Latest news with #Slett
Hamilton Spectator
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
‘Out from under the Indian Act': Heiltsuk Nation, B.C., signs official constitution
The Haíłzaqv (Heiltsuk) Nation has signed into effect its written constitution, passed through generations, during a ratification feast on Friday, May 30, in Bella Bella. 'This is a monumental day,' said Marilyn Slett, Chief of the Haíłzaqv Nation, located on the Central Coast of B.C. 'It's been there, it's been part of our DNA for as long as we've been Haíłzaqv people,' Slett said of the constitution. Putting the nation's constitution into writing and having it ratified by the people affirms the nation's decision to be governed by joint leadership. This includes the elected chief and council, the Yímás Council (hereditary council) and the W̓úm̓aqs du M̓ṇúyaqs Council. 'That's a good feeling to get out from under the Indian Act,' said Hereditary Chief Frank Brown. 'I think what's amazing about this is the power sharing.' The imposition of the Indian Act meant elected forms of governance were never a choice for First Nations across Canada. It has brought confusion over who holds decision making power and rendered traditional forms of leadership into ceremonial roles. After 20 years of research, consultation and drafting, a written form of the nation's long-existing constitution was at last finalized and ratified by referendum in February. The constitution was passed by a super majority vote, with 67 per cent of the 725 votes in favour. Over the six months preceding the vote, the nation hosted several community engagement sessions to ensure voters could make a well-informed decision. 'I went to the engagement just to educate myself,' said Erin Wilson, a Haíłzaqv mother, language learner and wellness advocate. Wilson said she always knew the nation needed this – a coming together of Haíłzaqv people and their traditional knowledge and wisdom – but she didn't quite know what that looked like until she attended the engagement sessions. 'Awareness is empowerment,' she said. Today, she and her children are at the nation's Big House to witness and celebrate the signing of their written constitution. While some Haíłzaqv may be hesitant about the constitution, Wilson said the community's energy is bright. 'There's just a lot of excitement in the air,' she said, adding that along with the constitution, the nation is celebrating the five years since the Big House was opened. 'This is something that we haven't done in a Big House setting for a very long time,' Chief Slett said of the fact the nation is enacting Haíłzaqv law in the Big House, according to the nation's ways. She said doing so is a 'renewal and reclaiming of our ancestral law.' The document serves as a guide for the nation's ǧvi̓ḷás (law) and brings together contemporary and traditional forms of governance to reinforce the nation's sovereignty and self-determination. 'We're undoing oppression,' said Fran Brown, Chair of the W̓úm̓aqs du M̓ṇúyaqs Council (women's council). Brown said that to know their ancestral laws affirms the nation had laws prior to colonization. 'We are here, and we are affirming our ancestral authority and power to govern ourselves.' Brown is 66 years old; her mother, still alive and well, is in her 80s. 'We never thought we'd see this in our time,' she said. 'I know our ancestors will be smiling down on us today to know that we never gave up.' As the Chair of the women's council, Brown said this is an exciting moment for women. 'When I was growing up, we were always told the women are the backbone of the community,' Brown said. Haíłzaqv laws and traditions recognize the importance of joint leadership, and the nation has been reclaiming this in recent years. She said to do so, along with enacting Haíłzaqv laws, is 'really honouring what was in place prior to colonization.' 'This is for the Haíłzaqv by the Haíłzaqv according to how we see the world,' Hereditary Chief Frank Brown said. 'When we validate this constitution in ceremony, in our Big isn't the end, this is the beginning of our journey of self-determination.' Chief Samuel Schooner of the neighbouring Nuxalk Nation is grateful to the Haíłzaqv for the work they've done towards self-determination. However, the Nuxalk, Kitasoo Xai'xais and Wuikinuxv nations have expressed opposition to territorial claims made in the Haíłzaqv constitution and want to see them resolved. 'We're dishonouring our ancestors who have worked together,' Schooner said, adding that the nations are more than neighbours, they are also connected through family. 'Maps were designed to make us fight,' he said. 'We need to put the politics and business have to sit down; we have to figure this out.' Chief Slett said the Haíłzaqv Nation is committed to following traditional protocols and upholding their ways. 'Our map is included because we're connected to our land and very important to uphold,' said Chief Slett. The Haíłzaqv have reached out, and the nations are working on coordinating a meeting to discuss a path forward. Learn more about the history and creation of the nation's written constitution by watching the short YouTube films Haíɫzaqv Constitution: ' Qáikasas Ǧví'las , The Q̓áikasas Ǧvi̓ḷás: The great laws of the Haíɫzaqv, Part 2 film and For Us, by Us . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Global News
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Heiltsuk Nation to enact new constitution with ratification feast
