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‘One battle after another’ for farmland in Cowichan title ruling: ex-councillor
The B.C. government appeals a ruling recognizing Cowichan Nation's Aboriginal title over Fraser River lands amid concerns about impacts on private property rights, including farmland.
- Following the longest trial in Canadian history, the B.C. Supreme Court on Aug. 7 awarded Aboriginal title and fishing rights to the Cowichan Nation in Richmond, B.C.
- Last week, the court’s ruling declared Crown and city titles to be `defective and invalid`, citing the B.C. government’s duty to negotiate reconciliation of private ownership with Cowichan’s Aboriginal title.
- Second, the court has said that if Aboriginal title is found, First Nations can seek transfer through legal channels.
- On Monday, B.C.’s Attorney General Niki Sharma pledged to appeal, citing `unintended consequences` and raising private property rights concerns.
- Now Vancouver lawyer Thomas Isaac warns, `Sword of Damocles` hangs over property owners, and everyone with property in potential Aboriginal title claim areas needs to pay attention.
7 Articles
7 Articles
'One battle after another' for farmland in Cowichan title ruling: ex-councillor
Former Richmond, B.C., city councillor Harold Steves’ family has been farming in the area since 1877, lending their name to the community of Steveston. The 88-year-old former politician only retired from council three years ago, and few can match his knowledge of the controversies surrounding Richmond’s farmland — the creation of the province’s agricultural land […]
Cowichan title ruling may reshape B.C. property rights, lawyer says
A recent B.C. Supreme Court decision stacks Indigenous land claims against private property rights, and Vancouver lawyer Thomas Isaac lawyer says the ruling could have real implications for private property owners in that province. A decision was delivered on Aug. 7 following the longest trial in Canadian history, awarding Aboriginal title over a swath of land in Richmond, B.C. to the Cowichan Nation, as well as fishing rights in the Fraser Rive…
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