Haíɫcístut: Our Path to True Reconciliation
Haíɫzaqv / Heiltsuk Meaning
Haíɫzaqv, or Heiltsuk, means “to speak and act correctly.”
It reflects our Cultural Laws and guides our relationships with each other and the natural world.
This informs our Ǧvi̓ḷás (laws) to uphold both traditional and contemporary practices that ensure sustainability and care for future generations.
The Foundation of Our Path to Reconciliation
At the heart of our journey is the teaching of Haíɫcístut, a Haíɫzaqv / Heiltsuk term meaning “to turn things around and make right again.”
This concept guides our commitment to creating a new relationship with the federal and provincial governments. It is aimed at correcting the historical injustices imposed by the Indian Act and its policies of assimilation.
Our Elders, the nín̓úħaqḷa, and Joint Leadership – Hereditary and Elected – chose Haíɫcístut instead of the term “reconciliation,” which implies shared fault.
The Heiltsuk Nation has always defended our people and our lands. Now, it is up to Canada and British Columbia to right the wrongs of the past and build a new path toward reconciliation, as we advance towards self-determination.
Haíɫcístut is not a treaty.
Our leadership and membership have not given any mandate to surrender rights or title at the negotiation table, including in the Haíɫcístut process.
Building Trust and Accountability
Trust and accountability are the cornerstones of our new relationship with Canada and British Columbia.
Since 2017, ongoing negotiations between Heiltsuk leaders and government representatives have laid the groundwork for a future of collaboration. These efforts are formalized through agreements signed by Haíɫzaqv and both the federal and provincial governments.
Our overarching goal is to enhance the spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing of the Heiltsuk community. We envision this through the metaphor of our Big House, with Houseposts (sectors) supporting it.
These houseposts represent key areas of development, each with clear goals and objectives:
- Housing
- Marine and Fisheries
- Self-Government
- Haíɫzaqv Language
- Economic Development
Achievements to Date
We have secured $65 million to implement 55 projects, resulting in the creation of 212 local jobs across the following house posts:
- Self-Government
- Housing & Infrastructure
- Economic Development
- Haíɫzaqv Language
- Marine and Fisheries
These projects are overseen by the Housepost Manager and supported by our leadership and community representatives through the P̓áp̓aǧuála Steering Committee. The committee includes elected and hereditary leaders, matriarchs, and youth representatives from both on- and off-reserve members, ensuring that all voices within our community are heard and respected.
Together, we are creating a legacy of a vibrant, thriving Haíɫzaqv world, ensuring health and wellness for future generations.
Federal Timeline
Provincial Timeline
Haíɫcístut Housepost Department
The Haíɫcístut Housepost Department is responsible for implementing benchmarks, objectives, and milestones outlined in agreements signed with Canada and British Columbia. Each Housepost has a designated Housepost Manager tasked with developing work plans and budgets that align with these benchmarks. They work alongside department managers to ensure the successful implementation of these agreements.
Major infrastructure projects currently include:
- Governance and Administration Building
- Language Building
- Elders Long-Term Care Facility
To ensure effective oversight, several mechanisms have been established to provide guidance throughout this process.
Meet Our Team
Meet Our Extended Team
