Online vote began in what the Heiltsuk nation calls a history referendum on writing constitution For the first nation on the central coast of British Columbia.
A declaration from the nation indicates that the vote follows nearly two decades of development and consultation, including six months of engagement with more than 2,000 Heiltsuk members in Bella Bella, Nanaimo and Vancouver.
If it is approved, he indicates that the Constitution will help the nation to “recover its power”.
Marilyn Slett, elected chief of Heiltsuk, says they have always had an ancestral constitution, promulgated by daily ceremonies and practices.
She says that the nation is proud of the work which has been “reconstituted” its system of governance with the written constitution, which presents a legal framework for governance, rights, responsibilities and legislation of Heiltsuk.
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The press release indicates that the Constitution would contribute to clarifying the nation and those it chooses to do business, to eliminate questions concerning decision -making in the Heiltsuk territory which had previously been left in the courts.
He indicates that the Constitution also devotes the collaboration between the officials of the elected heiltsuk and the old forms of governance, such as hereditary chiefs.
“We have never given up, rendered or extinguished our inherent right to govern the Hailzaqv people and our (territory),” explains the hereditary chief Frank Brown.
The written constitution reflects the country’s “primordial values”, he says. “It is intended to support and guide current and future generations in the governance of our nation, and we are impatiently awaiting the outcome of this historic referendum.”
The members of the country received voting packages on January 6. The vote opened its doors on Thursday and it is expected to continue until February 20, the statement said on Thursday.
If it is approved by the majority of members, the press release indicates that a ratification party will be held in Bella Bella before the Constitution takes effect.
& Copy 2025 the Canadian press