The Heiltsuk First Nation have taken another step towards self-governance and self-determination with the adoption of a new written constitution.
In a recent referendum, 725 Heiltsuk members voted to approve a new constitution that codifies law-making powers, rights and obligations according to Heiltsuk custom, with 67 per cent voting to approve it.
“The written constitution lays out a legal framework, from founding provisions and rights and responsibilities to government structure and law-making,” the Heiltsuk said in a news release.
“It also enshrines the best practice of cooperation and collaboration between ancient forms of governance like the YímÐéas (Hereditary Chiefs) and WÐéúmÐéaqs du MÐéṇúyaqs Council (Women’s Council), and elected tribal council officials, through new shared law-making, decision-making and advisory councils.”
The Heiltsuk adopted a custom election system in the 1990s, and have spent nearly two decades developing a constitution that includes Heiltsuk governance traditions.The Heiltsuk are comprised of five tribal groups, each with hereditary chiefs, and have one elected band council in Bella Bella.
"We also have a woman's council," Marilyn Slett, elected Heiltsuk chief, told BIV News prior to the referendum being held. "These are women that are leaders in our families that give advice. They are also part of our constitution."
The new cwill come into force after a ceremony to be held in the Heiltsuk’s Big House in Bella Bella on May 30.
“Only once it is passed by a referendum and upheld in ceremony will it come into effect, using both inherent Indigenous law and a democratic process,” the Heiltsuk said in its release.
One of the things the constitution does is define Heiltsuk citizenship.
“The new constitution assists us in the reclamation and affirmation of our power and to make laws that meet the priorities and needs of our people, from citizenship to land management,” Slett said.
“It allows us to govern beyond the Indian Act and in accordance with our ǧviÐéḷásI (Heiltsuk law). It also creates legal clarity and certainty for our Nation and those we choose to do business with. Questions about decision-making and law will be resolved within our nation, not outside of it.”
