In attempts to regulate American interests in gold found in the Queen Charlotte Islands, James Douglas is appointed Lieutenant-Governor and charged with managing licenses for gold miners. It is apparent that by 1853 there is no significant quantity of gold on the islands and interest in the islands diminish, however, Douglas’ designation asserts British jurisdictional claim over Haida Gwaii and disregards the law and sovereignty of Haida people.

Sage, W.N. (Walter Noble). Sir James Douglas and British Columbia. (Toronto: The University of Toronto Press, 1930), 176-177.