Emilee Gilpin Media

09/15/2026

08/24/2026

Mason Family Potlatch, Aug 12/13. Kitasoo Xai'Xais, Klemtu

Ernest V Mason Jr. Heey'maas Memorial Tombstone
Sm'oogyet Heey'maas Doug Nealoss takes on name Heey'maas.

Douglas Neasloss.

08/20/2026

A good day to potlatch

08/17/2026

An honour to photograph part of the Ḿṇúyaqs Council. The Ḿṇúyaqs Council is a traditional governance body that works alongside the elected Chief and Council. The Ḿṇúyaqs Council provides guidance on cultural matters, traditional laws, and the long-term vision for the Nation.

From the Heiltsuk Women's Declaration: "We are Heiltsuk women. Strong as cedar, we are the lifeblood of our people. We are mothers, daughters, grandmothers, aunties, and sisters—holding our Nation together and carrying it forward.

Rooted in a matriarchal tradition, our womanhood is a source of strength and blessing. We are central to Heiltsuk families and ceremonies. We hold the right to health, wellness, safety, and dignity, and the responsibility to care for the wellbeing of our families and future generations. These are principles of reciprocity, respect, love, equality, justice, and joy." Read more here: https://www.heiltsuk.ca/index.html

08/01/2026

An honour to photograph (part of) the Ḿṇúyaqs Council today as the rain poured down on the Gvúkva’áus Haíłzaqv.

Walas giasixa Alison Reid and Andy Humchitt. More photos to share soon

04/30/2026

Lax Kw'alaams leaders say the Kitselas Treaty Act claims more than 90 per cent of their territory and Wei Wai K*m leaders say the K'ómoks Treaty would impact roughly 80 per cent of Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ territory.

“Our territories are unceded. We have not given up anything—we have not signed away any of our lands,” says Stan Dennis Jr., Galdamalgyax, hereditary chief and representative of the Nine Allied Tribes of Lax Kw’alaams.

Leaders say the proposed treaty could also create economic uncertainty along the North Coast, including around development tied to the Port of Prince Rupert and broader trade corridors.

The K’ómoks Treaty and the proposed Kitselas Treaty Act were introduced in the B.C. legislature in April and are moving through the provincial ratification process. Both require approval by the legislature before finalization.

The provincial government says the agreements are the result of decades of negotiations and are intended to advance reconciliation.

VICTORIA, BC | April 28, 2026Story by Emilee GilpinFirst Nations leaders are calling on the provincial government to pause treaty legislation they say advanced without meaningful consultation, raising concerns about impacts on their rights, title and governing systems.Hereditary and elected leaders....

04/29/2026

VICTORIA, BC | April 28, 2026. Lax Kw'alaams and Wei Wai K*m are calling on the provincial government to pause treaty legislation they say advanced without meaningful consultation, raising concerns about impacts on their rights, title and governing systems. Read more here: https://share.snapchat.com/m/tuCRh2MN3pSs?share_id=3TT6Jdd6Rieq0qV2Fjrx5g&locale=en_CA

04/29/2026

Amshen (Joan Phillip for Vancouver-Strathcona) is an ally to working people and a devoted Indigenous leader. Many of us have fond memories of working in her joyful by-election campaign in 2023, and we've been fortunate to have her friendship as a strong voice and a principled, passionate advocate in government. At our 2024 Convention, she and her husband Grand Chief Stewart Phillip brought us to our feet cheering with a message of hope and justice in difficult times.

Today we're saddened to learn she is experiencing her own difficulties, and is seriously ill. Joan, we want you and Grand Chief Phillip to know our hearts are with you and we are at your side, with thoughts of hope and healing. Our solidarity and our love go out to you both.

04/13/2026

SUN. APRIL 12, 2026.

Hereditary and elected leaders from the Wei Wai K*m and broader Liǧʷiłdax̌ʷ, Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw and Nuu-Chah-nulth Peoples gathered in lək̓ʷəŋən territory (Royal BC Museum, Victoria) to call for an immediate pause to the ratification of the K’ómoks Treaty, warning that it infringes on their rights, title, and territory.

While firmly opposing the treaty in its current form and calling for an intentional pause and deliberation, leaders delivered a message of unity and hope, urging governments and neighbouring Nations to honour ancient governing systems and to work together toward a respectful and collaborative path forward.