Acknowledgement
We, the Haíɫzaqv (Heiltsuk), have been here since the beginning of time. Archaeological evidence corroborates our núyṃ́ (oral history and stories) for at least 14,000 years.
Our amalgamated Haíɫzaqv (Heiltsuk) territory includes ’Wúyalitx̌v, ’Qvúqvay̓áitx̌v, w̓u̓íƛ̓itx̌v, ’Yísdáitx̌v, and X̌íx̌ís tribes. Bella Bella, originally Wágḷísḷa, is located on Heiltsuk Nations Indian Reserve #1, on Campbell Island, British Columbia’s Central Coast.
Heiltsuk History
We, the Haíɫzaqv, have been here since the beginning of time, inhabiting our homelands since time immemorial. Archaeological evidence corroborates our nu’yem (oral history and stories) for at least 14,000 years. Our nu’yem tells how our ancestors survived the Ice Age of 11,700 years ago now corroborated by scientific research of sea level hinge where our ancestors lived during this period. of all skill levels. After that, our nu’yem tells how our ancestors survived the subsequent great floods by moving up two high mountains which bookend the island we live on currently. When Indian Bands and reserves were established in 1822, we were allocated 22 Indian reserves. In 1884, another Indian reserve survey was conducted, and our village was named “Bella Bella”. At the beginning, our Nation was registered as the “Bella Bella Indian Band” and we are now registered “Heiltsuk Indian Band” but are recognized as “Heiltsuk Nation”. Today we have 34 Indian reserves for a total of 35,553 sq. kms—a small fraction of our inherited rights and title to our homelands and waters.
Present Day
Bella Bella is the home of our Heiltsuk First Nations people and is located on British Columbia’s Central Coast (in the Heart of the Great Bear Rainforest). Heiltsuk territory is a pristine natural environment filled with beauty, wildlife, and the rich history of our people. Our community residents consist mostly of Heiltsuk members, along with a small percentage of other Nations and Non- First Nations people. Heiltsuk membership has a total of 2494 registered members, half of which reside in Heiltsuk territory. Bella Bella’s thriving economy has numerous businesses, many are Band owned and operated, others are privately owned. Centrally located entities include; Waglisla Band Store, Waglisla Liquor Agency, Post Office, Roanna’s Convenience Store, Heiltsuk Big House, Community Hall, Dental Clinic (Health Centre/Social Development), Community Garden, & the ‘Qatuwalas.
“A local tourism economy that is founded on respect and stewardship of Haíɫzaqv lands and waters; upholds Lhyaxvai (our inherent jurisdiction that flows from ownership of our lands) and Gvi’las (our governing authority over all matters related to our lands and peoples); and is welcoming to respectful visitors who wish to expand their understanding of Indigenous ways of being.”
