(February 19, 2025 – Toronto, Ontario) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak and Regional Chief Terry Teegee issued the following statement welcoming the Chiix̲uujin/Chaaw K̲aawgaa “Big Tide (Low Water)” Agreement between the Haida Nation and the Government of Canada. This agreement affirms Haida title to Haida Gwaii, including the islands’ lands, beds of freshwater bodies, and foreshores to the low-tide mark. It follows the Gaayhllxid/Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Agreement with the Province of British Columbia in 2024.
“The Haida Nation has always had title to Haida Gwaii,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “This agreement is a welcomed step forward in ensuring that their title is recognized and upheld and is the result of years of work by the Haida Nation to have their title recognized in Canadian law. This agreement transitions Crown-title land to the Haida Nation, recognizing their inherent legal right to the land. It sets the groundwork for how the Haida Nation and Canada will work together in a way that respects Haida jurisdiction.”
“We recognize the leadership and citizens of the Haida Nation and their decades of advocacy to uphold their title and protect their lands and waters,” added National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “We call on Canada to honour and uphold this agreement by working with the Haida Nation to ensure full implementation in a way that respects Haida governance and decision-making.”
“Chiix̲uujin/Chaaw K̲aawgaa ‘Big Tide (Low Water)’ Agreement is a significant milestone in asserting the Haida Nations’ rightful title to Haida Gwaii,” added British Colombia Regional Chief Terry Teegee. “It affirms their long-standing connection to these lands, waters, and resources and marks a critical recognition of their inherent rights and responsibilities as stewards of this territory.”
“I honour the vision and relentless advocacy of the Haida elders and community members who have fought tirelessly for their rights and sovereignty. This achievement further propels First Nations and the federal and provincial governments on the pathway to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act at the federal level and British Columbia’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act at the provincial level. It advances the movement toward reconciliation, creating ripples that will impact Canada’s political and social fabric for generations to come,” concluded Regional Chief Teegee.
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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.
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Cherish Francis
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Genna Benson
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