Office Of the Wet'suwet'en

08/25/2026

Hadih,

The Office of the Wet'suwet'en is hiring for 2 positions in our Early Childhood Education Program! To learn more or apply, please visit https://ca.indeed.com/cmp/Wet'suwet'en-Treaty-Office-Society

08/18/2026

08/13/2026

In April 1986, ’Ilhdesinon (Josephine Michell) gave evidence alongside her brother, Hattakumex (Bazil Michell). Their testimony described the relationship between Wet’suwet’en families, their territories and the government’s trapline registration system.

Speaking through the interpreter, ’Ilhdesinon explained:
“Everybody was getting their traditional lands registered, and they had no choice but to register.”

This is an important distinction.

’Ilhdesinon’s clarification reminds us that government records did not create Wet’suwet’en rights. Long before provincial maps, licences and registrations, Wet’suwet’en Houses already held and cared for their territories under Wet’suwet’en law.

When government registration systems were imposed, families were forced to place their existing land relationships into a foreign system. Registration documented only part of what was already there; it did not establish ownership, jurisdiction or responsibility.

’Ilhdesinon’s evidence helps distinguish between two very different things: Wet’suwet’en authority arising from our own laws, histories and House relationships, and provincial recognition through paperwork.

That distinction remains important today. Government databases, maps and permits cannot replace the authority of the House or redefine the relationship between Wet’suwet’en people and the yintah.

Source: Commission Evidence of Bazil and Josephine Michell, Volume II, April 3, 1986, Moricetown, B.C., transcript p. 2-74.

Please note: This series focuses specifically on the evidence presented by Wet’suwet’en witnesses in the Delgamuukw Gisday’wa court case. It does not attempt to summarize the entire case or the evidence presented by the Gitxsan plaintiffs. It is for the Gitxsan to share and interpret the evidence of their witnesses.

08/10/2026

During his testimony, Hattakumex (Bazil Michell) was asked who government should speak with when dealing with Wet’suwet’en territories.

Speaking about Hattakumex territory, he explained:

“If the government wanted to talk about my territory they would talk to myself and Josephine as well as the elected chief, Dan Michell, and the church chief, Pat Namox.”

When asked whether the same approach applied throughout Wet’suwet’en territories, Hattakumex was clear:

“It’s the hereditary chiefs who own the territory that should be spoken to first regarding the lands.”

His evidence did not say that elected leadership had no role. He said the elected chief could be included in the discussion. However, elected leadership could not replace the hereditary chiefs and family members who held the names, authority, knowledge and responsibilities connected to the territories.

Hattakumex also testified that decisions about his territory belonged to him and his sister, Josephine:

“If it was to be that way then Josephine and myself should have the first and final say as to how the land should be handled.”

Hattakumex’s evidence showed that Wet’suwet’en territorial authority was held through the hereditary system. It came from the hereditary names, houses, clans, feasts and responsibilities to care for the territories—not from provincial trapline registration or the elected band council system.

Governments cannot rely only on consultation with an elected council when decisions affect Wet’suwet’en house territories. Elected leadership may be included, but it cannot be used to bypass or replace the proper hereditary chiefs and house members responsible for the land.

As Hattakumex stated:

“It’s the hereditary chiefs who own the territory that should be spoken to first regarding the lands.”

Source: Commission Evidence of Bazil and Josephine Michell, Volume III, May 15–16, 1986, Moricetown, B.C., transcript pp. 3-113–3-114; *Delgamuukw, also known as Albert Tait, et al. v. Her Majesty the Queen in Right of the Province of British Columbia and the Attorney General of Canada*, Supreme Court of British Columbia, Smithers Registry, No. 0834.

08/10/2026

08/07/2026

Great resource for those wanting to learn more our shared histories

This September, we're partnering with the Vancouver Public Library to offer a series of free public presentations exploring the lasting impacts of residential schools, intergenerational trauma, and pathways toward reconciliation and healing.

Whether you're beginning your learning journey or looking to deepen your understanding, these sessions provide an opportunity to learn with honesty, compassion, and respect.

Coming Full Circle: History and Impacts of Residential School
• September 10 (In Person at Vancouver Public Library – 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver)
• September 24 (Online)

Reclaiming Our Past, Present and Future: Understanding Intergenerational Trauma and Healing
• September 17 (In Person at Vancouver Public Library – 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver)
• September 29 (Online)

Registration is required.

Visit our latest blog to learn more about each presentation, register through Vancouver Public Library, and read an important update about our September workshop capacity.

https://www.irsss.ca/news/irsss-september-presentations-2026

08/06/2026

Join us for our International Overdose Awareness Walk as we come together in remembrance, hope, healing, and support for individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance use and overdose.

Monday, August 31, 2026

10:30 am
Meet at the New Hazelton Information Centre for a traditional smudging, brushing, and opening prayer.

11:00 am
Walk together to the Hagwilget Gathering Place.
Upon arrival, participants will be drummed into the hall and invited to enjoy soup and bannock.

1:00 pm
Cultural performance by the Hagwilget Dance Group, featuring clan songs with an invitation for clan members to dance.

1:30 pm
Closing prayer.

Everyone is welcome to participate as we honour those we have lost, support those who continue their healing journey, and stand together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and strengthen our communities through compassion and connection.

For more information, please contact:

Karissa Wright
Community Wellness Counsellor
Hagwilget Health Services
Phone: (250) 842-5272 ext. 205
Email: [email protected]

or

Jenny Rudrum
Regional Addictions Specialist
First Nations Health Authority
Cell: (250) 842-8647
Email: [email protected]

08/04/2026

Hagwilget Village Council is hosting a bike rodeo, see poster for details

🚴 You're Invited to the Hagwilget Bike Rodeo! 🚴‍♀️

Community members of all ages are invited to join us for an afternoon of fun, learning, and bicycle safety!

📅 Wednesday August 12, 2026
🕑 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Hagwilget Gathering Place Parking Lot

Join Cst. Dan Huisman of the RCMP Indigenous Policing Services – New Hazelton Detachment for an interactive Bike Rodeo where participants will learn important bicycle safety skills, practice safe riding techniques, and have fun navigating obstacle courses and safety challenges.

🚲 Please bring:
✅ Your bicycle
✅ A properly fitted helmet

🎁 Door prizes will be awarded!

This event is made possible through the partnership between Hagwilget Health Services and RCMP Indigenous Policing Services – New Hazelton Detachment.

📞 RSVP today!
Raelene Simms, Clerk Receptionist
☎️ (250) 842-5272 ext. 200
📧 [email protected]

We look forward to seeing children, youth, adults, and Elders come together for an afternoon of learning, laughter, and safe cycling. Bring your family and friends, everyone is welcome!