Founded on May Day in 2002, the Freehold was originally organised as a governing body to oversee, guide, and support the local kindreds that have chosen to join with us in promoting an Inclusive Heathen view within the Province of British Columbia. We have since expanded our reach to encompass all of Canada.
Major decisions such as amendments to our by-laws and the acceptance of new members or kindreds is subject to approval by the Althing (our Annual General Meeting) which meets every Summer. Voting is open to all Members of the Freehold.
Routine management of the Freehold is left in the hands of the Freyr and Witan of the Freehold. Guilds and their Halls fall under the auspices of the Council of Guilds, whilst ritual activity and education is the purview of the Ritual and Lore Council.
You can also read more about our current Kindreds.
If your existing inclusive Heathen group would like to be part of the Heathen Freehold, please fill out our Provisional Kindred Application.
For individuals who would like to join the Freehold on an independent (non-Kindred) basis, please fill out our Individual Membership Application.
The Witangemot
Freyr/Freya
The Freyr is the Sacral Luck-holder, Chief Priest/ess, and President of the British Columbia Heathen Freehold.
As the highest officer within the Freehold, the Freyr is responsible for ensuring that the Freehold meets our stated goals, advising other officers and members when asked, and ensures that the Freehold maintains our positive gifting relationship with the gods and goddesses.
Our current Freyr is Keith Baldwin.
Witan
The Witan are the members of the executive council that advises the Freyr in managing the routine operation of the Freehold, and has the power to make decisions that cannot wait for the Althing to be convened.
Each individual Wita is chosen by a different set of criteria. The Ombudsman is elected annually by the Althing to represent the interests of the Membership and ensure that members are treated fairly in all regards.
The Keepers of the Councils are elected by their respective Council and advocate on behalf of their membership.
The Jarls are elected by their kindreds, to ensure each kindred has representation in the management of the Freehold.
The Thanes are elected by the Althing when it is felt that someone has made exceptional contributions to the Freehold.
Current Wita of the Freehold:
Paula – Jarl of the Freehold
Marc – Ombudsman
Kristy – Editor / Web Pixie
Garth – Clerk
Dawn – Kindred Leader
Celeste – Kindred Leader
Thanes: Freydis, Teunis
Former Freyrs: John T. Mainer, Aaron.
You can reach any current member of the Wita via our email address.
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