Tribute to Chief Viola Wyse

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August 21st, 2009 Obituary - Chief Viola Wyse, Snuneymuxw First Nations Nanaimo, BC passed away suddenly on August 17, 2009. Born on August 29, 1947 in Campbell River, BC. Predeceased by her parents Dorothy and Francis Drake, first husband Alfred Wyse 1976; son Joe in 1989. Survived by husband Joseph James Wyse of 30 years, children; Roz Smith, Mike Wyse, Brad Wyse, John Wyse, Leslee Wyse, Bill Wyse and Kate Good. Grandchildren: Marcus Wyse, Trevor Paul, Caz Paul, Brent Paul, Keegan Smith, Michael Wyse, Patti Wyse, James Wyse, Allen Wyse, Krystal Wyse, Chelsea Wyse, Nicole Wyse, Edward Good, Joseph Good, Cecelia Seymour, Lyla Smith, Mackenzie Wyse, Siah Wyse and Stuart Wyse. Prayers to be held on Thursday August 20th, 2009 at 7:00pm at Beban Park Centre, 2300 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, BC. Funeral Mass on Friday August 21st, 2009 at 9:00am at Beban Centre, 2300 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, BC. Burial to follow at the Snuneymuxw Cemetary.



Sign the guest book . . .
http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=59185
This Guest Book kept online until 19/08/2010 by the Victoria Times Colonist
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Condolences. . .
http://www.snuneymuxw.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=963&Itemid=571
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It is with profound sadness that the Snuneymuxw First Nation advises that Chief Viola Wyse passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday, August 17, 2009.

Chief Wyse was elected as Snuneymuxw First Nation’s first female Chief in February 2, 2006, a position she always said that she was greatly honoured to hold. She was a member of Snuneymuxw's eleven-member council from 2002-2006 and worked as the band administrator from 1995-2001, having previously worked for the Department of Indian Affairs for twenty years.

Chief Wyse had an enduring and remarkable vision for improving the lives of the people in her community in a manner respectful to Snuneymuxw culture and traditions. It was a vision looked to as a model by many other British Columbian First Nations. During her tenure, Snuneymuxw embarked on many noteworthy ventures including Protocol Agreements with the City of Nanaimo, the Nanaimo Port Authority, the Regional District of Nanaimo and the Islands Trust, and collaborative management agreements with the government of British Columbia.

Chief Wyse firmly believed in regional partnerships as the way to a better future for all the residents of Nanaimo. When Snuneymuxw signed a community-to-community water agreement with the City of Nanaimo in 2007, she remarked: “It’s very important that we pay attention to each other’s interests and needs in this regard. Harmonizing our efforts this way will help all future generations living in Nanaimo.”

Councillor William Yoachim said today: “It was a great privilege to work with such a remarkable Chief and individual as Viola Wyse. I feel certain she will want her legacy to be a continuation of her vision of a better life for her community and for everyone in Nanaimo. I know that Snuneymuxw First Nation will do its best to uphold that vision into the future in her honour.”

Chief Wyse and her husband Joe have 6 adult children, 19 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She was dearly loved as a wonderful mother, grandmother and aunt and will be greatly missed by her family, as well as her community and the many political and business leaders who had the privilege of working with her.

For more information, please contact Councillor William Yoachim at (250) 713-3593.
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Condolences . . .

STATEMENT
For Immediate Release

August 18, 2009
Office of the Premier

PREMIER'S STATEMENT ON PASSING OF CHIEF VIOLA WYSE

VANCOUVER - Premier Gordon Campbell issued the following statement
today on the passing of Chief Viola Wyse of the Snuneymuxw First
Nation:

"The Snuneymuxw First Nation and all of British Columbia are mourning
the loss of a strong and passionate leader with the passing of Chief
Viola Wyse.

"Chief Wyse worked to forge strong partnerships with the community and
other levels of government. She advanced initiatives to create economic
opportunity for the Snuneymuxw and to improve the health, environment
and well-being of those she represented.

"As the first female chief in the history of the Snuneymuxw, Chief Wyse
was a trailblazer. Through her tireless dedication to her people, she
leaves a legacy of accomplishment that will echo for years to come
throughout the region. Initiatives like the unprecedented collaborative
management of Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park were only
possible because of the commitment and vision of leaders like Chief
Wyse.

"Chief Wyse will be missed by many, and I join members of the
Snuneymuxw and others in honouring her memory and her accomplishments."

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Statement From NDP Leader Carole James on the Passing of Chief Viola Wyse of the Snuneymuxw First Nation
August 19, 2009

“It was with great sadness that I learned of the sudden passing of Chief Viola Wyse."

“Chief Wyse will be remembered as a leader who broke new ground. As the first woman Chief of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, Chief Wyse made an enormous contribution to her Nation and to the Province. She will be remembered for the tenacity of her spirit and the wisdom of her vision, forging new partnerships to improve the economic and social well-being of the Snuneymuxw people, and, in particular, the health and welfare of children and youth. Community-to-community initiatives, like the 2007 Newcastle Island Agreement with the City of Nanaimo, will leave a lasting legacy that will be felt for generations.

“On behalf of the New Democrat Caucus, I join with the Snuneymuxw people to mourn Chief Wyse’s passing, to honour her memory and to celebrate her many achievements.”