Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, has released the following statement update on the process of formally recognizing Haida Nation’s Aboriginal Title:

"Today, I am providing an update on the draft agreement negotiated between B.C. and Haida, which has been posted publicly.

“We have arrived at an agreement that avoids costly litigation and instead provides stability for all residents with an orderly and incremental approach to implementation of Haida Aboriginal Title.

“The draft agreement is explicit:

• Recognizing Aboriginal Title will not impact anyone’s private property, or local government jurisdiction and bylaws on Haida Gwaii.
• Highways, airports, ferry terminals, health care and schools will not be impacted. Residents will continue to receive municipal services and pay property taxes in the same way they do today.
• Provincial laws will continue to apply and leases, permits or other approvals to use Crown lands, remain in effect.

“Going forward, the Haida Nation and the Province will negotiate how provincial law and Haida Nation governance can work together, following extensive engagement with local governments, residents, and others. Until then, all land and resource decisions will continue to be made through existing processes.

“Since 2021, the Federal Government, Provincial Government, and Council of the Haida Nation have been working toward this goal, building on a foundation of collaboration during the past 20 years. 

“I have been encouraged by the support that people on Haida Gwaii – both members of the Haida Nation and non-Indigenous residents - have shown for this approach. They know that good faith negotiation – not endless, expensive litigation – is the way to find solutions that work for people on Haida Gwaii

“We know that Haida Nation has a very strong Aboriginal Title case. Litigation would create ongoing uncertainty for residents and businesses and could result in an outcome dictated by the courts that wouldn’t work for the people of Haida Gwaii. 

“Instead, we have been able to build on more than 20 years of collaboration on new and successful approaches to reconciliation, including jointly managing aspects of natural-resource and land-use decision-making on Haida Gwaii. Today, with the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, and provincial protected areas, more than 50% of the land base on Haida Gwaii is protected.

“We will continue to engage the public so everyone can be informed about the proposed agreement.”

Learn More:

Read the full draft agreement here: draft_haida_title_lands_agreement_27march2024_bilateral.pdf (gov.bc.ca)