Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site

Agreements

In 1974, controversy over the future of what would become the Gwaii Haanas protected area began with the advent of plans for the logging of the area, and the "South Moresby Wilderness Proposal" was put forward in an effort to prevent destruction of the area through the exploitation of its natural resources. In 1985, the Haida Nation designated Gwaii Haanas a "Haida Heritage Site."

Logging continued in the area in the face of legal and political controversy until July of 1987, when Canada and British Columbia signed the South Moresby Memorandum of Understanding. This memorandum led, a year later, to the South Moresby Agreement and the commitment to protect Gwaii Haanas through the designation of a national park reserve. This agreement committed $106 million to the development of national parks for both the marine and terrestrial areas; the compensation of forestry interests; the creation of a regional economic development fund; and a forest replacement account.

While negotiations between Canada and the Haida Nation progressed, temporary measures were put in place to facilitate co-operative management. In January of 1993, the Gwaii Haanas Agreement was signed. The agreement related to the region designated by the Haida Nation as a Haida Heritage Site and by Canada as a National Park Reserve. This agreement protects the area and respects the interests of both parties. It sets aside the ownership question pending a negotiated settlement, and establishes common objectives for the care, protection and use of Gwaii Haanas. Both parties agreed that long-term protective measures were essential to safeguard Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site as one of the world's great natural and cultural treasures.

The Gwaii Haanas Agreement took almost six years to negotiate, and is a significant milestone. It provides the framework for the Haida and Canada to make recommendations both to the Government of Canada and the Council of the Haida Nation on matters such as planning, management and operation. This is done through a consensus decision-making process by the Gwaii Haanas Archipelago Management Board, with equal representation from the Haida and Parks Canada. Board members are responsible to their respective government agencies to ensure that legislation, policies and agreements are adhered to.