Three First Nations in B.C. are asking the Heiltsuk Nation to meet and resolve territorial matters before finalizing the adoption of their written constitution.
In a Feb. 18 letter to the Heiltsuk Nation, the Nuxalk, Kitasoo Xai’xais and Wuikinuxv nations said they “strongly disagree” with the territorial claims made in the Haíɫzaqv Constitution, approved by Heiltsuk members in a referendum which concluded on Feb. 20.
The letter, signed off by leadership of the three nations, explained they were compelled to unite in a request to the Heiltsuk to correct the “inaccurate and historically false statement” within their constitution which asserts territorial claims in regions the nations said are their own, undisputed traditional territories.
The leaders stated they have held inherent rights to these territories since time immemorial, adding their Aboriginal title, rights and interests are constitutionally protected.
“These areas continue to be integral to our cultural, spiritual, and economic lives,” wrote the leaders, explaining how the territories are based on their hereditary chieftainships which are ratified in a generations-long potlatch tradition.
“We fail to understand why and how your territorial boundaries have changed over time, as well as your decision to overreach in such a manner as to claim governance rights over the lands and waters of your neighbours and family,” the letter wrote.
In an interview with Efteen following the results of the Heiltsuk constitution vote, Heiltsuk Elected Chief Marilyn Slett said this is something their leadership is discussing, though she emphasized the constitution is for internal purposes.
“The constitution is for our nation, our people, written by us, for us,” Slett said.
Hereditary Chief Frank Brown of the Heiltsuk Nation said the purpose of the constitution is to reaffirm the nation’s right to self-determination and to provide a clearer way forward for the Heiltsuk and those they choose to do business with.
“Lines on a map can be divisive but we’re basically affirming our relationship to our neighbours,” Brown said, adding that they are more than neighbours, but also family and friends.
“We’ve had a tremendous collaborative relationship with our neighbours...and we plan on continuing this,” he said.
The Nuxalk, Kitasoo Xai’xais and Wuikinuxv nations contesting the territorial claims acknowledged the Heiltsuk’s statement of the document being an internal one, but said it nevertheless poses potential repercussions to their neighbours’ rights.
"The relationship between our neigbouring Nations is of great importance to us, and we hope that Heiltsuk intends to maintain this relationship with us by respecting our rights and remedying the harm being caused by your Asserted Territory,” the leaders wrote, requesting a meeting be held between the nations on neutral territory.
All four nations in question are situated along B.C.’s Central Coastal region.
The Haíɫzaqv Constitution is anticipated to be ratified on May 30 with a feast and celebration in the nation’s big house, formalizing its adoption.
