US Edition'Lots of Questions': B.C. Appeal Seeks Clarity in Landmark Cowichan Land Ruling
The BC government seeks clarity on a ruling recognizing Cowichan Tribes' Aboriginal title, which could lead to substantial government compensation and influence national Indigenous land claims.
- The British Columbia government said its legal team is preparing an appeal to seek clarity on the BC Supreme Court's ruling affirming Cowichan Aboriginal title over a Richmond village site after a 513-day trial.
- Attorney General Niki Sharma said the ruling raises questions about Aboriginal title's interaction with BC's land laws and warned it could expose governments to compensation risks; the Crown must negotiate financial obligations with First Nations.
- Following a 513-day trial , the province is reviewing the complicated 800-page decision as it prepares the appeal.
- The province of British Columbia and the Cowichan Tribes will now negotiate what reconciliation and implementation will look like, with options including compensation, governance powers, or buyouts, and appraisal work and cost-sharing discussions shaping any settlement.
- Legal experts warn the decision could have national impact, with Robert Janes saying it may set precedent amid many unresolved claims in BC and Canada, likely reaching the Supreme Court of Canada.
16 Articles
16 Articles
National Observer
BC government seeks clarity through appeal of landmark Cowichan win
Lawyers say that BC’s planned appeal of a Supreme Court decision recognizing the Cowichan Tribes’ Aboriginal title over a Richmond village site is intended to provide further clarification on the initial ruling, which could expose governments to hundreds of millions in compensation and set a precedent far beyond the province.
B.C. government seeks clarity through appeal of landmark Cowichan win
Lawyers say that B.C.’s planned appeal of a Supreme Court decision recognizing the Cowichan Tribes’ Aboriginal title over a Richmond village site is intended to provide further clarification on the initial ruling, which could expose governments to hundreds of millions in compensation and set a precedent far beyond the province. On Aug. 7, following a 513-day trial held between 2021 and 2023, the BC Supreme Court ruled that traditional Aboriginal…
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