Historic Haida Aboriginal Title Legislation Receives Royal Assent

The legislation that recognizes the Haida Nation’s Aboriginal title throughout Haida Gwaii has received royal assent in the B.C. legislature.

It is the first law of its kind in Canadian history.

“Negotiating the acknowledgment of Haida title with the Province of B.C. not only marks a welcome departure from an adversarial court process, but also uplifts the honor of the Crown by resolving the issue through negotiation rather than litigation,” said Gaagwiis, Jason Alsop, President of the Haida Nation.

“That clarity of vision and purpose that was present at the negotiation table will further enable both governments to address the realities on the ground. Putting the question of title to rest enables us to embark on building a future with all the peoples of Haida Gwaii based on our relationship to the land and sea.”

The legislation also supports the agreement’s implementation approach, which provides for a staged transition to Haida jurisdiction, while also protecting and maintaining private property rights and existing government services and infrastructure in Haida Gwaii.

Over the next several years, the Council of the Haida Nation and the Province will work together and negotiate how provincial and Haida Nation laws can work together.

Over the transition period, land and resource decisions will continue to be made through existing processes.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.