The mayor of Squamish says recent court rulings involving Aboriginal title have raised interest in a new committee that is exploring how public lands in Squamish, B.C., can be returned or co-managed with a local First Nation.

The district says the Land Back Task Force “focuses on restoring Squamish First Nation governance, stewardship and cultural connections to lands currently under public jurisdiction.”

Mayor Armand Hurford says the nation and district set up the committee in July as part of its reconciliation efforts, a month before the landmark Cowichan Tribes decision that confirmed Aboriginal title over about 300 hectares of land near Vancouver’s airport.

The mayor says that decision has “heightened interest” and concerns in the task force that the process could impact private property owners, which it will not.

Hurford says no public lands have changed hands yet, because the committee has not met, and discussions between the councillors from the district and First Nation will not involve private lands.

The mayor says the memorandum of understanding limits the length of the committee to three years, and final decisions about recommendations rest with both councils.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 7, 2026.

Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press