The Haida have a strong stature in the province and internationally. The federal government would prefer to see these matters negotiated at a table.
Litigation perpetuates uncertainty.
But council president Guujaw, who goes by a single name, said under the current treaty process it's impossible for First Nations to get title at the treaty table. He said he believes this is the only way to get governments to deal seriously with their right to lands and resources in Haida Gwaii. We'll go to the table with title. That's the only way it can be real. The decision to litigate is being seen as a test case by other First Nations involved in negotiations.