The Haida Nation and Fisheries and Oceans Canada jointly announced the creation of two new marine refuges on Haida Gwaii that will protect multiple species of salmon, sea birds and their habitat, and important species such as herring and harbour seals.
Haida Gwaii, an archipelago off the coast of British Columbia and at the southern tip of Alaska, has been inhabited for centuries by the Haida people. Today, Haida people make up over half of the 4200 people living on the islands.
The marine refuges, G̱aw Ḵáahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii, add 29.58 square kilometers of protected ocean area towards Canada’s Marine Conservation Targets. They will be co-managed by Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). They protect areas of cultural and ecological significance, and support conservation and local food security on Haida Gwaii.
“G̲aw K̲áahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii hold great significance to the Haida Nation,” said Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, President, Council of Haida Nation. “Guided by knowledge shared by Elders and knowledge holders during the Haida Marine Traditional Knowledge Study, G̲aw K̲áahlii and X̲aana K̲aahlii were identified as key areas to protect. These inlets support a rich diversity of life, including all species of ts.íin | chiina salmon, íinang | iinang herring and many others that are important for Haida and local food security. Because of this, we have a sense of Gin ‘laa hl isdaa.uu | ʹLaa guu ga k̲anhllns Responsibility to ensure future generations are able to continue to enjoy the bounties of the ocean.”
The Haida Nation has led marine planning through the Northern Shelf Bioregion Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network Action Plan. The marine refuges are two of three new sites established under the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence initiative to advance reconciliation and Indigenous-led marine conservation on the west coast of Canada. This initiative launched a long-term funding initiative to support Indigenous-led conservation efforts in the region supported by 17 First Nations, the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, and Coast Funds.
“Protecting our marine environment is a key priority for the Government of Canada as are our commitments in implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA),” said Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries. “Working in partnership with the Council of the Haida Nation, these new marine refuges are a concrete step under the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence. They will safeguard the Northern Shelf Bioregion, support sustainable harvests, and leave a strong legacy for people who rely on these waters today and in the years ahead.”
