self-determination

Haida Nation gains legal recognition over Haida Gwaii

By: Lucaiah Smith-Miodownik, News Writer The Haida Nation has been fighting for self-determination for more than 100 years. Now, a recent agreement between the federal government and the Haida represents a step towards autonomy. On February 17, the two parties signed and celebrated an agreement that affirmed the Haida Nation’s Aboriginal title over Haida Gwaii, a collection of islands (archipelago) located off the coast of BC. “Aboriginal title is an inherent right, recognized in common law, that originates in Indigenous Peoples’ occupation, use, and control of ancestral lands prior to colonization,” according to the Canadian Encyclopedia. The Haida people have…

Continue reading