US EditionB.C. chiefs say Cowichan title ruling ‘monumental,’ not meant to threaten homeowners
The ruling declares Canada and Richmond's titles invalid, emphasizing the province's duty to reconcile private ownership with Cowichan Tribes' Aboriginal title.
- The British Columbia Supreme Court granted the Cowichan Tribes Aboriginal title and fishing rights over land and river foreshore in Richmond in August 2025.
- The ruling followed long warnings from First Nations that unresolved negotiations over Aboriginal title would lead to court actions, with the B.C. government and Musqueam First Nation opposing the case and planning an appeal.
- The court found that titles held by Canada and Richmond were defective, affirmed the province's duty to reconcile private ownership with Aboriginal title, and noted that the land includes blueberry farms, mansions, and a golf course.
- Vice-President Chief Don Tom emphasized the decision does not threaten private home ownership, while Union Chief Stewart Phillip criticized the Crown for delaying reconciliation and said framing the ruling as a threat to property unfairly scapegoats First Nations.
- The ruling may have wide implications for property rights in B.C. and beyond, with the provincial government’s appeal expected to take years and possibly reach the Supreme Court of Canada.
21 Articles
21 Articles
B.C. Indigenous land claims decision leaves British Columbians in limbo
From the Fraser Institute By Dwight Newman The Cowichan, who are based mainly on Vancouver Island, claimed they had a village on an island that is now part of Richmond that they used seasonally. They had to prove with evidence that they were fearsome enough that other groups—like the Musqueam and Tsawwassen, who incidentally were both part of the opposition to the Cowichan claim—would have been scared and thus reluctant to use the claimed area w…
Winnipeg Free Press
B.C. chiefs say Cowichan title ruling 'monumental,' not meant to threaten homeowners
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The Hamilton Spectator
Ckpg TodayB.C. chiefs say Cowichan title ruling ‘monumental,’ not meant to threaten homeowners
VANCOUVER - The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs is calling a recent court decision on Aboriginal title on land along the Fraser River a "monumental" development, but says the case isn't about threatening private home ownership.
B.C. chiefs say Cowichan title ruling 'monumental,' not meant to threaten homeowners - The Turtle Island News
By Chuck Chiang The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs is calling a recent court decision on Aboriginal title on land along the Fraser River a “monumental” development, but says the case isn’t about threatening private home ownership. The organization says this month’s decision confirming the Cowichan Tribes’ Aboriginal title over land and fishing rights in Richmond, B.C., “reaffirms and strengthens” the recognition of such title in the pro…
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