A Canadian homeowner is facing the prospect of losing his property after a court ruling mandated its transfer to an Indigenous tribe. Bal Batth is one of 150 property owners in Richmond, British Columbia, impacted by the court’s decision to award land rights to the Cowichan tribe. In August, the British Columbia Supreme Court concluded a protracted legal dispute initiated in 2019 by granting four First Nations tribes ownership of lands along the Fraser River. This decision, while resolving the lengthy litigation, has significant implications for private homeowners and businesses currently situated on the affected land.

“We have no desire to relocate,” Batth expressed to Global News. “We are not willing to relinquish this property, nor do we intend to sell it.” The case has sparked significant controversy, particularly directed at BC Justice Barbara Fisher, who oversaw the proceedings. Critics argue she failed to adequately inform affected property owners of the potential consequences. However, Justice Fisher defended the decision, acknowledging the hardship it may cause. She stated, “Sometimes the burden falls on Indigenous peoples and First Nations, and other times it affects non-Indigenous Canadians.”

The court’s ruling in August 2025 marked the conclusion of what has been described as Canada’s longest trial, granting the Cowichan tribe rights to the area known as the Lands of Tl’uqtinus. This site, located along the Fraser River, holds cultural and historical significance for the tribe as a traditional village and trade hub. Currently, the area encompasses land and structures valued at over $1.3 billion, according to property assessments by The Globe & Mail. The Lands of Tl’uqtinus is presently home to private residences, small farms, a golf course, and various industrial enterprises.

The case originally sought a declaration of an Aboriginal right to fish the south arm of the Fraser River for food and has become a touchstone issue in Canada over aboriginal rights. Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie sent around 150 residents a letter warning them they may lose ownership of their own homes as a result, and invited them to a city information session to argue the move. Brodie said the city had appealed the case, along with the BC government and another aboriginal tribe, the Musqueam Indian Band. The mayor said residents are concerned that they may not only lose the title to their homes, but also struggle to sell their properties.

‘So the question is … will anybody want to ever buy a property that is affected?’ he said. BC Conservative Leader John Rustad and BC Premier David Eby came together to jointly condemn the ruling, as Rustad called on the federal government to refer the case to the Canadian Supreme Court. ‘There isn’t an area in the province that isn’t going to be potentially impacted by the decision that is coming from this court case,’ he said. Eby added: ‘Certainly around private property rights, your home, your business, is crucial.’

Attorney General Niki Sharma said her office was hoping to maintain the ownership rights of private properties and to limit its impact to government-held lands. ‘Our government is committed to protecting and upholding private property rights, while advancing the critical work of reconciliation. This will always be our approach,’ she said. ‘To resolve outstanding questions, this ruling must be considered by a higher court.’ Daily Mail has contacted Justice Fisher for comment.