On this 10-year anniversary, we wish to congratulate the Tsilhqot’in Nation on their decades-long battle for recognition of their rights and jurisdiction over their traditional lands.
In the end, the courage, honesty, fortitude and will of the Tsilhqot’in people demonstrated what fair-minded people, and we at Woodward, have known all along–that Crown claims to lands in BC have no legal basis.
We are deeply honoured to have played a role in supporting the Tsilhqot’in people in their battle to change the legal landscape and win the very first declaration of Aboriginal title in Canada.
As we celebrate this declaration, we also reflect on the immense amount of work that was required:
- Total days of trial: 339
- In Victoria: 325
- In the Nemiah Valley: 14
- Number of days prior to trial when Chief Roger William was subject to cross-examination by the Crown lawyers in examination for discovery: 28
- Number of questions asked of Chief Roger William during Discovery: 11,042
- Number of answers given by Chief Roger William used by the Crown during the case: 0
- Number of days Chief Roger William was on the stand giving testimony during the trial: 46
- Total pages of written submissions given to the judge to read: 7000
- Number of pre-trial motions advanced by Canada and B.C. to try to terminate the case on technicalities without a trial: 10
The landmark decision is one that continues to shape our work every day in our mission to advance justice for First Nations. You can learn more about this landmark case in our feature case study.
We are also here to answer any questions you have regarding Indigenous rights and title.