Haida Governance
Our Nation continues to abide by governance under our K’uul Jaad • K’ul Jáad matriarchs and Kílslaay • Kilslaay chiefs. Additionally, the Hereditary Chiefs Council, made up of Potlatched Hereditary Chiefs of Haida Gwaii, provides the Council of the Haida Nation with guidance and advice on important matters to protect the Nation’s culture.
Hereditary System and Potlatching
To begin to understand Haida governance, we start with the role of our K’ul Jáad. These women are often the oldest of a clan or family and are the record keepers and decision makers. Because Haida society is matrilineal, this lineage flows through the women in the family. The moieties are Eagle, born from the ancestress Jiila Kuns Volcano Woman, and Raven, born from the ancestress SGuluu Jáad Foam Woman. Each of the Eagle and Raven moieties hold several distinct clans within them. The Kílslaay work under the guidance of the K’uul Jaad, being the voice for their clan and carrying out the decisions made. For a Kilslaay to take their rightful place they must do so in a public setting of a ‘waahlGahl potlatch, where witnesses are invited and paid for their attendance. This has also been a form of redistributing wealth; ensuring that no one is excessively poor or rich. In fact, the most incredible act of wealth seen at any ‘waahlGahl is shown in how much a Kílslaay can give a way, increasing their social wealth and prestige.
Council of the Haida Nation and Band Councils
The Council of the Haida Nation is the elected government of the Haida Nation and functions in accordance with the Constitution of the Haida Nation. “The CHN was formalized in 1974 to protect Haida Rights, Title, and lands, waters, and air. Today, our government continues to strive for full independence, sovereignty and self-sufficiency of the Haida Nation.” The council consists of a President and Vice-president elected by popular vote, and twelve regional representatives from four electoral regions. Go to the Council of the Haida Nation’s website to learn more about the history, governance, and elected representatives.
Old Massett Village Council (OMVC) and Skidegate Band Council (SBC) are elected by their membership and perform the function of a village government under the Indian Act. Councils are responsible for the well-being of the communities and enact legal policies and programs in the areas of Capital, Education, Membership, Health, Social Development, among others. Village Councils are accountable to each respective community’s membership and to the Constitution of the Haida Nation through the Haida Accord.
Haida Rights and Title
The Haida Nation collectively holds Hereditary and Aboriginal Title and Rights to Haida Territories and the cultural and intellectual property rights of the Haida Nation. All people of Haida ancestry are citizens of the Haida Nation. The Haida Nation has an active title case asserting Haida Gwaii lands and waters and the surrounding ocean. Today, we maintain governing powers and exercise inherent rights in our Territories. Over half of Haida Gwaii is protected and the Haida Nation has co-management agreements with the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia. To this day, our nation has existing peace treaties with neighboring nations to ensure protection of our shared waters and the beings within them.