Daniel Watts

We are sad to announce the death of Daniel Watts (Quicheenum) on Monday, November 26, 2018 following a brief bout of cancer. He was the son of the late Nessie Watts and the late Adam Watts, both Hupacasath. Daniel was born in 1938 at Tla ho ah.

Daniel, who was known as BB to family, was pre-deceased by his parents, elder brothers Chief Hugh (Tuffy) Watts and Ivan Watts, his elder sister Esther Casavant (Bibsy), younger brother Jim Hamilton (Hobby) and his infant son, Ivan Daniel Watts. He is survived by his sons Dean Flagel and Rustee George Walker Watts, his niece Shaunee Margaret Casavant, elder sister Juanita Elliott, younger twin sisters Sandra Vissia and Sharean Van Volsen, younger sister Rose Petrilli (Gal) and younger brothers Buddy Hamilton, Ron Hamilton and Peter Hamilton-Watts as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

At the Alberni District High School, he graduated grade 12 and he was certified at the Institute of Adult Studies in Victoria BC as an Architectural and Structural Draughtsman.

Daniel had a diverse and distinctive work history that included: apprentice shipwright/carpenter at the Vancouver Shipyards, Alberni Pulp and Paper Mill, City of Port Alberni Assistant Building Inspector, Technical Advisor & Executive Director of the West Coast District Council of Indian Chiefs, Housing Coordinator for BC Remote Housing, Capital Programs Manager for the Nuuchahnulth Tribal Council, and Manager of First Nations Relations for the Lions Gate Bridge Project.

A highlight in Daniel’s career was the seven consecutive terms he served as a co-chair of the First Nations Summit. During those 15 years he earned the respect of BC’s First Nation leaders and others for his skill at handling multiple duties and personalities during meetings and related gatherings.

In the past, Daniel served 14 years as the Chief Councillor of the Hupacasath First Nation and before his illness served as a Board Member of the Upnit Power Corporation, which Hupacasath First Nation is the majority owner.

In addition to his work, Daniel was involved with the American Water Works Association, BC Water and Waste Association, First Nations Housing Society of BC, Port Alberni Chamber of Commerce, ARDA (Science and Technology), 1992 Port Alberni Summer Games, Nuuchahnulth Smokehouse Board of Directors (Chair), Nuuchahnulth Economic Development Corporation, Tin Wis Resort Board of Directors, BC Groundwater Association and the Joint Indian and Northern Affairs Canada/First Nations Policy Development Committee.

For 40 years, Daniel Watts contributed to advancing political achievements of BC First Nations from the BC Treaty process to appropriate housing and clean water for many communities. He enjoyed his contribution as a citizen of BC on the Board of Directors for the Land Title and Survey Authority of BC for 4 years.

As the President of the Port Alberni Sunshine Club he re-kindled friendships from his younger years and made new friends he was fond of. His crib-playing friends and his breakfast guys meant a lot to him.

The Expansion Project at Tsawaayuus (Rainbow Gardens) brought excitement to Daniel’s life. He served as the President of the Westcoast Native Health Care Society and as a member of the Building Committee and he was exceedingly disappointed that he would not see the project to completion.

Daniel found joy in beautifying his home next to the river at Klehkhoot where he invited many friends and family. He had a special place in his heart for children and he was everyone’s Uncle BB. Like his name-sake Chief Dan Watts, (his Nuuchahnulth name Quicheenum) for decades he was the epicentre that brought together four generations of our family. He will be dearly missed and we will be forever grateful for his presence in our lives.

At Daniel’s request there will be no formal service. The family will have a tea in honour of Daniel on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Hupacasath House of Gathering on Beaver Creek Road in Port Alberni. In lieu of flowers, donations to Ty Watson House or Tsawaayuus (Rainbow Gardens) are encouraged.