Federal and First Nations Peoples reconciliation continues after the Chiix?uujin / Chaaw K?aawgaa “Big Tide (Low Water)” Haida Title Lands Agreement was officially signed on Feb. 17 as Canada recognizes the Aboriginal title of Haida Gwaii. This agreement means that the 150 Crown-titled islands will start to transition back into the hands of the Haida people — giving them the right to govern.
According to CTV, this will change how disputes will be handled in court. Federally regulated services like airports, schools, and highways will still be under the Canadian government’s control.
It will be a slow five-year transition period of determining what the agreement will look like in practice. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented on the significance of the signing and the country’s continued process of repairing relations with Indigenous peoples.
“As we mark a new chapter in the history of our nation-to-nation relationship, let us also recommit to walking the path of reconciliation. Because by working together, we’re showing that meaningful progress is possible.”
