Who Owns the Islands Off Northern British Columbia? British Columbia, Not Alaska

The islands off the northern coast of British Columbia belong to British Columbia (Canada), not the State of Alaska (USA).

Key Archipelagos

• Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) – 150+ islands, 50 km off BC coast. **Entirely in BC.** Haida Nation title recognized (2009).
• Alexander Archipelago – **Southeast Alaska** (US). Starts at **Dixon Entrance** (maritime border). Includes Prince of Wales, Baranof, Chichagof, Admiralty.
• Boundary: **Dixon Entrance / Portland Canal** – settled by 1903 Alaska Boundary Tribunal (mostly).

Why the Confusion?

• Proximity: Haida Gwaii's northern tip (Langara Island) is **~50 km** from Alaska's Dall Island.
• Shared ecology: Tongass rainforest, salmon runs, Tlingit/Haida/Tsimshian cultures span the border.
• Maritime disputes: Dixon Entrance equidistance vs. historic claims – unresolved but **land sovereignty is settled**.

Indigenous Perspective

**Haida, Tlingit, Tsimshian** territories **predate and transcend** the Canada-US border. They assert inherent rights across the marine region.

Administrative

• BC islands: **North Coast Regional District**, **Skeena-Queen Charlotte** (former).
• AK islands: **Prince of Wales-Hyder, Sitka, Hoonah-Angoon, Petersburg, Wrangell, Ketchikan Gateway** boroughs/census areas.