Visitor Pledge: Welcome to Heiltsuk Territory
Welcome to Bella Bella and Heiltsuk Territory. We invite you to be a respectful visitor and consider how your visit impacts our community, our environment, and our culture. By taking the Heiltsuk Visitor Pledge, you commit to sustainable, respectful travel that honors the 14,000 years of Heiltsuk presence in this territory. Tourism can provide economic benefits and help share Heiltsuk culture with the world, but only if visitors travel responsibly.
The Heiltsuk Visitor Pledge
As a visitor to Heiltsuk Territory, I pledge to:
Respect Territory
Heiltsuk land, waters and wildlife are sacred to the Heiltsuk people.
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Leave no trace
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Protect wildlife
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Observe from a distance
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Stay on marked trails
Protect the environment -- Preserve Heiltsuk Territory for future generations
Respect Community
Heiltsuk land, waters and wildlife are sacred to the Heiltsuk people.
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Lift one another up
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Treat others with respect
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Respect privacy
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Follow local guidance
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Be courteous
Support the community -- Ensure tourism benefits local people and businesses
Respect Culture
Heiltsuk land, waters and wildlife are sacred to the Heiltsuk people.
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Learn about Heilltsuk Culture
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Respect sacred sites
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Be a good listener
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Support local artists and businesses
Honour Heiltsuk culture -- Show respect for Indigenous traditions and knowledge
Respect Myself
Heiltsuk land, waters and wildlife are sacred to the Heiltsuk people.
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Carry a good heart
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Know my limits
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Be aware of my surroundings
Create meaningful experiences -- Develop authentic connections with the land and people
Thank You
Thank you for choosing to visit Bella Bella and Heiltsuk Territory respectfully.
Your commitment to this pledge helps protect our land, culture, and community for future generations.
Ǧvúkva'áus Haíɫzaqv — A Place to Gather
Respect the land.
Respect the people.
Respect the culture.
Additional Resources
Before You Visit
•FAQ
•Wildlife Viewing Guidelines
Support Heiltsuk Culture
•Tours & Experiences
•Business Directory
•Local Artists & Crafts
•Shop Local
Emergency Contacts
•Fire Department: 250-957-2345
•RCMP: 250-957-2388
•Heiltsuk Hospital: 250-957-2314
•Air & Sea Rescue: 1-800-567-5111 (VHF Channel 16)
Learn More About Heiltsuk Culture
•Qatuwalas Visitor Information Centre: info@heiltsuk.ca
•Heiltsuk Nation: www.heiltsuk.ca
•Heiltsuk Cultural Education Centre
•Big House Tours & Medicine Walks