The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit the Heiltsuk Nation in Bella Bella on Monday, September 26, 2016.

We are very pleased that our community is included in their tour of BC, said Chief Marilyn Slett. “What better way for the Duke and Duchess to learn about the people who live in the Great Bear Rainforest than to come to our territories. While in our community they will see a strong and vibrant community and culture.”

Chief Slett said the Duke and Duchess would witness a very small part of the Heiltsuk culture and see firsthand what makes the Global treasure known as the Great Bear Rainforest so special. “For the past decade the Heiltsuk have worked hard to strengthen the connections between our community, our environment, and our economy. We remain steadfast in our conviction that the environment shouldn’t be sacrificed to build a healthy coastal economy. One of the guiding principles we follow and instill in others is that our stewardship responsibilities are deeply rooted in Aboriginal Rights and Title (or Heiltsuk laws). Our ancestors and our Hemas have taught us that those rights and responsibilities are integral to our history, our identity, and our future.”

The itinerary for September 25 will be released once it is finalized.

http://www.heiltsuknation.ca/