BC Supreme Court Decision – Impact on Property Titles
Cowichan Tribes v. Canada Ruling
The BC Supreme Court’s decision on August 7, 2025 (Cowichan Tribes v. Canada, 2025 BCSC 1490) could affect the land ownership in areas covered by the ruling.
The City of Richmond has created a briefing paper to explain the decision and its possible impact: Letter: Notice to Registered Owner
Information Session
An information session for property owners in the affected areas was held on October 28, 2025, at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel.
The following presentation was included on the meeting agenda:
Presentation - Cowichan Tribes v. Canada (AG) et al
For questions or additional information, email CowichanDecision@richmond.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is hosting this information session?
The City of Richmond.
Is the information session open to the public?
Yes.
Do attendees need to register/RSVP to attend?
No. Only those with property in the affected area wishing to ask a question need to register.
Will there be a question period after the presentation?
Questions will ONLY be taken from those with property in the affected area.
Will it be live-streamed?
No.
How can I tell if my property is within the affected area?
Refer to the draft map below.
Note: Precise boundaries of the affected area have yet to be confirmed.
Where can I get more information?
- BC Supreme Court ruling:
2025 BCSC 1490 Cowichan Tribes v. Canada (Attorney General) - Province of BC statement re: decision:
Attorney General / Minister's statement on Cowichan Tribes court decision
Contact Your Elected Representatives
Change begins when citizens speak up. Use the list below to find your provincial and federal representatives. Reach out directly to share your views.
Government of Canada
sean.fraser@parl.gc.ca
Hon. Sean Fraser The Honourable Larry Brock, Official Opposition Critic for Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
larry.brock@parl.gc.ca
Hon. Larry Brock Chak Au, Member of Parliament, Richmond Centre-Marpole
chak.au@parl.gc.ca
MP Chak Au Parm Bains, Member of Parliament, Richmond East-Steveston
parm.bains@parl.gc.ca
MP Parm Bains
Province of British Columbia
Premier and President of the Executive Council
Premier@gov.bc.ca
Hon. David Eby The Honourable Niki Sharma, K.C., Attorney General of BC and Deputy Premier
AG.Minister@gov.bc.ca
Hon. Niki Sharma Steve Kooner,
Official Opposition Critic for Attorney General and Member of the Legislative Assembly, Richmond-Queensborough
Steve.Kooner.MLA@leg.bc.ca
MLA Steve Kooner The Honourable Kelly Greene,
Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness and Member of the Legislative Assembly, Richmond-Steveston
Kelly.Greene.MLA@leg.bc.ca
Hon. Kelly Greene Hon Chan,
Member of the Legislative Assembly, Richmond Centre
Hon.Chan.MLA@leg.bc.ca
MLA Hon Chan Teresa Wat,
Member of the Legislative Assembly, Richmond-Bridgeport
Teresa.Wat.MLA@leg.bc.ca
MLA Teresa Wat
Map of Affected Area
Lands of TI'uqtinus Claim Area
Aboriginal title is claimed over about 1,846 acres (747 hectares) in the City of Richmond, marked in bright green on the draft map in a semi-circle shape.
View the map