Assembly of First Nations congratulates Tsilhqot’in National Government on Landmark Legal Victory at Supreme Court of Canada, Calls on Federal Government to Work with First Nations on New Approaches to Support Real Reconciliation with First Nations

Ottawa – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) today commented on the Supreme Court of Canada’s landmark decision in William v. Canada, a case dealing with the nature and scope of Aboriginal title and governance over Aboriginal title lands. The Tsilhqot’in Nation took the case to the country’s highest court to defend their title and rights to their traditional territories in the central interior of British Columbia seeking a declaration of Aboriginal title.

In a unanimous decision written by Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin, the Court upheld the trial judge’s findings that the Tsilhqot’in had proven Aboriginal title to approximately 200,000 hectares of land and went further than the trial judge by overturning the court of appeal and actually granting a declaration of Aboriginal title. This is the first time a declaration of Aboriginal title has ever been granted by a Canadian court.

AFN spokesperson and Regional Chief for Quebec/Labrador Ghislain Picard said, “On behalf of the First Nations across the country, we extend our congratulations and convey our gratitude to Chief Roger William, the Xeni Gwet’in and the Tsilhqot’in National Government for their le ...