B.C. signs historic agreement handing over title to Haida Gwaii

B.C. has signed a historic land agreement with the Haida Nation, officially recognizing Haida Gwaii’s Aboriginal title.

The province and the Council of Haida Nation signed the Gaayhllxid • Gíhlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement in HlG̱aagilda on Sunday — more than two decades after the Nation launched legal action seeking formal recognition.

The B.C. government says this is a first-of-its-kind negotiated agreement that recognizes the Nation’s right over the land, affirming the rights of Indigenous people.

“The agreement provides for a staged implementation of the title, creating stability and certainty for all residents of Haida Gwaii, now and for generations to come,” the province said in a news release.

Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, president of the Haida Nation, said Sunday the signing of this agreement marked a monumental stride.

“It’s a continuation of many years of work in our recent times since the coming of the crown, but it’s carrying forward of our inherent Haida title that we’ve been passed down to us from our ancestors and the responsibility that comes with it,” he said.

He adds this agreement is a testament to the Haida Nation’s resilience, having never surrendered the title to its land.

“We stand before you today committed to a future that’s rooted in Haida history, Haida culture, Haida values and upholding our inherent right and responsibility to caretake Haida Gwaii and all the realms of our interconnected existence,” he said.

Alsop says this is a great way to lay the foundation for a future together and is a great inspiration for others across the province in the country to show how title rights can be recognized.

Premier David Eby says the agreement was a long time coming.

“When we introduce this new law in the legislative assembly, it will be the first time in Canada the title is recognized in this way,” he said.

“This agreement won’t only raise all boats here in Haida Gwaii, increasing opportunity, prosperity for the Haida people, for the whole community, and for the whole province, but also be an example for Nations to have their title recognized.”

“What we’ve achieved on a government-to-government basis shows we can work to resolve matters through negotiations rather than having to turn to the courts,” added Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Murray Rankin.

The province says 95 per cent of Haida citizens voted in favour of the agreement at a special assembly earlier this month. B.C. is set to introduce legislation later this month.

The CHN has been the governing body for the Haida Nation for 50 years. It was formed in 1974 and the Constitution of the Haida Nation was formally adopted in 2003.

The province says the Haida Title Lands agreement will not affect private property, and public infrastructure will continue to run under B.C. laws. Highways, airports, ferry terminals, schools, and health care will also not be affected, the government says.

Haida Gwaii residents will continue to receive municipal services and continue to pay property tax the same way.

Provincially issued leases, permits, and other approvals to use Crown lands and recreational access will remain in effect during the transition period, over several years.

The province says future management of Crown lands will be negotiated with input from the regional community.

-With files from The Canadian Press