Reconciling Aboriginal title and private property rights on unceded land

In this article — “Reconciling Aboriginal title and private property rights on unceded land” — the authors examine how recent court decisions and ongoing cases from across Canada are impacting the relationship between Aboriginal title and fee simple ownership interests on unceded lands, as well as their legal and practical implications for governments, corporations and other parties.This article is authored by Richard King, a partner and Co-Chair of Osler’s Regulatory, Indigenous and Environmental group, Lindsay Burgess, Ankita Gupta, and Shelby Empey, who are associates in the firm’s Disputes group, and Daniel Kiesman, an articling student.Osler Legal Outlook is brought to you by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. Osler is a leading, national law firm with a singular focus — your business. We advise clients on an array of domestic and cross-border legal issues, drawing on the expertise of over 600 lawyers to provide the answers you need, when you need them.Osler Legal Outlook, published on December 4, 2025, provides general information only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Specific advice should be sought in connection with your circumstances.For more information about Osler and for the full Osler Legal Outlook, please visit our website, osler.com.