In the 2014 ruling of the Tsilhqot'in Nation v British Columbia, Xeni Gwet'in celebrated the colonial recognition of our inherent Indigenous rights to the lands we have governed since time immemorial. This ruling only further established what Xeni Gwet'in and Tsilhqot'in have always known, practiced, and followed.
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This ruling in colonial courts proved the inherited jurisdiction Indigenous peoples have to their territories and has set precedent for Indigenous Nations across colonial Canada to embark on reclaiming the rightful Indigenous laws over their own territories.
Xeni Gwet'in Territory
Summary
"for the first time in Canadian history, the Supreme Court of Canada declared the TsÌ‚ilhqot'in Nation aboriginal title to a small portion of the territory within the area of Xeni Gwet'in (Nemiah Valley). The SCC further declared that British Columbia breached its duty to consult with the TsÌ‚ilhqot'in in its planning and forestry authorizations. Commonly referred to as the Tsilhqot'in Decision, this decision allows for full ownership, benefit and control of the Aboriginal title area by the TsÌ‚ilhqot’in people.