B.C. cabinet ministers, First Nation leaders gather amid tensions over Cowichan case

British Columbia officials and First Nations leaders gathered to address tensions following a B. C. Supreme Court ruling that affirmed Aboriginal title for the Cowichan Tribes over approximately 750 acres. The ruling deemed existing Crown and city titles defective, prompting the province to appeal for clarification from the Court of Appeal. Premier David Eby highlighted the need for broader discussions about Indigenous displacement throughout the province's history.

Chief Shana Thomas, representing the Cowichan Nation, called out politicians for spreading misinformation regarding private land ownership, stating that reconciliation falls on the Crown. The Cowichan Nation clarified it did not seek to invalidate private titles on the disputed land. The province anticipates that the gathering will help advance government-to-government relationships, with over 1,300 participants from more than 200 First Nations attending. The dialogue is crucial not just for the affected landowners but also for the broader implications on Indigenous rights. This meeting could set a precedent for future negotiations between the government and First Nations across the province.