IndigenousQuw’utsun Nation is challenging comments made by B.C. politicians on a B.C. Supreme Court ruling that grants the nation Aboriginal title to part of Richmond B.C, calling the statements “at best, misleading, and at worst, deliberately inflammatory.” Aboriginal title ruling ‘does not erase private property,’ says Quw’utsun NationEdzi’u Loverin · CBC News · Posted: Oct 27, 2025 7:39 PM EDT | Last Updated: 2 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 4 minutesFarmland and houses along No. 6 Road, which fall within the boundaries of a Quw’utsun Nation Aboriginal title claim, are seen in an aerial view in Richmond, B.C., on Aug. 22. (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press)Quw’utsun Nation is challenging comments made by politicians about a court ruling recognizing the nation’s Aboriginal title to part of Richmond, B.C., calling the statements “at best, misleading, and at worst, deliberately inflammatory.”In August, a B.C. Supreme Court judge ruled Quw’utsun Nation had fishing rights in the Fraser River and Aboriginal title to a 7.5 square kilometre parcel of land on Lulu Island — called Tl’uqtinus by Quw’utsun Nation.Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie recently sent a letter to 150 private property owners, saying that the decision may “compromise the status and validity” of their ownership.B.C. Premier David Eby has called anxiety by private property owners “totally reasonable,” and said the province is working with the City of Richmond to appeal the title decision.In a statement Monday, Quw’utsun Nation said “Richmond and British Columbia’s negative and erroneous messaging is provoking unnecessary fears.“Their approach is inconsistent with the Court’s decision and is contrary to reconciliation. With all due respect, Mayor Brodie, the Quw’utsun Nation is also a ‘private landowner’ at Tl’uqtinus.”Quw’utsun Nation, which comprises five communities: Halalt, Lyackson, Penelakut and Stz’uminus and Cowichan Tribes, said in the statement the case has not and does not challenge the effectiveness or validity of any title held by individual private landowners and “does not erase private property.”Cindy Daniels, chief of Cowichan Tribes, said in the statement the nation purposefully didn’t bring the case against any individual private landowners, and also didn’t seek to invalidate their land titles. Shana Thomas, chief of Lyackson First Nation, said intention of the lawsuit was not to deepen division with British Columbians. “We are here to build a just future based on truth and reconciliation,” said Thomas in the statement.”One where British Columbia upholds its constitutional obligations.” The statement also said any private property owners in the title area of Tl’uqtinus who are worried should direct any remedy-seeking to the province.“We welcome and anticipate supporting individual landowners making any respectful claims they may have against British Columbia,” said Pam Jack, chief of Penelakut Tribe, in the statement.Declaration suspended 18 monthsThe B.C. Supreme Court ruling said the Crown and city titles on the land are defective and invalid, and the granting of private titles by the government unjustifiably infringed on Quw’utsun title.Justice Barbara Young has suspended her declaration about the granting of private titles being an unjustifiable infringement for 18 months, so the Quw’utsun, Canada, and Richmond “have the opportunity to make the necessary arrangements.”Brodie said the letter sent to property owners was intended to be an invitation for an information meeting.“That was the start and the stop and I don’t know why they would take exception to an invitation to an informational meeting,” said Brodie.Brodie said it has been relayed to him that Aboriginal title is not symbolic, and any disposition of land by the province or private land owners would require Quw’utsun agreement.“We don’t want to get in the way of trying to address the wrongs of a previous time, but to do it on the backs of the residents and businesses in this area of Richmond is not the way to go about it in my opinion.”Eby told reporters Monday the province supports Quw’utsun Nation’s desire to have its rights recognized in court, but disagrees with the decision the judge made.”There are basic issues that need to be addressed, even just the idea that none of the homeowners were told that this… litigation was happening,” said Eby. “Those issues need to be canvassed and addressed in appeal and the attorney general and her team will make sure that happens.” ABOUT THE AUTHOREdzi’u Loverin is graduate of CBC’s Indigenous Pathways Program and has reported in Vancouver and Winnipeg since 2024. Edzi’u is a member of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation and a registered member of the Tahltan Nation, but is currently based in xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ territories. You can email Edzi’u at edziu.loverin@cbc.ca with story ideas.With file from the Canadian Press.
Quwutsun Nation calls politicians’ comments on Cowichan Tribes title ruling ‘misleading,’ ‘inflammatory’
