Who we are

About Us

who we are

The w̓iúm̓aqs -m̓ím̓ṇúyaqs Council represents the political and cultural voice of Haíɫzaqv women and girls within the Haíɫzaqv governance system inclusive to those who live in and away from the community of Bella Bella. It is also the voice of all Haíɫzaqv people who may need support, guidance and advocacy.

The overall objective is to foster collective governance to enhance social, cultural, educational, judicial, economic and familial wellbeing within Haíɫzaqv society.

uphold, enhance & support Gvi’I’las
Promote health, balance & wellness
Help build Haíɫzaqv identity and pride
promote safe and respectful sense of belonging

The w̓iúm̓aqs -m̓ím̓ṇúyaqs Council will advise the Joint Leadership Assembly and other governing institutions as requested, including to:

(a) support, enhance and uphold Haíɫzaqvḷa and Haíɫzaqv culture and tradition to promote a strong sense of Haíɫzaqv identity, place, and pride

(b) foster collaborative governance that enhances social, cultural, educational, judicial,

economic and familial well-being in the Haíɫzaqv Nation;

(c) uphold and support Haíɫzaqv values and morals to promote health and wellness within Haíɫzaqv society and the w̓áxv:w̓uísax̌v;

(d) promote healthy lifestyles that include emotional, mental, physical and spiritual

balance;

(e) support the Haíɫzaqv government in resolving disputes within the Haíɫzaqv government;

(f) uphold Ǧvi̓ḷás, including the articulation, interpretation and application of Ǧvi̓ḷás;

(g) collaborate with other governing institutions and social service agencies, to support

and ensure the safety and well-being of children, youth and women in prevention of family violence and neglect; and

(h) collaborate with other governing institutions to articulate and develop Haíɫzaqv legislation to protect women, children, youth, and all those at risk.

They support Haíɫzaqv culture, language, and tradition while integrating academic education and capacity building.
They support the promotion of health, balance and wellness in our natural world and with each other.
In collaboration with other governance branches of Haíɫzaqv legislature, the w̓iúm̓aqs -m̓ím̓ṇúyaqs Council will uphold, enhance, support and promote Gvi’I’las, values and ways for the betterment of all.
The overall objective is to foster collective governance to enhance social, cultural, educational, judicial, economic and familial wellbeing within Haíɫzaqv society.

Forever honoring our loved ones who paved the way.

We celebrate the profound legacies of Marina Humchitt, Stella Humchitt, Louisa Willie and Mary Vickers. As steadfast pillars on the Mnuyaqs council, their courageous advocacy for Hailzaqv women and children was guided by an unwavering dedication to their community. They were more than leaders; they were the heart of their people—kind, loving, and a source of great comfort. The love they sowed into their culture and community continues to bloom. Though deeply missed, their spirit and work live on, forever cherished by those who were privileged to know and love them.

marina humchitt

MARGRET BROWN

Stella Humchitt

Louisa Willie

Mary Vickers

Meet our council

Our Council of Elders and Knowledge Keepers is the enduring heart and guiding voice of the Heiltsuk Nation. These respected individuals are the living libraries of our history, language, laws, and cultural traditions. Their profound wisdom, earned through a lifetime of learning and living in accordance with Ǧvi̓ḷás (Heiltsuk laws and principles), is a gift to our community. Serving as essential advisors to our Hereditary Chiefs, and elected Tribal Council the Mnuyaq’s provides crucial guidance on matters both great and small, offering direction to our leadership and strength to our people in times of need, ensuring we walk forward grounded in the knowledge of our past.