First Nations leaders and delegates from around British Columbia are slated to attend a ratification feast on Friday that will officially bring the Heiltsuk Nation's written constitution into effect. Marilyn Slett, the nation's elected chief, called it a 'monumental day' that comes after two decades of development and consultation. 'It's hard to put into words how big it is. It's definitely a day of celebration and reflection on everything that brought us to the day,' Slett said of the feast, which is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. The Heiltsuk Nation approved the adoption of a written constitution for the First Nation on British Columbia's central coast in February. That followed six months of engagement with more than 2,000 Heiltsuk members in Bella Bella, Nanaimo and Vancouver. The nation said 67 per cent of the 725 people who voted on the referendum were in favour of the constitution. Story continues below advertisement The constitution will help provide clarity for its own members and those it chooses to do business with, Slett said, which will clear up questions around decision-making in Heiltsuk territory that have previously been left to the courts. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Slett explained that the constitution will develop 'core laws' for the nation, which will cover issues such as land management and language. 1:48 Historic Heiltsuk Nation constitution vote underway The nation said in February that 'questions of paramountcy' with respect to other sets of laws would need to be worked out. Slett said the adoption of a written constitution is an act of 'reclaiming' the nation's role in its own governance. 'It's a pathway for our community to move beyond the Indian Act and move forward and grow and reach our full capacity that our ancestors always dreamed of,' Slett said in an interview ahead of the event. Story continues below advertisement British Columbia's Indigenous Relations Minister Christine Boyle said in a statement that the province 'recognizes the hard work the Heiltsuk Nation community has put into a constitutional ratification.' The minister said the province will continue to work with the nation to make tangible steps toward reconciliation. 'Our shared work has set a foundation for a good path forward and we look forward to continuing this work together,' Boyle said. The ratification event will feature speeches from leaders as well as ceremonial dances, Slett said. It will be held at the nations Big House in Bella Bella, which serves as a gathering place for cultural and ceremonial activities. The nation says in a post to its website that the structure was built with funding from the federal government as a 'commitment to reconciliation.' The nation will also be hosting a three-day celebration to mark its anniversary starting Saturday. Boyle's office has confirmed she will be in attendance. Slett said Boyle is scheduled to meet with leaders as well as partake in the celebrations, which she believes is important for reconciliation. 'It's important for the minister to visit our community when we're doing this important work, and to understand our community and develop that relationship,' Slett said. Story continues below advertisement
National Observer
30-05-2025
- Politics
- National Observer
Heiltsuk Nation ratification feast brings written constitution into force
First Nations leaders and delegates from around British Columbia are slated to attend a ratification feast on Friday that will officially bring the Heiltsuk Nation 's written constitution into effect. Marilyn Slett, the nation's elected chief, called it a "monumental day" that comes after two decades of development and consultation. "It's hard to put into words how big it is. It's definitely a day of celebration and reflection on everything that brought us to the day," Slett said of the feast, which is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. The Heiltsuk Nation approved the adoption of a written constitution for the First Nation on British Columbia's central coast in February. That followed six months of engagement with more than 2,000 Heiltsuk members in Bella Bella, Nanaimo and Vancouver. The nation said 67 per cent of the 725 people who voted on the referendum were in favour of the constitution. The constitution will help provide clarity for its own members and those it chooses to do business with, Slett said, which will clear up questions around decision-making in Heiltsuk territory that have previously been left to the courts. Slett explained that the constitution will develop "core laws" for the nation, which will cover issues such as land management and language. The nation said in February that "questions of paramountcy" with respect to other sets of laws would need to be worked out. Slett said the adoption of a written constitution is an act of "reclaiming" the nation's role in its own governance. "It's a pathway for our community to move beyond the Indian Act and move forward and grow and reach our full capacity that our ancestors always dreamed of," Slett said in an interview ahead of the event. British Columbia's Indigenous Relations Minister Christine Boyle said in a statement that the province "recognizes the hard work the Heiltsuk Nation community has put into a constitutional ratification." The minister said the province will continue to work with the nation to make tangible steps toward reconciliation. "Our shared work has set a foundation for a good path forward and we look forward to continuing this work together," Boyle said. The ratification event will feature speeches from leaders as well as ceremonial dances, Slett said. It will be held at the nations Big House in Bella Bella, which serves as a gathering place for cultural and ceremonial activities. The nation says in a post to its website that the structure was built with funding from the federal government as a "commitment to reconciliation." The nation will also be hosting a three-day celebration to mark its anniversary starting Saturday. Boyle's office has confirmed she will be in attendance. Slett said Boyle is scheduled to meet with leaders as well as partake in the celebrations, which she believes is important for reconciliation. "It's important for the minister to visit our community when we're doing this important work, and to understand our community and develop that relationship," Slett said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Heiltsuk Nation ratification feast brings written constitution into force
