Bill Wilson (chief) facts for kids

Bill Wilson (1944 – January 25, 2025) was an important Canadian leader. He was a hereditary chief, a politician, and a lawyer. His Kwak’wala name was Hemas Kla-Lee-Lee-Kla. This name means "the Chief who is always there to help" and "the first rank among the eagles."

Bill Wilson was a descendant of the Musgamgw Tsawataineuk and Laich-kwil-tach peoples. These groups are part of the Kwakwaka'wakw, also known as the Kwak’wala-speaking peoples.

Early Life and Family

Bill Wilson was born in 1944 in Comox, British Columbia. His mother, Puugladee, was the eldest child of a hereditary chief. She was also a hamatsa, which is a very high position in Kwagiulth culture. His father, Charlie Wilson, supported his family while growing up.

The Kwakwaka'wakw people are known as a warrior tribe. They traditionally lived on northern Vancouver Island. They also lived along the inside passage, the Broughton Archipelago, and mainland inlets. They were traditionally people of the sea.

Bill Wilson was married to Sandra Wilson, a teacher. They later divorced. They had two daughters. One daughter is Jody Wilson-Raybould, who was a Member of Cabinet in the Justin Trudeau government. His other daughter is Kory Wilson, an Executive Director at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Bill Wilson's second wife was Bev Sellars, a Chief of the Xat’sull First Nations. He had five granddaughters. Bill Wilson passed away on January 25, 2025, at the age of 80.

Education and Law Career

Bill Wilson studied at the University of Victoria. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree there in 1970. He then went to the University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Law. He received his law degree in 1973.

He was the second Indigenous person to graduate from UBC’s law school. The first was his cousin, Alfred Scow, who graduated in 1961. Alfred Scow also became the first Indigenous lawyer in British Columbia. He was also the first Indigenous judge appointed to the BC Provincial Court.

Working for Indigenous Rights

Bill Wilson worked hard for Indigenous rights. From 1970 to 1973, he was a director for the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs. While in law school, he directed a group focused on Aboriginal title and land claims. This group later became the United Native Nation. Bill Wilson was its first president from 1976 to 1981.

He also served as vice-president of the Native Council of Canada. This group is now known as the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples. He spoke for them at the 1983 First Ministers Conference.

Changing the Constitution

In March 1983, Bill Wilson and other Indigenous leaders met with Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. They successfully negotiated an important change to Canada’s new Constitution. This change is Section 35 of the Constitution Act.

Section 35 made sure that Indigenous title to traditional lands and treaty rights were protected. It also established equality for Indigenous women. During these talks, Bill Wilson famously said on national television that he hoped his two daughters would become lawyers. He even hoped one might become Prime Minister.

Forming New Organizations

In 1988, Bill Wilson helped create the BC First Nations Congress. Its goal was to help with land claims negotiations. He was elected its chairman. In 1990, the organization changed its name to First Nations Summit. They met with Prime Minister Brian Mulroney to talk about land claims.

In 1992, Bill Wilson, Prime Minister Mulroney, and Premier of British Columbia Mike Harcourt signed an agreement. This agreement created the BC Treaty Commission. This commission helps to negotiate treaties between First Nations and the governments of Canada and British Columbia.

At the end of his political career, Bill Wilson was the coordinator of the Musgamagw Tribal Council. He was a Hamatsa, which is why he was given the name Hemas Kla-Lee-Lee-Kla. This name recognized his achievements and his right to be a Hamatsa and a Chief of his tribe.