house of assembly

The House of Assembly (HOA) is the legislative body
of the Haida National government. It is here that the CHN reports to the people of the Haida Nation on the progress
of the work it has been directed to do through resolutions
passed at the House of Assembly. As well as setting the
mandate for the coming year, through motions and
resolutions, this legislative body also passes laws that
are consistent with the Constitution of the Haida Nation.

The HOA is held over the course of 4 days and takes
place the second week of October each year. The location of the Assembly alternates between Skidegate and Old Massett.

Besides the HOA, the CHN representatives meet on a quarterly basis; January,
April, July and October to discuss progress on issues, make decisions as to
next steps, and bring forward new business. Although the public participates
in discussions, motions are made only by and voted on by the Council of the
Haida Nation Representatives.

Below is the basic outline for these meetings and as with the HOA the
meetings alternate between Skidegate and Old Massett:


QUARTERLY MEETINGS
Quarterly Meetings are held every 3 months, over the course of 3 days.

DAY ONE
Work Session - General housekeeping and setting of work calendars
takes place.

DAY TWO
All Leaders' Process Meeting - Issues of national interest are discussed
by the CHN, Village Councils, and the Hereditary Chiefs Council.

DAY THREE
Public Meeting - The CHN reports to the people of the Haida Nation
on the work it has done during the previous three months. The CHN provides
updates on specific issues and projects and makes decisions, by motion, on
recommendations brought forward to the meeting. Day Three also give Haida
citizens an opportunity to comment and/or ask questions about the topics on
the meeting agenda.

Public meetings other than the House of Assembly and Quarterly meetings
are hosted from time to time by the CHN to give and receive information on
specific issues.