What is "heiltsuk"

The Heiltsuk , also Bella Bella, are an Indigenous people of the Central Coast region in British Columbia, centred on the island communities of Bella Bella and Klemtu. The government of the Heiltsuk people is the Heiltsuk Nation, though the term is also used to describe the community. Its largest community is Bella Bella.

The Heiltsuk people have lived in their lands; on what has come to be called the Central Coast of British Columbia, since time immemorial. Formerly known as the Bella Bella Indians, the Heiltsuk speak Hailhzaqvla, the Heiltsuk language. Hailhzaqvla is considered a separate language but is part of what linguists call the Wakashan language family.

The Heiltsuk are a First Nations people of British Columbia.

Heiltsuk may also refer to:

• Heiltsuk-Oowekyala language, a Wakashan language spoken in British Columbia
• Heiltsuk dialect, a dialect of Heiltsuk-Oowekyala spoken by the Heiltsuk people
• Heiltsuk Nation, the tribal government representing the Heiltsuk