Specific Claims

Since 1973, the Government of Canada has recognized two categories of land claims: comprehensive and specific. Comprehensive claims are based on aboriginal title and traditional use and occupancy. Comprehensive claims are pursued under treaty negotiations.

At Cowichan Tribes, specific claims are handled by Land Research.

Specific claims apply to specific parcels of land where the Government has not fulfilled its responsibility to an First Nation on matters such as:

non-fulfillment of treaty;
selling or giving away Native lands illegally;
mismanagement of Native money and/or assets; and/or
failure to follow laws that are meant to protect First Nations interests