Haida Nation: The Council of the Haida Nation (Haida: X̱aaydaG̱a Waadlux̱an Naay) was formed in 1974 to organize citizens into one political entity, and its constitution was adopted in 2003. It includes representatives of both Haida Band Councils, Old Massett and Skidegate, and is led by President Gaagwiis Jason Alsop and Vice-president Stephen Buck Grosse. Haida Gwaii means “Islands of the Haida people.” There is no historic treaty; a 2024 agreement and law legally recognizes Haida Aboriginal title throughout Haida Gwaii, the first law of its kind in Canadian history.

Population: The Province of British Columbia lists the Nation’s population as 6,525. One of its member bands, Old Massett, has 3,352 registered members.

Location: The mandate of the Council of the Haida Nation is Haida Gwaii and surrounding waters. The Secretariat is based in Old Massett, and the nearest city is Prince Rupert, a ferry crossing of 93 nautical miles (about 172 km) to Skidegate.

Culture: Haida is a language isolate, with 105 native speakers recorded in the 2021 census. The Nation strives for full independence, sovereignty and self-sufficiency, guided by the belief that all beings, forest, sea and humans, are interconnected. The Haida Enterprise Corporation (HaiCo), incorporated in 2009, runs businesses in forestry, seafood and tourism, the Nation co-manages Gwaii Haanas with Parks Canada, and the Haida Gwaii Youth Council supports the next generation.

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