The Cowichan Nation has successfully established a significant Aboriginal title claim that includes land occupied by high-value homes and a golf course in Richmond, British Columbia. This landmark ruling from the B.C. Supreme Court last week identifies properties along No. 6 Road, south of Blundell Road, as part of the Cowichan title lands.

Among the identified properties is a large mansion measuring 10,600 square feet, featuring 11 bathrooms and valued at approximately $7.78 million. The area also includes several other multimillion-dollar residences and the Country Meadows Golf Course.

The court ruling clarified that the Cowichan Nation did not challenge the validity of private land titles in the region, which contrasts with the government-owned land that forms a significant part of the claim. Justice Barbara Young stated that the province has a responsibility to engage in negotiations with the Cowichan Nation regarding the private land. She noted that the titles for these properties were granted in a manner that unjustifiably infringed upon the Cowichan’s Aboriginal title.

In response to the ruling, the B.C. government announced plans to appeal. Attorney General Niki Sharma expressed concerns that the decision could lead to "significant unintended consequences" for private property rights across the province.