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CTV News
03-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Heiltsuk Nation ratifies new constitution bridging historic governance and modern democracy
This photo from the Facebook page of the Heiltsuk Tribal Council shows the Big House in Bella Bella, B.C. In signing a new constitution in an historic ceremony at the Big House in Bella Bella, the Heiltsuk Nation took a step forward – by looking to the past. 'It clarifies and creates certainty for ourselves, for other governments such as the provincial and federal government, as well as proponents that might want to do business in our territory,' Heiltsuk Hereditary Chief Frank Brown told CTV News. The new constitution is the culmination of close to two decades of work which included extensive community consultation for on-reserve and off-reserve First Nations members. It passed a referendum with a 67 per cent majority. 'Today we declare to the world that we, the Heiltsuk Nation, and governments, are renewing and reclaiming our ancestral laws and authority,' elected Chief Marilyn Slett said at the signing ceremony on Friday. Over thousands of years, the Heiltsuk and other BC First Nations developed hereditary systems of governance. Canada imposed elected chiefs and councils on them through the Indian Act. The new Heiltsuk constitution enshrines a framework that will see power and decision-making authority shared by hereditary leadership, the elected chief and council, and the nation's women's council. 'It's going to provide guidance and leadership for our next generations to be able to steer the ship of the Heiltsuk Nation, to propel ourselves forward in a good way while holding on to our ancestral teachings,' said Brown.
The Sun
08-05-2025
- The Sun
Mystery deepens over girl, 19, who vanished on night out with pal a year ago – then was found dead in lake 2 days later
THE tragic death of a teenager is still being probed by cops a year after she disappeared. Reagan Brown disappeared on May 6 last year after meeting a friend at Leazes Park in Newcastle. 6 6 The 19-year-old and her pal had been sitting on a bench in the park when Reagan disappeared behind a bush to go to the toilet and never returned. At around 10:30pm on the night of her disappearance her parents received a call saying that she had gone missing. Searches involving police divers and mountain rescue teams were launched. Her body was sadly discovered two days later in the lake in Leazes Park. 6 6 An inquest into the teen's death was opened in December with a coroner stating the provisional cause of death was "drowning." The inquest into Reagan's death was adjourned. Northumbria police have now confirmed that they are still looking into the tragic death of the teen. Two suspects, who were arrested after Reagan's death, are still under investigation. Reagan's parents, Frank and Katrina Brown, live in Hexham, Northumbria. They have previously criticised police for their poor communication. They told of how they were left "begging" for updates on their daughters case. Reagan's father, Frank Brown, spoke to The Sun today on behalf of the family. He said: "There's a hole in our family with Reagan gone. We will never be the same again. "There is a headache that follows us from when we wake till when we sleep. "Reagan will always be missed but never forgotten." Reagan's parents were subjected to multiple raids on their home in the wake of their daughters disappearance. On May 7 and May 8 last year Frank and Katrina's home was turned over by cops. Katrina believes that the police were looking for a body or suicide note in her home. She claimed at the time that the police were using drones to follow the couple. According to Frank, police were in their home when they received the call stating a body had been found in the lake. Despite making two arrests Police said at the time they did not believe Reagan's death was suspicious. 6 6 A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: 'Our thoughts remain firmly with the family and friends of Reagan Brown following her tragic death in May last year. 'Almost a year on, our investigation into Reagan's death remains ongoing. 'As part of our enquiries, two people in their 20s were arrested – one was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs and the second on suspicion of threats to kill. 'They were subsequently released under investigation pending further enquiries. "Both people remain under investigation at this time.'
