Who We Are
Our Mission
The Heiltsuk Tribal Council is dedicated to protecting our way of life and guiding our Nation towards a stronger future. We do this through accountable, transparent, and inclusive leadership, while rekindling the teachings of Gvi’ilas (our cultural laws). By embracing innovation alongside tradition, we ensure our future generations inherit a thriving Heiltsuk world.
Our Vision
Guided by Gvi’ilas, the Heiltsuk Tribal Council will work in unity to create a safe, prosperous Nation that honours our history while revitalizing our language, culture, and people. We will continue to uphold both our traditional and modern practices, ensuring sustainability and wellbeing for generations to come. Our legacy is an intact and thriving Heiltsuk world for our sásṃ, ensuring health, wellness, and a strong future.
Qṇts núyṃ́ (Our History and Stories)
Haíłzaqv / Heiltsuk means “to speak and act correctly,” reflecting our principles that guide both our ancient and contemporary practices. This philosophy informs our ǧvi̓ḷás (laws), which ensure the continued sustainability of our community and natural world.
Our goal is to leave a lasting legacy – a thriving Haíłzaqv world that promotes the health and wellness of future generations.
Hí lṇ́txv gvúkvḷa la gax̌v la ǧiálayáx̌i. We, the Haíłzaqv, have been here since time immemorial.
Our journey is one of resilience, deeply rooted in our ancestral homelands. Oral history, known as Qṇts núyṃ́, supported by archaeological evidence, traces our history back at least 14,000 years, including surviving the Ice Age and great floods. During these times, our ancestors moved to the high mountains flanking what is now called Campbell Island.
Our genealogy extends through at least 700 generations of Heiltsuk people, who lived within our territory, forging strong alliances through arranged marriages among the Hemas’ children. Historically, our Nation thrived with over 50 permanent villages and seasonal food camps along salmon rivers and marine trading routes, supporting a population exceeding 10,000.
Hí lṇ́txv gvúkvḷa la gax̌v la ǧiálayáx̌i. We, the Haíłzaqv, have been here since time immemorial. Our journey is one of resilience, deeply rooted in our ancestral homelands. Oral history, known as Qṇts núyṃ́, supported by archaeological evidence, traces our history back at least 14,000 years, including surviving the Ice Age and great floods. During these times, our ancestors moved to the high mountains flanking what is now called Campbell Island.
Facing Colonial Challenges
Our deep-rooted existence faced immense challenges with the arrival of settlers.
In 1822, Indian Bands and reserves were established, and our people were relocated to 22 reserves. Our village was renamed “Bella Bella,” and we became known as the “Bella Bella Indian Band.” By 1899, epidemics such as smallpox reduced our population to just 300.
The Indian Residential Schools forcibly removed our children, many of whom never returned.
The Sixties Scoop further devastated our community by placing our children into foster care or adoption away from Heiltsuk families. The enfranchisement of Heiltsuk women and their children was another attempt to undermine our people.
Our Resilience
Our núyṃ́ teaches that no matter where we live, we remain Heiltsuk, connected through our ancestral lineages. Traditionally, we lived in tribal groups but maintained strong interrelationships – a tradition that continues today. Whether living in Bella Bella or elsewhere for education, employment, or other reasons, our bonds remain supportive and enduring.
Today, we continue to thrive, honoring our heritage and maintaining our sovereignty as Heiltsuk members. Our Nation now includes 34 reserves, totaling 35,553 square kilometers, a fraction of our inherited rights and title to our ancestral lands. Heiltsuk territory encompasses several tribes, including Wuyalitx, ‘Qvuqvayaitxv, Wuilitxv, Yisdaitxv, and Xixis. Bella Bella, located on Campbell Island, is at the heart of our territory on the Central Coast of British Columbia. We share a common Híɫzaqvḷa language and unified cultural, political, and socio-economic structures.
Heiltsuk Values
As the Heiltsuk Nation grows and works to preserve our traditional territories, we must also adapt our models of governance and leadership to meet the needs of today and tomorrow. Our policies are grounded in the traditional values and principles of our ancestors, preparing our young people for the challenges ahead.