Council of the Haida Nation and Transport Canada
The restoration of Indigenous names is important to strengthening Indigenous languages and culture in Canada. The Government of Canada is committed to continuing to work with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis on concrete actions that will strengthen Indigenous histories, languages, and cultures that span our coasts.
Today, Vance Badawey, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, and the Council of the Haida Nation announced that the Sandspit Airport, a Transport Canada owned and operated airport, will be renamed to a Haida name, K'il Kun Xidgwangs Daanaay, which translates to "Sandspit flying place". Located on Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, the Haida have occupied Haida Gwaii since time immemorial.
This is the first Transport Canada airport to be renamed, in full collaboration with the Council of the Haida Nation throughout the process. The name has been selected by the Skidegate Haida Immersion Program, a committee of Elders and Knowledge Keepers who work to preserve and revitalize the Skidegate dialect of the Haida language.
We will continue to work together, as we work towards advancing Reconciliation and ensuring that we strengthen Canada's relationship with Indigenous Peoples.
