The northern Pacific Northwest Coast, showing the position of the archipelago in relation to other islands in the region. The southern half of Prince of Wales Island is Kaigani Haida territory, but is not commonly included in the term Haida Gwaii.
Lyell Island was the focus of anti-logging demonstrations that led to establishment of Gwaii Haanas park in 1993. 72 Haida citizens were arrested by the RCMP and charged with Contempt of Court. Also arrested on Lyell Island was a Canadian MP, Svend Robinson.[4] The protests started October 24, 1985, and continued for three months and eventually led to the process which culminated in the creation of Gwaii Haanas.[5]
^Lantin, Peter (July 2010). "November, 1985, Athlii Gwaii, Lyell Island"(PDF). Haida Laas: News of the Haida Nation. Council of the Haida Nation: 3, 19. Archived from the original(PDF) on 5 October 2011. Retrieved 29 October 2010.