Woodward & Co. LLP, and the courageous clients we work with, have led the way on Aboriginal title actions. Strategic and precedent-setting litigation. We represented the first Indigenous group to prove Aboriginal title (Tsilhqot’in Nation v British Columbia, 2014 SCC 44), and the first Indigenous groups to win an injunction to protect its traditional lands based on their claim to Aboriginal title (MacMillan Bloedel v Mullin [Clayoquot and Ahousaht] [1985] BCJ No 2355 (BCCA)). We represent the Cowichan Nation in proving title to their historic village at Tl’uqtinus and their right to fish for food in the area, in the longest trial in Canadian history.
We can provide a review of existing historical and anthropological records, interview your Elders and other knowledge-keepers about your oral history, and provide an assessment of your strength of claim based on the legal tests for Aboriginal title. This information can be useful in the consultation and accommodation context as well – providing important negotiating power.