Heiltsuk Nation on the Verge of Adopting Written Constitution

For 80-year-old Hilistis Pauline Waterfall, the prospect of the Heiltsuk Nation adopting a written constitution is nothing short of a dream come true. Having been taken to residential school at the tender age of 12, Waterfall spent years relearning her culture, language, and history. Now, as a knowledge-keeper and recipient of the Order of B.C., she is one of the individuals who drew upon her learnings to help shape the new constitution. The Heiltsuk First Nation, located on British Columbia’s Central Coast, is currently voting on the adoption of this historic document.

The referendum follows nearly two decades of development and consultation, including six months of engagement with over 2,000 Heiltsuk members in Bella Bella, Nanaimo, and Vancouver. If approved, the constitution is poised to help the nation reclaim its power and restore its vibrant infrastructure that was once governed by oral traditions.

Waterfall explained in an interview with CBC Radio West that prior to colonization, the Heiltsuk Nation had a robust justice system and laws built on consensus. However, much of this was erased by the Indian Act and the suppression of cultural traditions. Now, she believes it is time for these traditions to be reinstated.

Chief Marilyn Slett expressed pride in the work that went into reconstituting the Heiltsuk Nation’s governance system with the written constitution. The document provides a legal framework for Heiltsuk governance, rights, responsibilities, and law-making, offering clarity on decision-making within Heiltsuk territory and enshrining collaboration between elected officials and hereditary chiefs.

Hereditary chief Frank Brown affirmed that the Heiltsuk people have never relinquished their right to govern themselves and their territory. The constitution reflects the nation’s core values and aims to guide future generations in governance. The historical referendum is eagerly awaited by the community.

Other Indigenous nations that have adopted written constitutions, such as the Nisga’a Lisims and Haida, have successfully taken control of their self-government, including education systems, child care, and natural resource management. Waterfall emphasized the importance of consensus-building and the role of women in upholding traditional laws within the community.

Voting on the Heiltsuk Nation’s constitution began on January 6 and will continue until February 20. If the majority of members approve the document, a ratification feast will be held in Bella Bella before the constitution takes effect. Waterfall expressed her excitement at the prospect of witnessing her dream become a reality, completing a full circle in her journey.

This momentous occasion signifies a significant step forward for the Heiltsuk Nation as they strive to reclaim their heritage and empower future generations through a modernized governance structure.