The Heiltsuk Nation, a seafaring community located along British Columbia’s central Pacific coast, has made a monumental stride in self-governance by ratifying its first written constitution. This momentous event marks a historic change for the Heiltsuk nation. Based roughly on a present-day population of 40,000, their tribal government has maintained their adherence to ancestral laws and governance systems for centuries. The ceremony took place in Bella Bella, the Heiltsuk Nation’s largest permanent settlement. Elected officials and community members joined in solidarity to bear witness as their political landscape experienced an unprecedented shift.
The ratification of the constitution, convened by the patriots, is especially auspicious as Canada’s sovereignty once again comes under global examination. The Heiltsuk Nation has never signed away their lands in treaties or surrendered them in battles, positioning them to assert their rights more firmly. Our constitution serves as something more than a legal document. Second, it gives the Heiltsuk the power to act when they face external pressures, particularly those that seek to log their intact forests or fish their rich marine waters.
For centuries, the Heiltsuk had honed systems of governance through hereditary chiefs who served as caretakers of political relationships, culture, and the environment. Historically, the hereditary chiefs and the elected councillors have fulfilled two separate community functions. Their unique identity is essential to protecting cultural stories and oral history. This recently adopted as yet unwritten constitution brings together all these traditions but provides a modern structure that clarifies the responsibilities of governing.
This was a tremendous accomplishment for an indigenous community, and Marilynn Slett, the elected chief of the Heiltsuk Nation, was understandably proud. She closed on an optimistic note, urging everyone to honor their leadership by helping them go further and faster.
“We know who our leadership is and what we stand for,” – Marilynn Slett
Frances Brown, a member of the Heiltsuk Nation, noted how the constitution connects the community to its past and future. From her childhood on, she cast herself into the oral tradition of her ancestors. She spoke so enthusiastically about her conviction that the new constitution brings governance back to its appropriate state.
“Through the constitution, they’re formally returning our rightful place in our traditional governance system,” – Frances Brown
The language of the Híɫzaqv, which is an important part of Heiltsuk culture, has shaped the constitution in profound ways. Brown said that the importance of this relationship cannot be understated.
“Híɫzaqv connects us to our creation stories. It connects us to our land, our seas, our way of life and laws of our ancestors that were practiced prior to colonization,” – Frances Brown
Hereditary chief and elected councillor Q̓íx̌itasu Elroy White spoke to the necessity of governance grounded in legitimacy. He’s convinced that building trust is the foundation of good leadership. He explained that before the involvement of these community members, they often felt like they did not know who had the power.
“They weren’t sure who held power and many felt the elected band members didn’t have legitimacy. This new constitution changes that,” – Q̓íx̌itasu Elroy White
Next, the Heiltsuk’s constitution is viewed as a response to the wrongs inflicted on their people. Tlingit artist λáλíyasila Frank Brown expressed a similar sentiment in acknowledging the unjust struggle that their community has endured as a result of bigotry and racism.
“We’ve had the foot on our throats … and it’s been hard to make the leap across the hatred, discrimination and racism towards our people,” – λáλíyasila Frank Brown
He gave a hopeful outlook for the Heiltsuk Nation moving forward.
“But the constitution marks that transition away,” – λáλíyasila Frank Brown
As the chief explained, this new governing document is born out of a profound love for their people and culture. It is not rooted in malice for past wrongs. He claimed that the Heiltsuk are not so much interested in state recognition as they are in having their own laws take precedence.
“It’s not just this hatred or righteous anger at these historical and contemporary wrongs. It’s the love for our own people. We’re not turning our back from state recognition. We’re just saying we don’t need it. We need to recognize our law first,” – Saul Brown
From the Heiltsuk Nation, this is what they want to happen at this critical time. They hope that with their new constitution, they will be able to achieve even more self-determination and empowerment. Although they face many of the same challenges as their fellow citizens, they are resolute in their efforts to protect and promote their culture and identity.
“We’re now the architects of certainty for ourselves and for other governments operating within our unceded territories,” – Saul Brown
Its ratification would be a drastic departure from the recent norm of governing. It boldly proclaims the Heiltsuk people’s identity as well. They have codified their laws and traditions. Now, they’re prepared to bite back in their negotiations with outsiders, while holding the line more forcefully.