First Nations leaders and delegates from around British Columbia are slated to attend a ratification feast on Friday that will officially bring the Heiltsuk Nation's written constitution into effect. Marilyn Slett, the nation's elected chief, called it a 'monumental day' that comes after two decades of development and consultation. 'It's hard to put into words how big it is. It's definitely a day of celebration and reflection on everything that brought us to the day,' Slett said of the feast, which is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. The Heiltsuk Nation approved the adoption of a written constitution for the First Nation on British Columbia's central coast in February. That followed six months of engagement with more than 2,000 Heiltsuk members in Bella Bella, Nanaimo and Vancouver. The nation said 67 per cent of the 725 people who voted on the referendum were in favour of the constitution. The constitution will help provide clarity for its own members and those it chooses to do business with, Slett said, which will clear up questions around decision-making in Heiltsuk territory that have previously been left to the courts. Slett explained that the constitution will develop 'core laws' for the nation, which will cover issues such as land management and language. The nation said in February that 'questions of paramountcy' with respect to other sets of laws would need to be worked out. Slett said the adoption of a written constitution is an act of 'reclaiming' the nation's role in its own governance. 'It's a pathway for our community to move beyond the Indian Act and move forward and grow and reach our full capacity that our ancestors always dreamed of,' Slett said in an interview ahead of the event. British Columbia's Indigenous Relations Minister Christine Boyle said in a statement that the province 'recognizes the hard work the Heiltsuk Nation community has put into a constitutional ratification.' The minister said the province will continue to work with the nation to make tangible steps toward reconciliation. 'Our shared work has set a foundation for a good path forward and we look forward to continuing this work together,' Boyle said. The ratification event will feature speeches from leaders as well as ceremonial dances, Slett said. It will be held at the nations Big House in Bella Bella, which serves as a gathering place for cultural and ceremonial activities. The nation says in a post to its website that the structure was built with funding from the federal government as a 'commitment to reconciliation.' The nation will also be hosting a three-day celebration to mark its anniversary starting Saturday. Boyle's office has confirmed she will be in attendance. Slett said Boyle is scheduled to meet with leaders as well as partake in the celebrations, which she believes is important for reconciliation. 'It's important for the minister to visit our community when we're doing this important work, and to understand our community and develop that relationship,' Slett said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2025.
CBC
25-02-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Heiltsuk First Nation files Charter challenge over RCMP refusal to enforce bylaws
Inaction by the RCMP has emboldened criminals to enter and stay on First Nation reserve lands without the fear of consequences, worsening a drug crisis and violence, the Heiltsuk Tribal Council says. The small First Nation on British Columbia's Central Coast says it is taking the attorney general of Canada to court, arguing its Charter rights have been violated because police refuse to enforce its bylaws, including those around trespassing that would allow officers to remove people engaged in dangerous activities. Elected Chief Marilyn Slett told a news conference Tuesday that her community in Bella Bella, B.C., is experiencing a crisis due to drugs and drug trafficking and that harms from overdoses and sexual violence are made worse because of the Mounties refusal to enforce Heiltsuk law. She said laws enacted by the Indigenous band council, like those related to trespassing and residency, are federal laws under the Indian Act. "This refusal to enforce First Nations' bylaws is a Canada-wide issue that erodes the rule of law in First Nations communities, exasperates systemic problems involving substance abuse, [and] deprives First Nations governments of the necessary tools to protect our communities," she said. She said there is nothing preventing Mounties from enforcing the bylaws. "The only barrier appears to be the racism and discrimination that sees them ignoring Indigenous bylaws while enforcing all other federal laws as well as property laws on behalf of non-Indigenous communities, landowners and businesses." Neither the RCMP nor the federal Justice Department responded to a request for comment on the lawsuit. The action filed in B.C. Supreme Court argues that the Mounties' refusal to act amounts to unequal and discriminatory treatment that infringes on the First Nation's section 15 Charter rights to receive equal protection and benefit of the law without discrimination. Slett said the Nation has met several times with the RCMP to discuss the issue, and police have offered "excuses ranging from confusion to saying our bylaws need to go through the RCMP legal services for review." When the police claim they can't enforce the bylaws, it creates an atmosphere in the community where those committing crimes have no fear and go "unchecked," she said. "We have people in our community that reached out to the RCMP and they don't show up." Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs told the news conference the organization supports the work being done by the Heiltsuk Nation. Phillip said even if communities know who the drug dealers are, "it's virtually impossible to shut them down" because the RCMP says there is nothing they can do. "Public safety is a fundamental human right. Safety of property and home also is a fundamental human right," he said.
