Chief Bill Wilson Passes At The Age Of 80

Vancouver Island’s hereditary chief who helped enshrine Indigenous title to traditional lands, and rights for Indigenous women, has passed.

Jody Wilson-Raybould said her father, Bill Wilson, passed away on Friday night “surrounded by love,” and a glorious sunset, of which she shared a picture on social media.

The former Canadian Justice Minister and Attorney General said her father’s life “was one of leadership and striving to make change…and change he did make.”

Premier David Eby offered his condolences to Chief Wilson’s family & those who were profoundly changed through their relationship with him.

The Premier said, “his powerful legacy is an inspiration for how to carry ourselves in this world.”

Wilson was born in Comox and was the second Indigenous person to graduate from UBC’s law school.

Among other roles, Wilson served as director of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, president of the United Native Nation, the vice-president of the Native Council of Canada, known now as the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples.

According to his Wiki page, in 1983, Wilson and other Indigenous leaders met with Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and successfully negotiated the only amendment to Canada’s new Constitution, Section 35 of the Constitution Act, enshrining Indigenous title to traditional lands, while helping establish equality for Indigenous women.

Chief Wilson was 80 years old.