Archive · 9 Aug 2025
Indigenous Group Wins Land Claim in Metro Vancouver
A group of Indigenous people called the Cowichan won a court case to get back some of their land near Vancouver.
The court said that way back in 1846, the Cowichan already owned this land.
The court also said that the British government wrongly gave some of this land to other people.
This means the Cowichan now have rights to this land again.
Some people are happy, but others, like the government and other Indigenous groups, are not and might try to fight the decision.
This could change how land ownership works in this area and might affect how people buy and sell property.
The Cowichan Indigenous group won a land claim in Richmond, British Columbia, after a court ruling.
The court determined the Cowichan had aboriginal title to the land since 1846.
The ruling invalidates grants made by the British Crown that infringed on Cowichan land rights.
The decision could set a precedent for land claims in the province.
Several parties, including the Canadian government and other Indigenous groups, opposed the claim and may appeal.
- Who
- The Cowichan Indigenous group and the British Columbia Supreme Court.
- What
- The Cowichan Indigenous group won a land claim.
- When
- The court ruling was published on Friday; the claim dates back to 1846.
- Where
- In Richmond, near Vancouver, British Columbia.
- Why
- To re-establish aboriginal title to their ancestral lands.
Cowichan Indigenous Group
Other Stakeholders
Land Title & Rights
Cowichan Indigenous Group
Historic victory; reaffirms ancestral land rights and fishing rights.
Other Stakeholders
Legal review underway; may seek resolution through out-of-court negotiations.
Musqueam's Reaction
Cowichan Indigenous Group
Victory represents justice.
Other Stakeholders
Devastated by the decision
British Columbia's Response
Cowichan Indigenous Group
Supports aboriginal land rights and property rights of non-Indigenous people.
Other Stakeholders
Committed to upholding the foundations of business, personal predictability and our provincial economy.
- Plaintiff
- Cowichan Indigenous group
- Location
- Richmond, British Columbia
- Land Area
- Approximately 750-800 acres
- Legal Counsel
- David Rosenberg
- Opposing Parties
- Canada, British Columbia, Richmond, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Tsawwassen First Nation, Musqueam Indian Band
- Ruling Details
- 863-page ruling