12/06/2025
BREAKING: The Court of Appeal has ruled that the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) is legally enforceable and that First Nations can hold the Province accountable when it fails to meet its obligations. This represents a massive milestone for Indigenous rights in British Columbia.
The ruling comes from Gitxaała Nation’s appeal in their challenge of B.C.’s outdated 'free entry' mineral tenure system. The Court found that B.C.’s mineral claim process is inconsistent with the U.N. Declaration and confirmed that the Province has a legal duty to work with Nations to align its laws.
Congratulations to Gitxaała on this victory and upholding Gitxaała law.