Haida Gwaii, historically known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, is an archipelago situated off the northern Pacific coast of Canada. These islands serve as the cultural and historical heartland of the Haida Nation, inhabited for over 13,000 years and showcasing a profound narrative of resilience amidst colonial and environmental adversities.

In the late 18th century, European contact began with the fur trade, particularly in sea otter pelts, which initially fostered economic exchanges but soon led to over-exploitation and conflict. The introduction of diseases like smallpox by Europeans devastated the indigenous population, reducing it from over 10,000 to merely 600 by the late 1800s. As colonial efforts intensified in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the British unilaterally claimed sovereignty over Haida Gwaii. Subsequent industrial logging practices triggered severe environmental degradation, with the Haida systematically excluded from land-related decision-making processes.

In contemporary times, the Haida Nation faces significant challenges posed by climate change and seismic activity. Rising sea levels threaten to erode coasts, displace communities, and submerge cultural heritage. Fluctuations in sea temperatures and acidification disrupt traditional fishing practices, crucial for food security. Furthermore, the increased frequency and intensity of storms inflict substantial damage on infrastructure, affecting both the tourism and fishing industries.