FNS pleased with first-of-its-kind provincial legislation that recognizes Haida title throughout Haida Gwaii

APRIL 22, 2024

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver, British Columbia – Leaders of the First Nations Summit applaud the Haida Nation and the Government of British Columbia for concluding an agreement that provides for the recognition of Haida title throughout Haida Gwaii and commend the Province for introducing ground-breaking legislation to implement the agreement.

Bill 25 – The Haida Nation Recognition Amendment Act, 2024, which was introduced in the legislature today, implements the Gaayhllxid • Gíhlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement between the Haida Nation and BC. In the agreement, British Columbia “recognizes and affirms the Haida Nation has Aboriginal title to Haida Gwaii protected under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.” The respective jurisdictions of the Haida Nation and British Columbia over Haida Gwaii will be reconciled through a two-year transition process set out in the agreement, which will initially focus and land and resource decision-making.