Tsilhqot'in First Nations win court decision

Thursday, November 22, 2007  

The Tsilhqot'in First Nations in British Columbia won a major court decision on Wednesday that affirmed their aboriginal rights to nearly a half-million acres.

After 339 days of trial, the B.C. Supreme Court issued a 465-page ruling in the long-running case. Although the Tsilhqot'in First Nations didn't outright win aboriginal title, the government will have to consult them on decisions that affect the land.

"Land use planning and forestry activities have unjustifiably infringed Tsilhqot'in Aboriginal title and Tsilhqot'in Aboriginal rights," the court wrote.

The case began 17 years ago in a dispute over trapping rights and logging.

Get the Story:
B.C. First Nations win historic land victory (CBC 11/21)
Natives win key ruling over B.C. land claim, with caveats (The Globe and Mail 11/21)
Court gives band a boost in quest for title to land (The Vancouver Sun 11/22)
Huge win for Interior natives (The Province 11/22)
Some B.C. First Nations hail court case while others celebrate treaty (CP 11/22)
Judgment presents serious challenge to B.C. forestry regime (The Vancouver Sun 11/22)
Judgment Day for Treaty Process (The Tyee 11/22)

Court Decision:
Tsilhqot'in Nation v. British Columbia (November 21, 2007)