Projects

Regional Economic Development Implementation (REDI)

In November 2006, a number of stakeholders Gwaii gathered in Skidegate to discuss a strategic plan for the future of economic development on Haida Gwaii. The Community Viability Strategy (CVS) Steering Committee, comprised of band, local and regional government officials and jointly chaired by the CHN and Province, commissioned the Community Viability Strategy and Action Plan for Haida Gwaii. The CVS document was delivered in March 2007 (Vol 1) and (Vol 2).

The CVS process included community consultation in the form of focus groups, key informant interviews, public meetings and community surveys. Feedback was gathered from 200 stakeholders and 204 community survey responses. At the time of the writing of the final CVS report, the Land Use Plan remained in negotiations, with its signing December 2007.

The Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Plan was developed to 'pick up' where the CVS document left off. The REDI Plan is targeted at tracking the progress made on the identified priorities in the CVS, as well as revising the list of priorities to reflect our current situation.

Community Forest

MIEDS and the Council of the Haida Nation continue to discuss options of collaborative forest management on Haida Gwaii. Creative financing solutions will be needed for both acquisition and start up costs. We look forward to this becoming a reality in partnership with the Haida and the Province in the near future.

Haida Gwaii Visitor Map

The Haida Gwaii Visitor Map was created as a result of the collaborative efforts of the Haida Gwaii Tourism Advisory Committee. It is available at Visitor Centres on Haida Gwaii and local accomodations.

Art Route 2010

These Islands are remote and that’s part of the appeal for artists who make their homes here.  The natural beauty of Haida Gwaii inspires a vast array of art forms — from traditional and contemporary Haida carving and weaving, to post-modern quilting, painting and pottery.

Unlike other studio tours, concentrated over a week or weekend, art route runs year-round. Because of this extended commitment, some artists prefer visitors to call ahead while others maintain regular hours during the entire season. The brochure will list the artist's preference. Please, don’t be shy about contacting artists or visiting homes and studios during posted hours.

In the Guide to Haida Gwaii http://queencharlotteislandsguide.com/ you will find a centerfold map which is a companion to this brochure. Numbers adjacent to the artist's name indicate the location of the studio on the map and vice versa. 

The economy of the Islands is changing. There is now less emphasis on resource extraction by outside interests and more locally-driven solutions. The arts play a large role in this shift and by connecting visitors with artists, art route contributes to the livelihoods of artists and business owners.

Welcome to Haida Gwaii and enjoy Art Route!

Haida Gwaii Destination Marketing

Implementation of the 2009/2010 Haida Gwaii Destination Marketing project included the following initiatives:

• Haida Gwaii House pavilion at 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver
• Development of a Haida Gwaii Destination Marketing website goHaidaGwaii.ca
• An intensive Media Campaign
• Creation of the Haida Gwaii Visitor Map
• Introduction of the 'Haida Gwaii' Brand

Haida Gwaii Agriculture Strategy

MIEDS is developing a strategy to address the future of agriculture in Haida Gwaii. As a result of a November 2009 meeting with representatives from Islands Food (IF), Farmers Institute and interested individuals, MIEDS is pursuing funding for the development of an Agriculture Strategy for Haida Gwaii. See the Agriculture Photo Album for Haida Gwaii http://www.mieds.ca/photo-gallery/agriculture-on-haida-gwaii/.