B.C. introduces legislation recognizing Haida Gwaii Indigenous title [Video]

The B.C. government says legislation formally recognizing the Haida Nation’s Aboriginal title over the archipelago of Haida Gwaii was introduced in the legislature Monday.

The province says the “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement is the first negotiated deal of its kind in Canada, providing for a “staged transition” to Haida jurisdiction.

Haida Nation President Jason Alsop said the new law in B.C. is a “step toward peaceful co-existence” with the province.

“It was always Haida title land,” Alsop said at a news conference alongside Premier David Eby and others Monday. “We look forward to the opportunities that come out of this, but we recognize it’s not easy work.”

“It’s an exciting thing to be a part of. The status quo is just not working and it takes work to change it and we’re committed to it,” he said.