Leading with respect in Gwaii Haanas
Learn about the unique cooperative relationship behind the protection of Gwaii Haanas, Haida laws and values, and the connection with the Gender-based Analysis Plus process.
A framework spanning almost 30 years.
Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) is an analytical tool that the Government of Canada uses to support the development of responsive and inclusive policies, programs, and other initiatives. It all started in 1995 when the Government pledged to integrate Gender-based Analysis (GBA) across all federal departments and agencies following the United Nations' Beijing Declaration.
Today, GBA Plus represents more than just an analytical tool—it's a cornerstone of policy development that prioritizes inclusivity.
In summary, GBA Plus is a process that helps to understand who is impacted by the issue being addressed and how the initiative can be tailored to meet the needs of the people most affected while reducing barriers for these groups.
GBA Plus is used across the Government of Canada and each May during GBA Plus Awareness Week federal public servants discuss best practices.
This year, the Haida Nation shared their experiences, emphasizing the importance of continuous communication and relationship building as the foundation for success of the management of the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site.
Haida Gwaii and the Haida Nation
Haida Gwaii is a cluster of over 200 remote islands nestled along the coast of British Columbia.
Among them lies a group of islands called Gwaii Haanas. Picture lush, rainforest landscapes with moss-covered trees, untamed wildlife, and endless seascapes.
The history of these islands is different than most other Parks Canada sites.
In the 1970s and the 1980s, plans to expand industrial logging in unsustainable ways caused great conflict on the islands.Footnote 1 Haida leaders fought for over ten years to stop widespread logging on Gwaii Haanas to protect the natural resources on which they relied.
The GBA Plus connection in action
After years of advocacy, the Council of the Haida Nation and the Government of Canada signed the Gwaii Haanas Agreement in 1993.Footnote 2 In this document, the parties agreed on the need to protect the region, but also recognized their differing views on ownership of the area. It was the catalyst for cooperatively managing Gwaii Haanas through the Archipelago Management Board (AMB).
Considering the most impacted community members of the affected area, the AMB has equal representation from the Haida Nation and the Government of Canada, including Parks Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.Footnote 3
“Relationship building was the most important part of creating a space where we can move forward in a good way where we can both do what we need to do, the Haida Nation and Canada,” says Cindy Boyko, Co-Chair of the AMB representing the Council of the Haida Nation.
It wasn’t always easy.
Much like when applying GBA Plus, it’s important to challenge assumptions. Cindy outlines that one of the biggest takeaways was the importance of mutual respect. She noted that really hearing all perspectives is just as important as sharing your own. Cindy explains that, when referring to the perspectives of the fishermen, “They have spent their lives building a relationship with the ocean and wanting to pass down what they had to their children.”
The key to a long-term relationship? According to Cindy, it is not walking away when things get tough.
“I feel safe here, where I didn’t in the beginning. That was partly my innate distrust of government from long before I was born. I feel grateful that we are here now,” says Cindy.
The road to reconciliation
When asked about the long-term successes of this partnership, Cindy outlined the importance of acknowledging the interconnectedness of people and nature. “Success would be having a healthy community that can heal from the trauma of the past, like residential schools, then put your attention in the lands and the waters.”
Gwaii Haanas is a concrete example of how applying GBA Plus principles thoughtfully by integrating many perspectives – even conflicting ones – can result in equitable, collaborative, and culturally sensitive decision-making.
“You can only move at the speed of trust,” says Cindy.
Panelist quotes
“The progress made on GBA Plus is not just an effort from the past few years – it is about three decades of sustained effort and thinking in the work that we do as policymakers.”
- Frances McRae, Deputy Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth
“I think it [Gwaii Haanas] is a wonderful, concrete example for all of us to learn from in terms of how we can advance GBA Plus through our mindset by having open, inclusive, and flexible perspectives that are informed by the experiences of First Nations and other Indigenous Peoples across Canada.”
- Valerie Gideon, Deputy Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
"If you zoom out, the thing that almost everyone can agree on is that we want a healthy ocean that continues to provide the benefits for our children."
- Hilary Thorpe, Manager, National Marine Conservation Area Establishment, Parks Canada
“We are looking forward to using the lessons we’ve learned from 30 years of co-operative management and build on 14,000 years of Haida stewardship over these lands and waters to uphold Haida values.”
- Brady Yu, Stand in Co-Chair, Gwaii Haanas, Parks Canada
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