The Haida-B.C. agreement was a landmark deal, but where was Canada?

By Ted Palys, Professor of Criminology, Associate Member of Dept. of Indigenous Studies, Simon Fraser University; and Michaela M. McGuire, PhD Candidate, School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University The Haida Nation and government of British Columbia recently signed the Gaayhllxid/Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement, which recognizes and affirms the Haida Nation’s title to the archipelago of Haida Gwaii. Indigenous scholars have described the agreement as “historic” and “an inspiration to Indigenous Peoples across Canada and around the world.” It’s approach to title departs from the racist assumptions underlying colonization. However, while this agreement between the Haida Nation and B.C. is laudable, we cannot help but wonder: why has Canada been so slow to get on board? Undermining Indigenous nationhood Early European explorers and settlers in what is now…

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