(April 23, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) – Today, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak celebrated the signing of the Gaayhllxid/Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement between the Government of British Columbia and the Council of the Haida Nation. This agreement officially recognizes the Haida Nation’s title over Haida Gwaii.
“The recognition of the Haida Nation’s title ends a long-standing denial of the Haida Nation’s inherent rights and avoids prolonged litigation,” said AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “This agreement shows that the return of First Nations lands is possible when there is political will. I urge the Government of British Columbia to take immediate legislative action to enact this agreement into law, ensuring that the Haida Nation’s rights are respected and maintained.”
“It has been fifty years since the Calder decision, which was the first time Canadian courts recognized Indigenous title, and the 10th anniversary of the Tsilhqot’in decision, which recognized specific ‘title’ for the first time,” continued National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “The ‘Rising Tide’ agreement builds on these important decisions. This agreement will provide benefits for both the Haida Nation and all of British Columbia, highlighting that through negotiation and mutual respect, progress in the recognition of inherent rights and titles can be achieved.”
The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
Contact information:
Jon Adam Chen
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
[email protected]
(343) 573-2229