The British Columbia government says legislation formally recognizing the Haida Nation’s Aboriginal title to the Haida Gwaii Archipelago was introduced in the legislature on Monday.
The province says the “Rising Tide” Haida Land Title Agreement is the first negotiated agreement of its kind in Canada, providing for a “phased transition” to Haida jurisdiction.
Haida Nation President Jason Alsop said the new law in British Columbia is a “step toward peaceful coexistence” with the province.
“It was always Haida title land,” Alsop said at a news conference with Premier David Eby and others on Monday. “We look forward to the opportunities that arise from this, but we recognize that it is not an easy job.”
“It’s exciting to be a part of it. The status quo is simply not working and it takes work to change it and we are committed to it,” she stated.
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Alsop said in a statement Monday that the new legislation means the nation can realize its “vision for Haida Gwaii” without conflicts with the provincial government.
He said the Nation plans to take control of the Haida Gwaii economy in accordance with Haida “values and traditions,” taking a sustainable rather than exploitative approach to the land and sea.
Alsop said in the statement that the British Columbia government was “honorable” in recognizing the Nation’s title after more than “150 years of denial.”
Premier Eby said at the news conference that the legislation should transcend partisan politics and hopes there will be consensus in the chamber when the bill comes up for a vote.
© 2024 The Canadian Press
