Bill Wilson (chief) facts for kids

Bill Wilson (born in 1944 – died on January 25, 2025) was a very important leader, lawyer, and chief for his people. His Kwak’wala name was Hemas Kla-Lee-Lee-Kla. This special name means “the Chief who is always there to help” and “the first rank among the eagles.” He was a descendant of the Musgamgw Tsawataineuk and Laich-kwil-tach peoples. These groups are part of the Kwakwaka'wakw, who are also known as the Kwak’wala-speaking peoples.

Bill Wilson's Early Life and Family

Bill Wilson was born in 1944 in Comox, British Columbia. His mother, Puugladee, was the oldest child of a hereditary chief. This means she came from a family where leadership was passed down. His father, Charlie Wilson, supported his family when he was young.

Wilson came from the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk and Laich-kwil-tach peoples. These groups are part of the Kwakwaka'wakw, who speak the Kwak’wala language. The Kwakwaka'wakw people are known as a strong and brave tribe. They traditionally lived on northern Vancouver Island and nearby areas. They were also known as people of the sea.

Bill Wilson was married to Sandra Wilson, who was a teacher. They had two daughters: Jody Wilson-Raybould, who later became a Member of Cabinet in the Canadian government, and Kory Wilson, who works at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Bill Wilson later married Bev Sellars, who was a Chief of the Xat’sull (Soda Creek) First Nations. He had five granddaughters.

Bill Wilson's Education Journey

Bill Wilson went to the University of Victoria and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970. After that, he studied law at 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 and judge in British Columbia.

Bill Wilson's Political Work

Bill Wilson worked hard for Indigenous rights throughout his life. From 1970 to 1973, he was a director for the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs. This group works to protect the rights and lands of Indigenous peoples in British Columbia.

He also helped start and lead another group called the United Native Nation from 1976 to 1981. Later, he was the vice-president of the Native Council of Canada, which is now called the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples.

Protecting Indigenous Rights in the Constitution

In March 1983, Bill Wilson and other Indigenous leaders met with the Prime Minister of Canada, Pierre Trudeau. They worked together to add a very important change to Canada’s new Constitution. This change is called Section 35 of the Constitution Act.

Section 35 officially recognized and protected Indigenous rights to their traditional lands and treaty rights. It also made sure that Indigenous women had equal rights. During these important talks, Bill Wilson famously said on TV that he hoped his two daughters would become lawyers one day, and maybe even one of them would become the Prime Minister.

Creating the BC Treaty Commission

In 1988, Bill Wilson helped create the BC First Nations Congress. This group aimed to help with talks about land claims and agreements. In 1990, the group changed its name to First Nations Summit. They met with Prime Minister Brian Mulroney to discuss land issues.

In 1992, Bill Wilson, Prime Minister Mulroney, and the Premier of British Columbia, Mike Harcourt, signed an agreement. This agreement created the BC Treaty Commission. This commission helps Indigenous groups and the government work together to settle land claims.

Towards the end of his political career, Bill Wilson was a leader for the Musgamagw Tribal Council of the Kwagiulth nation. He was a Hamatsa, which is a very high position in his culture. This is why he was given the name Hemas Kla-Lee-Lee-Kla, showing his great achievements and worthiness as a Chief of his tribe.