Hereditary chief Bill Wilson, father of former cabinet minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, dead

Bill Wilson, a respected hereditary chief and the father of former cabinet minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, has passed away. Wilson-Raybould shared the news of her father’s death on social media, describing his life as one of leadership and a constant pursuit of change. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.

As a Kwakwaka’wakw hereditary chief, Bill Wilson played a significant role in Indigenous rights advocacy. He famously engaged in heated constitutional talks with former prime minister Pierre Trudeau in the 1980s, ultimately contributing to the recognition of Indigenous title to land and treaty rights in the Canadian Constitution. During one memorable encounter, Wilson boldly told Trudeau that his daughters, Jody and Kory, would one day become prime ministers.

Born in Comox, B.C. in 1944, Wilson pursued a career in law and graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1973. He was the second Indigenous person to graduate from law school in British Columbia, according to the Canadian Bar Association. Throughout his life, Wilson was actively involved with Indigenous rights organizations such as the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs and the First Nations Summit.

As a member of the Kwakiutl First Nation, located in northeast Vancouver Island, Wilson’s legacy extended beyond his own achievements. His daughter, Jody Wilson-Raybould, followed in his footsteps and served in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet as both justice minister and attorney general, as well as minister of veterans affairs.

Wilson’s passing has been met with an outpouring of condolences from various Indigenous communities and organizations. The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs expressed deep sadness over his death, recognizing Wilson’s unwavering dedication to the fight for Indigenous title and rights. UBCIC emphasized Wilson’s instrumental role in the establishment of their organization and the First Nations Summit.

In her tribute to her father, Wilson-Raybould expressed gratitude for the lessons he imparted and pledged to continue his work. Bill Wilson leaves behind a lasting legacy of advocacy and leadership in the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and recognition.