A historic piece of legislation recognizing the Haida Nation’s Aboriginal title throughout Haida Gwaii, and the first to recognize Aboriginal title in Canadian history, has been introduced in the BC Legislature.
The introduction confirms the historic Gaayhllxid • Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement, a first-of-its-kind negotiated agreement between the Haida Nation and British Columbia.
The new legislation, the Haida Nation Recognition Amendment Act, 2024, recognizes Haida’s Aboriginal title throughout Haida Gwaii.
The legislation also supports the agreement’s implementation approach, which provides for a staged transition to Haida jurisdiction, while protecting and maintaining private property rights and existing government services and infrastructure on Haida Gwaii.
“We have always upheld our inherent title to Haida Gwaii and surrounding waters in the face of resistance from Crown governments. But today, with recognition of our title to Haida Gwaii — in provincial law — we take another step toward peaceful coexistence with British Columbia.", said President of the Haida Nation Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, who was part of a delegation of Haida Nation citizens present in the B.C. legislative chamber.
"Once this legislation is passed we can work toward implementing our vision for Haida Gwaii without conflict, based on yahguudang/yahgudáng respect, For years, we’ve envisioned and worked towards re-establishing an economy that aligns with our values and traditions — one that sustains rather than exploits the land and sea. We can now take hold of that vision and create a future where the land and sea will nurture us for generations to come. B.C.’s leadership and commitment to making things right after over 150 years of denial is an honourable act.”
Over time, the Province and Haida Nation will negotiate agreements about how different aspects of governing Haida Aboriginal title lands shift to Haida Nation.
Future provincial legislation will be required to provide for how the two governments’ laws and jurisdictions will be reconciled.
Haida citizens voted 95% in favour of the “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement at a special assembly earlier this month and the agreement was then signed at a ceremony on Haida Gwaii.
Pending approval of the legislation, it is expected to be enacted later this year.
To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.
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