Township to Apply for Intervenor Status in Appeal of Cowichan Tribes Decision

The Township of Langley intends to file a motion applying for intervenor status in the appeal of the British Columbia Supreme Court decision in Cowichan Tribes and others v Canada (Attorney General), 2025 BCSC 1490, in which the Court declared, among other things, that the Cowichan Tribes hold aboriginal title to approximately 750 acres of land located in Richmond, B.C.

The defendants in the Cowichan proceeding were Canada (Attorney General), His Majesty the King in right of the Province of British Columbia, the City of Richmond, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the Musqueam Indian Band and the Tsawwassen First Nation.

Intervenor status, if granted, would allow the Township to take part in the appeal, despite not being involved in the original B.C. Supreme Court proceeding.  As an intervenor, the Township’s role would be limited to, among other things, assisting the Court of Appeal by providing a unique and helpful perspective on the issues and arguments that are expected in the appeal.

In the meantime, the Township will continue to work with our First Nation partners, including on a number of current shared initiatives.

 “I certainly recognize the significant uncertainty that has arisen from the Cowichan Tribes decision. Our Council will stand up for the protection of established private property rights which are fundamental to our economy, attracting investment, and shared success in the future and addressing the insecurity and anxiety that uncertainty is causing for so many." – Mayor Eric Woodward.