1940-1969

1941

Masset gets electricity through a diesel generator. 

1949-1951

Eight oil wells are drilled onshore Haida Gwaii. No discoveries are reported. 

1949

”Indians” can vote in BC elections. 

The largest earthquake on record in the colonial state of Canada occurs off the coast of Haida Gwaii with a magnitude of 8.1. 

1950s

HlGaagilda, Daajing Giids, K’il Kun Sandspit, and Masset get electricity. 

A water wheel powers the Skidegate Community Hall in HlGaagilda. 

1951

Canada revises its Indian Act, removing the prohibition against the Potlatch and the pursuit of Aboriginal Title. 

1959

Following almost 10 years of offshore seismic activity on the coast, BC sets a moratorium on exploration drilling for oil and gas in coastal waters between Vancouver Island and Alaska. 

1960

“Registered Indians” are granted the right to vote in Canada’s federal elections. 

1964

Gaw Tlagée Old Massett gets electricity. 

1964

‘Wáan kún • Gamadiis Port Clements gets electricity through a deal with logging company Macmillan Bloedel. 

1966

BC lifts its moratorium on offshore oil and gas exploration. 

1967

BC Hydro takes over diesel generator in ‘Wáan kún/Gamadiis. 

1967

Between 1967 and 1969, Shell Canada drills 14 exploratory wells from Barkley Sound north into Hecate Strait, where they experience 65 feet waves. Non-commercial levels of oil are found off of Haida Gwaii. 

1968

BC Hydro acquires generation and distribution facilities in Masset from C. Martin Utilities.