Latest news with #Slett
Global News
3 days ago
- 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
3 days ago
- 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
3 days ago
- 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.
CBC
21-02-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Heiltsuk Nation passes written constitution with 67% of votes
Social Sharing The Heiltsuk Nation has approved the adoption of a written constitution for the First Nation on British Columbia's central coast. The nation says 67 per cent of the 725 people who voted on the referendum were in favour of the constitution. It says voting this month came after about two decades of development and consultation. That included six months of engagement with more than 2,000 Heiltsuk members in Bella Bella, Nanaimo and Vancouver. Elected Chief Marilyn Slett says she felt "pride and happiness" upon hearing the result, calling the written constitution a "reclamation" of Heiltsuk ways. She says the document, which will be ratified in May, lays out a legal framework for self-governance and will help guide others who want to work with the nation. "It's a new day for our Heiltsuk people," she said in an interview Friday. "It's us charting our course forward based on our laws, our values and our beliefs." The nation says the constitution will help provide clarity for its own members and those it chooses to do business with, clearing up questions around decision-making in Heiltsuk territory that have previously been left to the courts. Hereditary Chief Elroy White says the constitution "reflects the deep history of our people and the ancient governance structure that existed prior to colonization." It will not supersede Canadian law, but will allow the nation to develop its own, he added. "It's been a long time for us," he said in an interview. "It's so important to have something written for the membership to be proud of and understand that this is accountable and transparent, and this means that our voice [will be] at tables." The nation says the constitution has also underwent a legal review, and the referendum was conducted by an independent electoral officer. Slett says the next steps to implement the constitution will be "developing core laws" for the nation, which will cover issues such as land management and language. "We'll move to developing those laws and having our celebration and ratification feast on May 30, [which] will be a big step for our community [to] move forward with the implementation," she said. However, several neighbouring nations have expressed concern about the process. In an open letter, the Nuxalk, Kitasoo Xai'xais and Wuikinuxv nations took issue with a territorial map attached as an appendix item to the Heiltsuk's constitutional documents, saying it overlaps with their territories. "Prior to finalizing your constitution, we encourage you to work with us to resolve our territorial matters," the letter reads. The constitution does not grant the Heiltsuk formal governance powers over land beyond what already exists, but the other nations say the document has "significant potential repercussions [which] could adversely affect our Nations' rights now and in the future." In a email, Slett told CBC News she hoped to speak with the other nations about their concerns soon. "These are Nation-to-Nation issues, ones that are best addressed in ancient processes and guided by our Indigenous protocols and practices," she said. "We have formally responded with an invitation to our neighbors and welcome the opportunity to meet with them."
