BCAFN Celebrates with Tsilhqot’in Nation on 10th Anniversary of Supreme Court of Canada Decision on Aboriginal Title

  • Press Release

June 26, 2024

News Category
Press Release

(Lheidli T’enneh Territory, Prince George, BC)—The BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) congratulates the Tsilhqot’in Nation as First Nations and Canadian leaders gather in central British Columbia’s Nemiah Valley to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada decision that granted Aboriginal title.

“From the Tsilhqot’in Nation v. BC court decision ten years ago to the recent Gaayhllxid/Giihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement, we continue to witness monumental achievements in the movement toward Aboriginal title in Canada that will continue to resonate for generations,” stated Regional Chief Terry Teegee. “Precedents have been set and we will continue to see many more Nation-to-Nation milestone agreements that will solidify First Nations self-governance, reconciliation efforts and the protection of First Nations Rights and Title over their traditional lands and resources.”

The June 26, 2014, decision was the first time a Canadian court declared Aboriginal title to lands outside of a reserve. Since then, the political and economic landscape has been reshaped in British Columbia, and First Nations Title Agreements that foster meaningful partnerships between First Nations and the government are beginning to unfold.

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