A leading advocate for Indigenous self-governance delivered a lecture at Thompson Rivers University鈥檚 (TRU) Faculty of Law, offering students insight into the legal and historical foundations of Aboriginal title and rights in Canada.
Satsan (Herb George), a Wet鈥檚uwet鈥檈n Hereditary Chief of the Frog Clan, presented 鈥淐ompleting Confederation鈥� to Professor Murray Sholty鈥檚 Environmental Law class in February, outlining the transition from federal control to Indigenous self-government. The event was organized by third-year law student Declan Rankin, whose interest in Aboriginal title and rights was shaped by Satsan鈥檚 teachings.
鈥淭he opportunity to have Satsan speak to our students was an absolute honour,鈥� said Sholty. 鈥淗is tireless dedication to advancing the rights of Indigenous peoples is truly inspirational. His insights and experiences have profoundly enriched our understanding of the potential for transformational governance for Indigenous communities.鈥�
Satsan played a key role in the Delgamuukw v. British Columbia case, a landmark 1997 Supreme Court of Canada ruling that fundamentally changed the legal landscape for Indigenous land rights. The case, brought forward by the Wet鈥檚uwet鈥檈n and Gitxsan Nations, established that Aboriginal title is a constitutional right protected under Section 35 of the Constitution. The ruling confirmed that Indigenous Nations hold inherent land rights that predate Canadian law, meaning their title is not granted by the Crown but rather exists independently. It also set a legal precedent for how courts assess Indigenous land claims, affirming that oral histories are valid forms of evidence in legal proceedings.
In his presentation, Satsan explored the constitutional framework for self-government, focusing on the transition from Section 91(24) of the Constitution, which places Indigenous affairs under federal authority, to Section 35, which recognizes and affirms Aboriginal and treaty rights. He outlined the five pillars of self-governance鈥攑eople, land, jurisdiction and laws, governing systems, and resources鈥攁longside the role of land, language, history, and spirituality in Indigenous legal traditions. His discussion also included other major legal cases, such as Haida, Mikisew Cree, and Tsilhqot鈥檌n, which have shaped Indigenous rights in Canada.
Rankin, who met Satsan in 2020, described him as a mentor who has influenced his decision to focus on Aboriginal title and rights in his legal career. 鈥淗is words and wisdom have left a lasting impression,鈥� said Rankin. 鈥淪atsan鈥檚 message has inspired me to shift my career towards criminal law with a dedicated focus on Aboriginal title and rights.鈥�
Satsan, founder of the Centre for First Nations Governance, continues to support Indigenous Nations through the Transitional Governance Project at Carleton University. His visit to TRU was attended by second- and third-year law students, as well as legal scholars including Professor Bradford Morse and Professor Craig Jones, K.C., underscoring the significance of his work in shaping the next generation of legal professionals.
