Haida Nation Signs Agreement With BC And Canada

The governments of British Columbia and Canada, along with the Haida Nation, have reached a new agreement that acknowledges the Haida Nation as the intrinsic possessors of title and rights on Haida Gwaii. This pact will also lead Ottawa to officially recognize the Council of the Haida Nation as the Nation's governing authority, as detailed in their Constitution.

A ceremony took place to inaugurate the Nang K̲'uula • Nang K̲'úulaas Recognition Agreement, the culmination of years of cooperative development. This marks the initial tripartite agreement achieved under the GayGhalda Changing Tides Framework since its inception in 2021.

The Framework, endorsed by all three parties, outlines a progressive approach towards negotiating reconciliation agreements. Earlier in the year, BC launched the Haida Nation Recognition Act to incorporate the framework into legislation officially. The upcoming stage involves the Federal Government passing its own legislation to fully implement the recently signed agreement.

"By signing the Nang K'uula • Nang K̲'úulaas Recognition Agreement, both Canada and British Columbia have shown respect for the contemporary governance system of the Haida Nation. This work sets the stage for peaceful co-existence between governments in a way that doesn't compromise the inherent title and rights of the Haida Nation. We look forward to taking the next steps in making things right," said Gaagwiis (Jason Alsop) President of the Haida Nation.

"The Nang K'uula • Nang K̲'úulaas Recognition Agreement is an important step toward reconciling and strengthening our Nation–to–Nation relationship with the Haida Nation, and the Haida Nation's self-determination. This recognition is long overdue and rightfully owed. We look forward to working together, government to government, to build upon this renewed relationship, advance shared priorities, and work toward a better future," said Marc Miller Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.

Over 200 large and tiny islands make up Haida Gwaii, which is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of British Columbia's northern coast. The group's overall area is roughly 3,750 square miles. Since the beginning of time, Haidas have lived on Haida Gwaii.

The Haida Nation, British Columbia, and Canada endorsed the GayGahlda "Changing Tide" Framework for Reconciliation in 2021, outlining a phased approach to negotiating reconciliation agreements. The Nang K'uula • Nang K̲'úulaas Recognition Agreement marks the first three-party agreement achieved under this revitalized negotiation process.

On April 4 and 24, 2023, respectively, the Haida Nation and British Columbia signed the Agreement. On May 9, 2023, British Columbia passed authorizing provincial legislation known as the Haida Nation Recognition Act.

The subsequent course of action involves Canada presenting federal legislation to activate the Agreement.

The Agreement doesn't alter or inhibit future modifications to current relationships or legal setups with the Skidegate Band Council, Old Massett Village Council, or their respective band members.

Minister Miller took to Facebook to share his thoughts on the splendor of the Haida Nation:

"Gwaii Haanas is one of the most beautiful places on earth, that the Haida fought to protect. Many thanks to the Haida Nation for hosting us and allowing to visit the village sites of K'uuna, T'aanuu and Hlk'yah GawGah. The pictures speak for themselves!"