VISITORS ARE WELCOME TO HAIDA GWAII JULY 1; INVITED TO SIGN PLEDGE COMMITTING TO BEING A RESPECTFUL VISITOR 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 30, 2021 

 VISITORS ARE WELCOME TO HAIDA GWAII JULY 1; INVITED TO SIGN PLEDGE COMMITTING TO BEING A RESPECTFUL VISITOR 

 Haida Gwaii – After careful consideration and consultation, the Haida Nation will welcome visitors from BC and Canada to Haida Territories on July 1. 

 All visitors who travel to Haida Territories are invited to sign the Haida Gwaii Pledge. The Pledge evolved from our COVID-19 response plans and embodies guidance from hereditary leaders, sacred knowledge keepers, respected community members, and local health authorities. The Haida Gwaii Pledge was created to help visitors to the Islands understand how to respect and care for Haida Gwaii. Signing the pledge is an act of respect and is a reminder on how to be mindful visitor, especially during these precarious and challenging times. 

 The Haida Gwaii Visitor Orientation is an extension of the Haida Gwaii Pledge and is intended for all visitors to the Islands. This orientation does not replace any information visitors may learn while they are here, but provides a basis of knowledge before arriving. The Haida Gwaii Stewardship Fund is a voluntary fund to support Air, Ocean, Land and People stewardship related to tourism. Any contributions towards this fund are welcome and it’s recommended that visitors donate 1% of their total travel costs. 

 In addition to measures put in place by the provincial government, the Haida Nation requests that all those seeking to travel to Haida Gwaii be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure. Disclosure of your vaccination status on the Haida Gwaii Pledge is voluntary and held confidentially. 

 As we slowly emerge from the pandemic, please be mindful this will not be a typical visitor season.  Services may be limited, transportation is at a reduced schedule, and our communities remain cautious. As an Island nation, our communities have been vigilant, and so far, we have experienced the virus with 100% recovery rates. Please keep in mind that not everyone is prepared for visitors; be respectful and follow public health measures and the Haida Gwaii pledge.   

 “It’s exciting to take this step forward in welcoming visitors back to Haida territory and to reunite friends and family in a safe way.

President of the Haida Nation, Gaagwiis Jason Alsop 

 To sign the Haida Gwaii Pledge, view the orientation and donate to the Haida Gwaii Stewardship Fund, go to <haidagwaiipledge.ca>