(Lheidli T’enneh Territory/Prince George BC) – Regional Chief Terry Teegee, the board of directors, representatives and the staff of the BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) are extremely saddened by the passing of Bill Wilson, known by his Kwak’wala name of Hemas Kla-Lee-Lee-Kla.
“The BCAFN and First Nations across the country are mourning this significant loss. Bill Wilson was a giant for our communities and peoples, First Nations and all Indigenous peoples across Canada have a great deal to thank him for,” said Regional Chief Terry Teegee. “His relentless pursuit of justice resulted in the inclusion of Aboriginal and Treaty Rights in the Canadian Constitution, which was the only amendment ever made to the Constitution. This has dramatically shifted the relationship between Indigenous peoples and Crown governments,” he continued.
Bill Wilson was a Kwawkgewlth hereditary chief from Kwakiutl. Significantly, growing up in Comox, his father was able to keep him out of residential school. In his personal life, with determination, he worked hard to overcome prevalent and often violent racism and became the second Indigenous person to graduate from law school in British Columbia. He was instrumental in forming the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, the First Nations Summit and BC Treaty Commission, and the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, and was a constant champion of First Nations women’s rights.
“On behalf of the BC Assembly of First Nations I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Bill’s wife Bev, and his daughters Kory Wilson and Jody Wilson-Raybould,” continued Regional Chief Teegee. “Jody and Kory continue to carry Bill Wilson’s legacy of leadership and courage in their ongoing work to advance and safeguard First Nations rights,” he concluded.
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The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) is a Provincial Territorial Organization (PTO) representing the 204 First Nations in British Columbia. BCAFN representation is inclusive and extends to First Nations currently engaged in the treaty process, those who have signed modern treaties, and those who fall under historic treaty agreements which include the Douglas Treaties and Treaty 8.
For further information contact:
Andreas Krebs, Communications Consultant. Email: akrebs@resonantstrategic.ca