ANALYSIS | 'It Would Be Wrong': Why Richmond, B.C., Residents Weren't Told About First Nation's Claim to Title

ANALYSIS | 'It would be wrong': Why Richmond, B.C., residents weren't told about First Nation's claim to title

Since a B.C. Supreme Court judge ruled earlier this year that Aboriginal title coexists alongside fee simple title on around 125 privately-held parcels of land in Richmond, a question has hung over the case: why didn't the private landowners know the title to their property was up for debate?

B.C. Aboriginal title ruling continues to generate waves of uncertainty

A map that shows part of the claim area from the City of Richmond (City of Richmond) Almost four months after Justice Barbara Young confirmed the Cowichan Tribes hold Aboriginal title to 750 hectares in Richmond, B.C., the shock waves haven’t settled. Her ruling, even with an 18-month transition period, has left many property owners uneasy and questioning how, or if,  their titles could be affected, despite no First Nation seeking private claims…