Nuxalk Nation
At duly convened meetings of the WKXN Hereditary and Elected Leadership on May 13th & 14th 2026 in the Village of Q’umk'uts in Nuxalk Territory we unanimously assert our opposition to the Heiltsuk Constitution’s territorial claims or assertions that overlap, infringe upon, or otherwise impact our respective territories, governance, rights, title, and jurisdiction.
Our Nations have occupied, governed, stewarded, protected, and upheld responsibilities to our lands, waters, and resources since time immemorial through our own distinct systems of governance, laws, protocols, and hereditary structures. Any attempt to advance constitutional recognition, governance authority, or territorial assertions without our free, prior, and informed consent is unacceptable and contrary to the principles of respectful Nation-to-Nation relationships.
We remain deeply concerned that the Heiltsuk Constitution, as presented, misrepresents the territorial boundaries, jurisdictional authority, and governance interests within areas that are stewarded by the Wuikinuxv, Kitasoo Xai’xais, and Nuxalk Nations. Our territories are not subject to unilateral inclusion, interpretation, or representation by another Nation or governing body.
We therefore call upon all levels of government, agencies, ministries, and associated bodies to recognize and respect our Nations’ inherent rights, title, governance, and territorial authority, and to ensure that no decisions, agreements, recognitions, or processes proceed in a manner that undermines or prejudices our interests.
Enclosed is our original letter to the Heiltsuk Nation dated February 1 8, 2025, that also outlines our opposition to these claims.
We request a meeting between our leadership and yours as soon as possible to discuss a path forward.
See the attached Hereditary Chiefs signature page here.
