Canadian Supreme Court Ruling Grants Land Title to B.C. First Nation

A landmark ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada will provide a clear roadmap for all unresolved First Nations land claims in British Columbia.  Pipeline proponents Enbridge and Kinder Morgan are "probably back on their heels."

The high court overturned a B.C. Appeal Court ruling, essentially making it easier for First Nations to establish title over lands that were regularly used for hunting, fishing and other activities prior to contact with Europeans.

Unlike other provinces, the Crown did not sign treaties with most B.C. First Nations, and the landmark ruling — the court's first on aboriginal title —will weigh heavily in unresolved land claims.

"British Columbia is comprised of unceded, unextinguished aboriginal-title territory from one end to the other," said Stewart Phillip, grand chief of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs.

Canadian Supreme Court Ruling Grants Land Title to B.C. First Nation