Chronology of events in the Xeni Gwet’in court case over aboriginal title
A chronology of events in the Xeni-Gwet’in court case over aboriginal title:
April 18, 1990: Xeni Gwet’in Chief Roger William, on behalf of Tsilhqot’in Nation, files action in B.C. Supreme Court seeking a declaration of aboriginal title over 438,000 hectares in B.C.’s Cariboo-Chilcotin region. The case is called the “Nemiah Trapline Action.”
Dec. 18, 1998: William launches a second case, the “Brittany Triangle Action,” over forestry activities in Tsilqhot’in territories.
Nov. 18, 2002: Trial begins in B.C. Supreme Court.
April 7, 2007: Trial ends.
Nov. 20, 2007: B.C. Supreme Court Judge David Vickers issues his ruling. All parties — William, the province and the federal government — appeal.
Nov. 15, 2010: B.C. Court of Appeal begins to hear arguments.
June 2012: Appeal Court upholds right to hunt, trap and trade in traditional territory but finds title can only be claimed in areas occupied or used intensively by the “semi-nomadic” people.
Jan. 2013: Supreme Court of Canada announces it will hear appeal filed by William.
Nov. 7, 2013: Country’s highest court hears arguments.
June 26, 2014: Supreme Court of Canada releases decision.
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