LAND CLAIM – ‘It’s not about taking land away,’ says Casimir of TteS lawsuit
Chief Rosanne Casimir.
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc kukwpi7 Rosanne Casimir says Kamloops area residents have nothing to worry about when it comes to their fee-simple property rights.
A B.C. Supreme Court ruling that the Cowichan Nation has aboriginal title rights to a large swath of land in Richmond has raised the question of whether or not aboriginal title and fee-simple title on private property can co-exist.
It its wake, public awareness of a similar claim by TteS covering Kamloops, Sun Peaks and the surrounding area has provoked a local flavour to the debate.
In a statement released yesterday (Nov. 18, 2025), Casimir said “false narratives” are circulating that TteS is trying to ‘take over Kamloops and residents’ homes.
Casimir said, “‘These claims misrepresent a legal Aboriginal title case filed in 2015 by the Stkemlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation (SSN), which seeks recognition of Secwépemc rights and not eviction of homeowners.
“I have recently shared a letter to membership that the SSN Title Claim reaffirms our responsibilities. It is not about taking land away from others but about asserting our rightful role as caretakers and decision makers within our own territory.
“The goal is to restore balance, advance recognition of Secwépemc jurisdiction, and strengthen collaboration with all those who share our lands and communities.”
Casimir made the comments in the context of a demand that MLA Dallas Brodie resign over comments she’s made about the unmarked graves issue. It was the first public statement Casimir has made on the land claims case.
ArmchairMayor.ca 
I want to be very clear: It doesn’t matter if the FN explicitly states that they aren’t after private property. The fact that they are claiming Aboriginal Title, after the Cowichan ruling, ensures that their claim will encompass all fee simple lands, all mineral and placer claims, all forestry tenures, and such.
This is not my area of practice but I am adjacent. People can make claims outside the court all they want – it’s what happens in the courts that matters. BC and the NDP have fumbled this issue catastrophically.
Buckle up.
LikeLike
It’s interesting seeing the knee jerk reaction. The colonial governments being in the “drdriver’ssest” with Indigenous Peoples going through the frustration of lengthy court battles. Now we see what it looks like when Indigenous people are in the “driver’s seat” and the residents who were always comfortable with the colonial governments’ control now feel very vulnerable when what rightful belongs to the Indigenous nation is clarified by the court. This is part of what reconciliation looks like. A rebalancing of power and decisions being made.
LikeLike
Fee simple title is not protected in the Constitution. Aboriginal title is. If you own property anywhere in B.C., you should be extremely concerned with any Aborigjbal claims that include your property.
LikeLike
So Castanet runs an article about this today but they don’t allow comments. Council is asked for comment and you guessed it – no comment.
If this is no big deal, as is being claimed, why all the hiding and closed lips? Could it be that it’s actually something to be extremely concerned about?
Why is this council completely useless when it comes to sticking up for residents and ratepayers? Richmond stood up for their property owners. Kamloops council? Sticking their head in the sand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a shame. Undoing decades of work on reconciliation by effectively suing every property owner in the region. Threatening their homes. Forgive us for not trusting you. Anything can happen in the courts. The consequences are real in Richmond for property owners. No one thinks extra layers of unaccountable government is a good idea.
LikeLike