BY NIKI SHARMA, Attorney General, and

SPENCER CHANDRA HERBERT, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

WE all love this beautiful place.

From the people who have been stewards of the land since time immemorial to everyone who calls B.C. home today—this is where we’re all raising our families and building our lives.

That’s why moments like this can feel difficult.

The recent B.C. Supreme Court decision involving the Cowichan Nation has caused confusion and concern for many people.

That’s understandable. It’s a complex case, and it raises tough questions about the relationship between Aboriginal title and private property.

The courts have been clear for decades that we can’t just ignore these questions. That would only lead to more conflict and be disastrous for British Columbians and our economy.

But the fact is, you can respect Aboriginal title and protect private property. That has always been at the centre of our government’s approach to reconciliation.

That’s why, in the Cowichan case, our government argued explicitly that the rights of private property landowners must be protected. We told the court that anything else would create uncertainty and conflict.

And it’s why we were first out of the gate to announce an appeal of the decision. Since then, other parties—including Tsawwassen, Musqueam, the federal government and City of Richmond—have also announced their intention to appeal the decision.

We all agree that the ruling raises new and complicated legal questions that must be clarified by a higher court.

We strongly disagree with the court’s treatment of private property in this case.

We also remain open to talking directly with Cowichan Nation. Because even while the case continues, we believe lasting solutions are found through dialogue, respect, and hard work.

That’s how we move forward together. As we did with the historic Haida land title agreement that was a historic moment for the Haida Nation – and specifically confirms and continues the rights of private property owners.

This approach grows prosperity for everyone.

Look at the Red Chris Mine expansion with the Tahltan Nation.

Cedar LNG with the Haisla Nation.

10 new wind and solar projects led by First Nations.

Each of these multi-billion dollar projects is being built through partnerships, not courtroom confrontations. And they’re creating thousands of jobs, supporting local economies, and funding the services everyone relies on — like schools and better health care.

If we walked away from the negotiating table, none of that would happen.

If we stopped talking, we’d end up fighting case after case in court — creating more uncertainty, not less. That would delay major projects, cost jobs, and divide communities.

Our approach is straightforward: Protect private property. Respect Indigenous rights. Build consensus and work to deliver certainty for everyone.

We can — and must — do all three.

That’s how we bring certainty and stability to our province.

When governments, First Nations, communities, and industry work together, B.C. grows stronger. We create good jobs, attract investment, and build a thriving, prosperous province.

We are all here to stay. We all want security for our families, opportunities for our kids, and confidence in our shared future.

Because when we work together, we build a province that works for everyone.