Letter to Haida Gwaii Residents

March 28, 2024

Dear residents of Haida Gwaii –

As part of our continued engagement and discussion with residents of the islands about recognizing Haida Aboriginal title on Haida Gwaii, we have posted a copy of the draft agreement at https://gov.bc.ca/HaidaTitle.

The Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) has a long history of strong governance on the islands, including working with all local communities. The Province of B.C. and CHN also have many years of experience working together on new approaches to advance reconciliation. The issue of title recognition has remained unresolved and, if not addressed, is set to go to court in 2026.

There is no doubt that Haida Aboriginal title exists throughout Haida Gwaii. By working together, we can avoid the uncertainty that such a court ruling would bring. Through negotiations, we have reached a draft agreement to achieve B.C. recognition of Haida’s Aboriginal title to lands on Haida Gwaii and uphold existing private property, local government and other interests on the islands. Our approach also would allow for a stable, orderly transition in the management of other lands on Haida Gwaii consistent with Haida Aboriginal title.

We recognize that the protection of private property and stability for landowners is a key issue. The draft agreement, which would be upheld in B.C. legislation and Haida law, definitively confirms that the recognition of Haida Aboriginal title does not change private property interests. The agreement would bring stability and lasting certainty for landowners, including Haida citizens who own property, ensuring the long-term protection of private property interests.

The draft agreement will go to a Special House of Assembly of the Council of the Haida Nation on April 6, 2024 for Haida citizens to vote on. After that, if approved, the Province and Haida Nation would sign the agreement and the Province would introduce and pass legislation this spring to bring it into effect. We want to ensure that all residents of Haida Gwaii have the opportunity to see the agreement.

We encourage you to review the draft agreement and if you have questions, please email IRRCoastNegotiations@gov.bc.ca. The agreement and additional information are available at https://gov.bc.ca/HaidaTitle.