Western Standard: Reconciliation or Apartheid 2.0? How Canada’s race-based land pact threatens equality before the law – JCCF
March 10, 2026
A Rights Recognition Agreement signed in secret between the Musqueam Indian Band and Canada’s federal government recognizes Musqueam Aboriginal Title over Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Port Moody, and much of the Lower Mainland. Much of this same area is also claimed by the Tsawwassen, Squamish, and Cowichan Aboriginals.
The Musqueam Band, with about 1,500 members, claims this Agreement will not impact the homes or private property of the more than two million people who live in Greater Vancouver. Yet the actual agreement says otherwise because Aboriginal Title means land ownership, not merely an interest in property. Musqueam’s promise to refrain from collecting rent is not legally binding.
