Haida

The Haida recognize that nature and culture are intrinsically connected, and that the protection of the natural and cultural values on Haida Gwaii is essential to sustaining their culture. The Haida have always had Guardian Watchmen who protected the land and sea from harm.  Guardians and Watchmen now work in fisheries, forestry, heritage and parks programs to support the Council of Haida Nations’ priority to protect the Aboriginal rights and title of Haida people.

The Haida Fisheries Program takes a lead role in the development of fisheries policy and management affecting Haida Gwaii, considers all fisheries and marine resource issues, and provides advice to the Council of the Haida Nation about political or other actions. Haida Fisheries Guardians work in monitoring, assessment and enforcement. Projects include:

• Developing an Integrated Marine Use Plan
• Monitoring recreational fisheries
• Leading efforts to rebuild abalone populations around Haida Gwaii

The Haida Heritage and Forest Guardians Program tracks forestry activities on Haida Gwaii through mapping and the review of cutting plan referrals. It also works to assist the Haida Nation to develop policy consistent with Haida culture such as conducting cultural values surveys and archaeological impact assessments. The Program's primary role is to provide technical support to committees involved in litigation and negotiations over land use, rights and title, and forest policy development (such as the 1,000 Year Cedar Plan), and to respond to developments that adversely affect the land.

From spring until autumn, the Gwaii Haanas Watchmen serve as guardians at the old village sites found throughout the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. The Watchmen's primary mandate is to protect these sensitive sites by educating visitors about the natural and cultural heritage of Gwaii Haanas.

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