| Lyell | |
| Local Name: | Haida Athili Gwaii |
| Location: | Coast of British Columbia |
| Coordinates: | 52.6667°N -131.5°W |
| Archipelago: | Queen Charlotte Islands |
| Area Km2: | 176 |
| Country: | Canada |
Lyell Island, known also in the Haida language as Athlii Gwaii,[1] [2] is a large island in the Haida Gwaii archipelago on the North Coast of British Columbia, Canada. It is located on the east side of Moresby Island, just south of Laskeek Bay. The island is a part of the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site.
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.[3] 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.[4]