Larry Guno

From humble origins he rose to prominence as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for British Columbia (1987-1991) and more recently held the leadership position in a transformational initiative of the government of British Columbia as the Chairperson of the Northern Aboriginal Authority for Families. In addition to that role, he was the Chairperson for the Nisga'a Administrative Decisions Review Board.

Beyond his roles as a leader in government and politics, Larry was a published playwright, expressing his philosophy and feelings through his writing, specifically “BUNK #7”. Despite his busy life, Larry was the cornerstone of his family, the oldest brother and devoted son who continually worked to unite the family, encourage them, and support them in every way possible.

Larry's adult life was determined by the experiences and influences of people in his childhood. His life began in a small village of less than a thousand people, separated from the outside world by the mighty Lisims River. There was no electricity and no cars. There was no road to the area until after Larry had left the village, so transportation to Prince Rupert and the surrounding fishing ports took place in boats such as Larry's father's gillnetter.

The first child of Gus and Edith Guno died in infancy, making Larry the eldest child in a large family; until the time of his passing the leader and cornerstone. He narrowly escaped tragedy at least twice in his early years. When he was only one or two months old the family house burned to the ground, when the pitch warming on the oven for boat repair boiled over. Fortunately, Larry had been with his mother visiting next door. Later, as a toddler, he quietly wandered away from the house down to the river. His father, who was working on his boat at the water's edge, just happened to glimpse something bobbing along nearby in the river; it was Larry's head. He was able to reach out and rescue his young son, but was very shaken by nearly losing another child.

His father Gus’ belief in the value of a good education resulted in the decision to have him attend residential school far from home. Due to the unhealthy conditions at the residential school, he contracted tuberculosis. Initially he was treated at the school, but was later sent to a sanatorium near Nanaimo, where he underwent lung surgery to remove a portion of the TB infection. Patients at the sanatorium were of all ages, so Larry once again had frequent conversations with adults that he might not have otherwise had. A man who lived nearby who visited patients befriended Larry and brought him books to read each week, introducing him to the classical literature.

Larry's mother has recalled how a taxi-cab driver asked him what he wanted to do when he finished school. The eleven-year-old confidently announced, "I'm going to be a lawyer," a response that was met with laughter. In his typical good, natured manner, he was undeterred, and went on to prove his ability and determination by accomplishing this early goal. He earned his bachelor's degree at UBC and later graduated from Law School at UBC in 1980. He was called to the bar a year later.

Larry was inspired to become a voice for the voiceless by some of his personal experiences. As a young man he was present during a riot that involved police brutality in Prince Rupert (August

1958) and another riot that arose as a reaction to the totalitarian conditions prevailing at the Edmonton Residential School (November 1958). It was from these and other early experiences that Larry saw the need for aboriginal representation in both levels of government. Following the example of Frank Calder, Larry tested the political waters by throwing his cap in the political ring, becoming the second aboriginal Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Atlin Riding for one term (1987- 1991.) Larry was a representative of all the people, but he was especially driven by a passion to see equal justice and equal opportunity in the economic sector for Aboriginal people. He was particularly supportive of increasing the role of First Nations women in political life. He was a "dyed in the wool" member of the New Democratic Party who could only shake his head in wonder as others crossed the floor.

Although he enjoyed being a representative of the people in government, Larry's passion for literature, writing, and the theatre eventually led him to begin writing plays. His partially autobiographical play entitled "Bunk #7" was accepted for production at the Native Earth Theatre Company in Toronto for presentation in February 2006. Upon return from his recent trip to Toronto, he shared his joy at this culmination of his efforts with all he met. Shortly after, he left us

Larry served his community with dedication, skill, and purpose, and always with a smile. “BUNK #7” is his legacy to his people, and to all Canadians working towards reconciliation.

Larry Edward Guno was born in the Nisga'a village of Old Aiyansh on the Nass River in northwest British Columbia on February 28, 1940, to Augustus Guno and Edith (nee Brown) Guno - Sigidimnak' Ksim Naa Gaak. He was a member of the Ganada tribe in the house of Axdiiwilugooda. He passed away unexpectedly at his home in Terrace on July 17, 2005, from natural causes.

The parting of this great man was sudden and unforeseen, causing his longtime friend and President of the Nisga'a Nation, Dr. Joe Gosnell Sr, to say that he was at a loss for words, a sentiment shared by all who knew him.

Larry was a leader, who led by example and by carefully considered guidance. His professional life was guided by concerns for justice and for the poor. While he always had a special heart for his aboriginal brothers and sisters, Larry appeared blind to differences of race or ethnicity.