Bella Bella

About the Area

The main current village is Waglisa (Bella Bella) which is located at 52 degrees 09.77'N 128 degrees 08.37' W. Waglisla is also known as Bella Bella and is the largest outercoast settlement area and the home of the Heiltsuk Nation with a population of approximately 1200 people.

This community is situated on Campbell Island. Employment opportunities are to be found through the commercial fishing, fish processing, Band Council, hospital and schools. Recent partnerships with forest companies have allowed for expansion into silvicullture and logging . Value added fish and forest products will play a greater role in community economic development. Tourism and transportation of goods and services are expanding opportunities. Home based and cottage industry is a growth sector.

Waglisla serves as the main supply and communication center for the north central coast. Public docks, band store has a good selection of groceries, baked breads and general merchandise. Liquor store and bank, RCMP and hospital.

Heiltsuk Nation

The Heiltsuk people have lived in their lands, on what has become the Central Coast of British Columbia, since time immemorial. Formerly known as the Bella Bella Indians, the Heiltsuk speak Hailhzaqvla, the Heiltsuk language. It is considered a separate language but is part of what linguists call the Wakashan Language Family.

Heiltsuk oral tradition states that the original Heiltsuk ancestors were set down by the Creator in various areas in the territory now referred to as the Central Coast of British Columbia, before the time of the great flood.

The Heiltsuk people lived in many villages and seasonal camp locations throughout Heiltsuk territory. There were a number of tribal groups that lived in areas of Heiltsuk territory for millennia. After contact, as a result of disease and increased conflict on the coast, villages and whole tribal groups tended to concentrate in some locations, eventually coming together at McLoughlin Bay between the 1860s and 1890s. This village was called 'Qlc or Bella Bella. The village moved in the 1890's to the present site of Bella Bella, which is also known as Waglisla.