Cariboo Nation Accuses B.C. Government of Spreading Misinformation About Aboriginal Title

Indigenous Nation Calls for Clarity on Aboriginal Title Amid Political Tensions

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) has issued a call for provincial authorities to clarify facts surrounding Aboriginal title and cease what they describe as fear-mongering tactics that misrepresent Indigenous land rights.

“It’s been working well, it’s been happening for 11 years… I don’t know why B.C. is not coming forward and sharing those facts,” said Jenny Philbrick, executive director of the TNG, referring to their nation’s successful implementation of title rights.

The Tŝilhqot’in Nation made Canadian history in 2014 when they became the first Indigenous group to secure a Supreme Court declaration of Aboriginal title, granting them control over approximately 1,900 square kilometers within Xeni Gwet’in territory, one of six communities under TNG governance.

According to Philbrick, comprehensive frameworks were established to ensure that recreational sites, provincial parks, and campgrounds within the Title Area remained accessible to the public. These frameworks also protected tenure holders’ rights to own, sell, and mortgage private properties within the region.

However, as other Indigenous groups like the Cowichan Tribes (Quw’utsun Nation) pursue similar recognition of rights over their traditional territories, the TNG alleges that misinformation is spreading unchecked. The organization specifically points to Premier David Eby and Opposition Leader John Rustad, accusing them of “playing politics” and “generating fear and misinformation” about the implications of Aboriginal title.

In a November 6 press release, the TNG emphasized: “The Tŝilhqot’in Nation, with a court declaration of Aboriginal title, has never targeted private property and has no intention of doing so. Private lands were excluded from the declaration of title.”

The Quw’utsun Nation expressed similar sentiments in an October 27 statement following their own recent title case victory: “To be clear, the Quw’utsun Nation’s court case regarding their settlement lands at Tl’uqtinus in Richmond has not and does not challenge the effectiveness or validity of any title held by individual private landowners. The ruling does not erase private property.”

The provincial government’s response to the Quw’utsun Nation’s August 7 title win has further inflamed tensions. B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma promptly announced the government’s intention to file a stay and appeal the Supreme Court of B.C.’s decision, citing concerns for property owners.

Philbrick expressed frustration that these reactions contradict years of reconciliation efforts. “Indigenous people are not trying to kick anybody out of their house or land, we know how it feels,” she said, adding that she wishes the province would collaborate with First Nations rather than starting from scratch each time a nation declares title.

“It can be done,” Philbrick stated regarding the achievement of Aboriginal Title that respects everyone’s interests. “Premier Eby knows how it’s been going in a positive way. We just want him to double down and say this is a good thing.”

Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, responded to inquiries with assurances that the government remains committed to working with First Nations through various agreements while maintaining transparency and collaboration with all British Columbians.

“We are committed to respecting First Nations rights, and ensuring certainty for property owners, because it increases shared prosperity for all, and helps us reconcile a past where governments refused to make Treaties with Nations and find a better path together,” Herbert wrote. “First Nations have strong governments with continuing rights. That’s not up for debate.”

Meanwhile, political tensions continue to mount as Rustad and the BC Conservatives’ Deputy Critic Scott McInnis have called for suspending all Aboriginal title negotiations until the Cowichan appeal reaches resolution. They claim Premier Eby is conducting secretive negotiations that could potentially impact private properties.

The TNG has also expressed concern regarding the provincial government’s Bills 14 and 15, as well as Rustad’s call to repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, characterizing these actions as direct threats to Indigenous human rights, safety, and security.

Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Otis Guichon, TNG tribal chief, concluded: “Time and again, First Nations have shown care and respect for the private property of our neighbours, even when those lands were wrongly taken from us in the past. Those that lead with fear aren’t looking for things to improve — they just want to score easy political points at the expense of the most marginalized and vulnerable people in this province.”