Chief Councillor, Huu-ay-aht First Nations

“When I first met Rob about 15 years ago, my first impression was that he was just a lawyer. But what I realized over time was that he had many more skills than your stereotypical lawyer. And it was really impressive to go on a journey with Rob over the years.

Rob had a whole life before he became a lawyer. He started law school and became a practicing lawyer in his 30s. And before then, he had all these great opportunities that he took advantage of in the banking and finance sector.

He really brings those skills to all of the things that we do at Huu-ay-aht and all of the services that he’s provided to anyone he works with. And it’s not just the skills, it’s the foresight. You don’t have to wait for him to catch up. In a First Nations context, that is gold.

Rob is a fine example of not just a lawyer or someone serving a First Nation, but he’s a symbol of where British Columbia and Canada should be going. He’s one of those people out in front of everyone going, “This is where we need to go.” And it’s not just because it makes sense, but because we have to from a moral and ethical standpoint. And that’s what resonates with me.

One thing that I found out is his Twitter handle was ‘a happy warrior’. And I didn’t know what that meant, but it goes back to a poem written by Wordsworth about Admiral Nelson after he died. Everyone should go read the poem as it really shows where Rob’s coming from and what he’s doing. He is, in fact, a generous soul. Someone who has devoted so much time over and above to the cause of Huu-ay-aht, but also to reconciliation in Canada.

He’s someone who is guided by that inner light that doesn’t need to be lit first. He’s already there lighting the way for others to follow. And it’s not just other Canadians. It’s people who are learning, like me.

I’d like to thank Rob for everything he’s done for the nation and everything he continues to do for society. He has added so much to the vibrancy of B.C. and Canada.”