Old Massett was created in the mid 19th century by the consolidation of many northern Haida villages in the wake of the smallpox epidemic of 1862.

[5] In 1886, Massett was part of the North West Coast Indian Agency, which was headquartered in Metlakatla.

[6]: 78–79  In 1910, the North West Coast Agency was subdivided, and Massett and Skidegate became part of the Queen Charlotte Indian Agency,[6]: 88  introducing a full-time Indian agent who lived in Old Massett, subjecting the Haida to close government supervision.

[4]: 63  The band council was formed in 1910, and consisted of seven elected community members, most of whom were graduates of the former Anglican missionary school in Metlakatla.

[3]: 124–125 In 1913, band members provided testimony to the McKenna–McBride Commission, rejecting the imposition of reserves and demanding allotments that were equal to those given to other First Nations in the province.