Land Acknowledgement | Indigenous Communities & BC Law

Sea to Sky Law™ operates on the traditional, unceded, and unsurrendered territories of many Indigenous peoples of British Columbia.

Sea to Sky Law™ serves communities across the lands of many Indigenous peoples—Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, Musqueam, Sto:lo, Nlaka'pamux, Secwepemc, Okanagan, Ktunaxa, and many others whose territories span from the Pacific Coast to the Interior of British Columbia.

These lands remain unceded, unsurrendered, and in many cases, without formal treaties. We acknowledge the original and ongoing stewardship of Indigenous peoples and their profound connection to these lands.

Advancing Indigenous sovereignty, inherent rights, and self-determination in all our legal work

Deepening our understanding of the histories, cultures, and ongoing effects of colonization on Indigenous communities

Supporting reconciliation efforts and respecting Indigenous legal traditions and knowledge systems

Developing meaningful dialogue and relationships with Indigenous clients and communities founded on respect and accountability

We recognise that acknowledging this truth is only the beginning. We are committed to meaningful action in how we practice law and serve our communities.

Indigenous Rights and Family Law in BC

British Columbia took a significant step in 2019 by becoming the first province in Canada to adopt legislation giving effect to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The

Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

commits the provincial government to align BC laws and policies with UNDRIP's framework, which affirms Indigenous peoples' rights to maintain, protect, and develop their kinship ties and family relationships, and to live free from arbitrary interference with their families. For family law practitioners, this is not an abstract principle — it shapes the context in which courts and agencies make decisions affecting Indigenous children, parents, and extended family members.

First Nations in BC retain inherent jurisdiction over family matters. While provincial family law statutes such as the

apply on-reserve in the absence of a band bylaw or a First Nations law, an increasing number of Nations are asserting authority over child and family matters under federal legislation and their own governance frameworks. Practitioners who work with Indigenous clients must understand not only the provincial framework but also the applicable Nation's laws, jurisdiction, and cultural protocols — and they must be prepared to advocate for their clients' rights within both systems.

If you or your family are navigating separation, child arrangements, estate matters, or any other legal issue and you would like to work with a team that understands the Indigenous rights dimension of BC family law, we welcome you to reach out. We are committed to listening first.

Learn more about BC's First Nations peoples

History, treaties, self-governing nations, language families, and curated resources.

A reflection on what we owe each other — and why this day belongs to all Canadians.

If you have questions about our commitment to Indigenous rights or need legal support, we're here to help.

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Sea to Sky Law acknowledges that we live, work, and serve families on the unceded and traditional territories of the Indigenous and First Nations peoples of British Columbia. Across the province, Indigenous nations have cared for these lands and waters since time immemorial, and their governance, languages, and laws continue today. We recognise the harm caused by colonization, residential schools, and the legal systems that were used to take land and separate families. Family, estate, and property law touch these histories directly, and we commit to listening, learning, and serving every client with respect for Indigenous peoples and their rights. We encourage every reader to learn whose territory they are on, to support Indigenous-led organisations, and to explore the resources we have gathered for Indigenous families and communities. Reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility, and we take it seriously in our practice.
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