Judicial Committee of the Privy Council – [1903] A.C. 73
Ontario Aboriginal titleLands reserved for IndiansPropertySummary
This decision confirms the earlier St. Catherine’s Milling ruling. Once the title is surrendered the province becomes the sole owner of the land. The Dominion had no right to grant licenses.
Issue
After the surrender of Indian lands to the Crown, can the province, in which they are situated, dispose of them without the consent of the federal government?
Supreme Court of Canada – [1983] 1 S.C.R. 554
New Brunswick Jurisdiction over IndiansLands reserved for IndiansPropertySummary
The Supreme Court applies St. Catherine’s Milling and confirms that the surrender of lands reserved for Indians extinguishes federal jurisdiction. The federal government has jurisdiction over reserved lands until they are surrendered.
Issue
Does the 1895 surrender of reserve lands by the Indians to the Crown prevent the application of s. 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867, and repeal the rights of the Indians?
Supreme Court of Canada – [2000] 2 S.C.R. 633
British Columbia Lands reserved for IndiansPropertySummary
This case was one of the firsts to have definitely reconsidered reserves territorial regime. The Court confirmed that because of their legal environment, lots on reserve are worth a lot less than those outside the reserve. Since then, and until today, aboriginal and non-aboriginal governments are still looking for a viable solution to the low value of reserve lands.
Issue
The Court must determine the meaning of the terms “current land value,” “unimproved” and “this agreement” in the Musqueam rent review clause
Judicial Committee of the Privy Council – [1912] A.C. 872
Quebec Fiduciary dutyLands reserved for IndiansPropertySeigniorial lawSummary
The Mohawk tried to claim property of the Seigneury of the Lake of Two Mountains, although it was rejected by the Court on the basis of a law of Lower Canada.
The Court encouraged the Mohawk to claim the benefits granted to Indians in the Seigneury by the Canadian government and seek aid.
What they received was not satisfactory, which gave rise to the Oka Crisis in 1990.
Issue
Between the Mohawks and the Sulpicians, who holds the title to ownership of the Seigneury of the Lake of Two Mountains?
Judicial Committee of the Privy Council – [1920] 90 L.J.P.C. 33
Quebec Lands reserved for IndiansPropertySummary
Aboriginals cannot surrender their land rights to anyone other than the Crown. The federal government has the power to accept the surrender, but once completed, the province becomes titular owner of the lands pursuant to s. 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867.
Issue
After the surrender of the lands by the Abenakis, was the land title transferred to Canada or to the province of Quebec?
Supreme Court of Canada – [1916] 30 D.L.R. 123
Quebec Indian ActLands reserved for IndiansPropertySummary
This case confirms that an Indian can buy land for himself, even land that used to be a part of a reserve. The Court confirms the fiduciary duty of the Crown, since it must manage Indian’s monies and lands in their best interest.
Issue
Can an Indian buy from the Crown land previously held in benefit for his tribe?
US Supreme Court – 21 U.S. (8 Wheat.) 543 (1823)
USA Aboriginal titleDoctrine of discoveryLands reserved for IndiansPropertySummary
The decisions rendered by the “Marshall court”, including this one, marked the starting point for a judicial discussion about Aboriginals.
According to the doctrine of discovery, which binds the Aboriginals, the discoverer holds a title to the lands and an exclusive right to acquire Indian lands.
Issue
Does an Indian nation have the capacity to cede parcels of the land they occupied to private individuals?
Supreme Court of Canada – [1880] 5 S.C.R. 239
Ontario PropertySurrenderSummary
The Aboriginal title is extinguished at the moment of cession of Aboriginal lands to the Crown.
Issue
Do formerly Indian lands continue to be non-taxable after being sold?
Judicial Committee of the Privy Council – [1897] A.C.
Ontario Lands reserved for IndiansPropertyTreatiesSummary
This case is one of the first Canadian cases concerning the property of lands and the payment of annuities to Indians.
The Privy Council decided that the obligation to pay annuities to Aboriginals stems from the relationship they have with the Crown, and not from the property of the lands.
A distinction must be made between the obligations of an owner and the obligations that stem from legal jurisdiction.
Issue
Between the province and the Dominion, which one is liable for the increased amount of the Indian annuities?