Athlii Gwaii: Upholding Haida Law on Lyell Island

Haida Elders and activists tell the epic story of the 1985 War in the Woods when, despite 72 arrests, they stared down the logging trucks and stopped clear-cutting on Athlii Gwaii (Lyell Island), leading to the creation of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site.

“This is Haida land, you all know that, and we’re here to uphold the decision of the Haida Nation. This is Haida land and there will be no further logging in this area.” Kilsli Kaji Sting, Miles Richardson Jr., on the line at Athlii Gwaii, 1985.