April 7, 2026– Hupacasath and Tseshaht Territories, Port Alberni, BC

Nuchatlaht title to 210 square kilometers was recognized unanimously by Justices of the BC Court of Appeal on April 2,2026.  It was indeed a historic day for Nuchatlaht Tyee Ha’wilth (Chief) Jordan Michael, and the peoples of the Nuchatlaht Nation when their long fought legal battle for their lands was ruled in their favour in the Court of Appeal.  The Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council congratulates the Nuchatlaht on this huge win in the courts.

The Court of Appeal overturned the small spot of 11 km that was granted by the BC Supreme Court. The court ruled that sufficient occupation was not a strict postage stamp approach to village sites nor is it an arbitrary boundary.  That title had to be based on the Nuchatlaht’s way of life, use of the lands,  material resources and technological abilities. 

President Judith Sayers said “Nuchatlaht have been working for such a long time to have their title recognized. They tried the BC Treaty process with no success and resorted to the courts as the only other way forward for them.  Their efforts paid off and I celebrate with them on this successful outcome.”

Les Doiron, Vice President says, “I add my congratulations to the Nuchatlaht for their court victory and know they have gone a long way to establishing the existence of aboriginal title for their Nation and a precedent for others.”

This is the second case since Tsilhqot’in that recognized aboriginal title lands and so this is a significant case.  The Nuchatlaht are already making plans for their lands that are being restored back to them and we wish them the best of success in restoring and stewarding these lands.

Contact:

Cloy-e-iis, Judith Sayers, President, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
P: 250.724.5757 ext. 231 or 250-415-0387
E: judith.sayers@nuuchahnulth.org

Les Doiron, Vice President, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
P: 250-724-5757 ext.        or 250-731-7218