celebration. How fitting that he chose Easter Sunday as his day to start his journey.

As a child, Lawrence attended school on the reserve and was the first grade 8 graduate there.  He was sent to All Saints Residential school in Prince Albert and graduated from PACI. Following high school, he attended Prince Albert Business College, where he received a Business Administration certificate. Later, he would continue with classes in Social Work and Psychology at U of R and U of S.

While in high school he joined the army cadets. At the age of 17 he reached the highest rank with the All-Indian Air Cadet Squadron 590 (Warrant Officer II). He served in the 44^th Royal Canadian Army Militia, Battery Artillery Unit, and was also a civilian instructor with National Defense. He received the Queen’s Commission in the Royal Canadian Air Force Reserves where he initially received rank of Pilot Officer but was quickly promoted to Flying Officer. He was dedicated to his service and spoke passionately about how First Nations soldiers were not subject to conscription but were always willing to step up to serve and protect. He held his comrades dear to his heart.

Music was one of his greatest passions. He travelled for many years with his band sharing his music with many. He also sang at a variety of shows throughout his life and recorded several songs. His life in the public eye also included being a speaker, and entertainer, and a career emcee for so many events over the years. There were countless times he played at seniors’ homes, for community events, and for celebrations for free. He donated his time without question and loved to share his music with others.

Lawrence had the strongest work ethic. He started working at a very young age, willing to take on any job to make ends meet, and most importantly to ensure his family was taken care of. Ultimately, he ended up working for the Federal Government and continued to do so for 30 years, receiving the Governor General’s medal for public service before moving on to continue his life in politics. He served as an Alderman for the City of Prince Albert and was also a trustee for the PA Public School Board. As the first Indigenous Alderman, his swearing in included a drum group and prayer in the chambers, something he was very proud of. In 1997 he was elected as a Vice-Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations. He served as Vice-Chief for several years, Chief for one term, and in May of 2022, was honored with the title of “Lifetime Chief” for the FSIN. As he knew life in politics was not an easy one, he always made sure to sit with his family to discuss his plans before moving forward. He served with the strongest voice and the softest heart. He made sure to take time for everyone in his travels, always emphasizing how you need to “show up” and be present for others. Throughout his life he came to be known as one of the strongest warriors fighting for Treaty and Inherent rights. He would share stories and history and could very succinctly explain Treaties and their importance.

Over the years, he acquired numerous awards and accolades for his work, his community involvement, his music, his faith. In May of 2010, he was blessed with an Honorary Doctorate of Canon Law from the University of Emmanual College. More recently he was the recipient of the inaugural “Willard Ahenakew Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Saskatchewan Indigenous Music Association”.

Above all else, Lawrence had the strongest faith that was the foundation for all he did. Although he grew up in day school/residential school that created a disconnect from his traditional practices, he was able to reconnect to his cultural practices later in life. In time he was gifted a pipe which he held near to him. Further to this, he was deeply grounded in the Anglican church and was a licensed layreader for many years. He would pray with family using both ways of knowing and being, firmly asserting that we are praying to one higher power. St. Albans Cathedral was home. He would attend as much as possible, and wanted to make sure his church and church family were always taken care of. Although Easter was his favorite day and he intended to go to church, he was not well enough to do so. He was able to take communion at home that day, and we are eternally grateful for that. His faith also guided his sobriety journey, and he proudly celebrated his 54^th sobriety birthday on April 6, 2025. This was the last time he was able to attend church in person and had the most wonderful day.

He lived his life fully. He spoke of his struggles growing up in poverty, terrible experiences at dayschool/residential school, the endless fights he had to battle in his political life and in life in general as an Indigenous person. Despite all this, he wanted to speak of growth, change, lifting up others, using your voice and showing others how we can succeed regardless of our past experiences. He loved his life, his family, his community. He lived to serve and raised his family to do the same.

Family was his touchstone. He continually gave thanks for his wife of 57 years. She was his rock, the love of his life, his hero. He was a proud Father to Richard (Shelly), Warren, Sheryl (Grant), Trina and Kevin (Vanessa), and loved his Grandchildren and Great Grand children like no other. His Chapans Noah and Emmett were his brightest lights and they held a special place in his heart.

 His life of service and faith paved the path for so many. His legacy will live on.

The Funeral Service for Lawrence will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at St. Alban’s Anglican Cathedral, 1410 Bishop McLean Crescent, Prince Albert, SK. A reception will follow at The Prince Albert Grand Council – Urban Services Centre, 1211 1^st Avenue West, Prince Albert, SK. Cremation will take place with a private burial at a later date.  Those unable to attend the service may view the livestream at https://youtube.com/live/YVkOvjJ0a0Q?feature=share . A recording of the service will remain available after the service.

Family and friends may leave online condolences at: https://grays.ca

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729, Lisa Bos-Atchison and Mary MacWilliams, Funeral Directors.

• Date : 2025-04-20