FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tsawwassen, BC – September 05, 2025 – Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) has filed a Notice of Appeal to the BC Court of Appeal, challenging the August 7 Supreme Court decision that granted the Cowichan Tribes Aboriginal title to land on Lulu Island and fishing rights in the south arm of the Fraser River.
This area lies within Tsawwassen’s traditional territory and directly impacts rights recognized in TFN’s 2009 Treaty, most importantly, the right to fish in the Lower Fraser.
This decision has already affected TFN. The very next day, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans allowed Cowichan Tribes to fish during the height of the sockeye run, with what seems to be very little forethought about best management of the salmon fishery. At a time when salmon stocks remain fragile, this undermines decades of work to manage the fishery fairly and sustainably. For Tsawwassen members, whose Treaty fishing rights are already less than fully realized, the consequences could be devastating.
“Tsawwassen First Nation cannot stand by while our Treaty rights are undermined,” said Chief Laura Cassidy of Tsawwassen First Nation. “We are appealing this decision as a nation acting firmly, responsibly, and with determination to protect our Treaty and our future. These lands and waters have been part of Tsawwassen’s traditional territory since time immemorial, and they must continue to sustain our people for generations to come.”
TFN is also working closely with the Musqueam Indian Band, continuing the long-standing tradition of shared stewardship in the lower Fraser region. This collaboration reflects the deep cultural, environmental, and economic connections both Nations have to the land and waters, and underscores a shared commitment to protecting these resources for future generations.
“These are shared waters, and our Nations have worked side by side for generations to protect them,” said Chief Wayne Sparrow of Musqueam. “The path forward is through respectful dialogue between First Nations, we will fight to protect our title and our rights.”
While TFN respects the work of the judiciary, the Nation cannot accept outcomes that diminish its Treaty or relegate its people to bystanders in their own territory. TFN expects Canada and British Columbia, as Treaty partners, to live up to their obligations.
“Tsawwassen will always stand up for the rights of our people,” added Chief Cassidy. “We are committed to leading with strength, protecting our Treaty, and ensuring a future where our members are treated as full and equal partners in decisions that affect our lands, waters, and way of life”
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Media Contact:
Callum Robinson
Manager of Communications and Engagement
Tsawwassen First Nation
604-690-9789 | crobinson@tsawwassenfirstnation.com