Haida Nation, Federal Government and Province sign Recognition Agreement

The Haida Nation and two levels of government have moved forward
on reconciliation following a signing ceremony yesterday
(Photo from Council of Haida Nation)

What the three parties have called a significant step toward reconciliation took place in Skidgeate on Tuesday, as the Haida Nation along with the Federal and Provincial Governments signed on to a co-developed recognition Agreement.

The Nang K̲’uula - Nang K̲'úulaas Recognition Agreement recognizes the Haida Nation as the holder of Haida Title and Rights—including inherent rights of governance and self-determination—and the Council of the Haida Nation as the governing body of the Haida Nation, authorized by the Haida Nation Constitution.

image from Council of Haida Nation

“By signing the Nang K̲’uula - Nang K̲’úulaas Recognition Agreement, both Canada and British Columbia have shown respect for the contemporary governance system of the Haida Nation. This work sets the stage for peaceful co-existence between governments in a way that doesn’t compromise the inherent title and rights of the Haida Nation. We look forward to taking the next steps in making things right.” --  Gaagwiis (Jason Alsop) President of the Haida Nation
 

In a statement from yesterday hailing the agreement it was noted that the work is a critical step toward reconciliation and serves as a foundation for the next set of agreements to be negotiated between the Haida Nation, British Columbia and Canada. 

Further negotiations will address the implementation of the Haida Nation’s inherent rights of governance and self-determination, and other priority topics under the GayGahlda “Changing Tide” Framework for Reconciliation. 

Tuesday's signing ceremony formalized the commitment of Canada to legally recognize the Council of the Haida Nation as the governing body of the Haida Nation through legislation, mirroring the work done by the Haida Nation and British Columbia this past spring with the passing of The Haida Nation Recognition Act.

Murray Rankin, BC's Minister for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation observed on how the agreement would build towards lasting reconciliation on Haida Gwaii.

“Today, the Haida Nation, British Columbia, and Canada recognize each other in a government–to–government relationship. The Nang K̲’uula • Nang K̲'úulaas Recognition Agreement and the Haida Nation Recognition Act, which comes into force as provincial law today, are significant steps towards recognizing the Haida Nation’s inherent right of governance and achieving lasting reconciliation in Haida Gwaii.” 

You can read up on more about the Changing Tide framework here.

More on yesterday's ceremony can be found here.

The Council Of Haida Nation has a collection of photos and videos of the event posted to their social media stream which you can view here.

More notes from Haida Gwaii can be explored here.