UBCIC Remembers and Honours Hemas Kla-Lee-Lee-Kla, Hereditary Chief Bill Wilson

February 13, 2025

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – February 13, 2025) The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is mourning the loss of Hemas Kla-Lee-Lee-Kla, Hereditary Chief Bill Wilson, a towering figure in the fight for Indigenous rights in Canada. UBCIC extends our deepest condolences to his wife Bev Sellars, his daughters Kory Wilson and Jody Wilson-Raybould, and all his family, friends, and those who knew and respected him. Yesterday, the UBCIC Chiefs Council honoured Chief Bill Wilson and his contributions to our organization and the nation as a whole, with Chief Wilson’s family present.

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, UBCIC President, stated “Chief Wilson’s legacy is one of unparalleled courage and vision. He inspired countless leaders to carry forward the fight for First Nations rights and to speak truth to power. Without his pivotal role in enshrining Indigenous rights in the Canadian Constitution, this country would be a very different place. As Chief Wilson would often say, ‘it’s about the land, it’s about the water, and it’s about the people,’ and we will continue to carry this message forward to guide us in all we do.”

“Chief Wilson’s spirit will continue to inspire and drive UBCIC’s mission to uphold unity, self-determination, and the recognition of title and rights,” stated Chief Marilyn Slett, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer. “He knew that together we are stronger. His legacy lives on in not only the work that we do, but in the work of his two daughters, Kory Wilson and Jody Wilson-Raybould, who continue to advocate for First Nations people in this country.”

Chief Don Tom, UBCIC Vice President remarked “Chief Wilson’s passing is a profound loss for First Nations and all Indigenous communities across the country. His leadership and advocacy for First Nations title and rights and for the broader movement of justice and self-determination has been invaluable. As a foundational figure in the history of the UBCIC, Chief Wilson’s guidance and dedication provided the groundwork for the legal and political work that continues to drive the UBCIC’s efforts today. Chief Wilson’s work challenged colonial systems while empowering Indigenous ways of being, governing, and asserting sovereignty.”

Join us in honouring the life of Chief Wilson and enjoy the following video clips from the UBCIC Library and Archives:

UBCIC 7th Annual General Assembly Afternoon of Thu. April 24, 1975) 00:02:12 to 00:03:50

and 00:37:20 to 00:47:05

UBCIC 7th Annual General Assembly – V308 (Morning of Wed. Apr. 23, 1975) 00:08:17 to 00:11:08 and 01:02:22 to 01:03:08

The funeral service for Hemas Kla-Lee-Lee-Kla, Hereditary Chief Bill Wilson will take place on February 23, 2025, at 10:00am, in Campbell River at We Wai Kum’s Kwanwatsi Big House (1401 Drake Road). A light meal will be offered after the service. Please remember to bring blankets and wear warm clothing as it is cold in the Big House

Also, the night before the service, on February 22, 2025, at 6 pm, there will be a film screening of the critically acclaimed film, ‘The Spirit Who Swims’ in Campbell River at We Wai Kai’s Quinsam Hall (2005 Eagle Drive). This film is the last major project that Bev Sellars and Bill Wilson worked on together. The film is a love manifesto to salmon, foregrounding the spiritual and material importance of salmon to Indigenous peoples along the Fraser River, and makes an urgent call to rethink our relationship with the natural world. The film was written and directed by Bev, is narrated by Bill, and was produced by Bev and Garry Tutte.

For anyone wishing to send anything to the family the mailing address is: P.O. Box 762, Quathiaski Cove, BC, VOP 1N0.

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Media inquiries:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, 250-490-5314
Chief Don Tom, Vice-President, 604-290-6083
Chief Marilyn Slett, Secretary-Treasurer, 250-957-7721

UBCIC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

For more information, please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca

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