Witness Application – Land Claims & Property Rights Special Hearings
The National Citizens Inquiry will convene special public hearings in Richmond, British Columbia, in December 2026 to examine land claims and property rights in Canada.
These hearings will examine issues related to Aboriginal title, treaties, Crown authority, federal and provincial jurisdiction, private property rights, Indigenous governance, and the legal and constitutional frameworks through which questions of land, title and jurisdiction are being addressed in Canada.
The Inquiry invites applications from individuals wishing to provide testimony relevant to these matters. This may include Indigenous leaders and knowledge holders, landowners, farmers and ranchers, legal and constitutional scholars, historians, researchers, policy professionals, public officials, and members of the public with relevant experience or knowledge.
Canadian and international applicants may apply to testify, either in person or virtually. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the information and guidelines below before submitting a Witness Application.
Please note that due to the volume of applications received, only applicants selected to continue in the screening process will be contacted. All submissions will be reviewed by the Inquiry. Submission of an application does not guarantee selection to testify or inclusion in the formal evidentiary record.
Witness Application Form
The National Citizens Inquiry invites applications from individuals who wish to provide testimony relevant to the Land Claims & Property Rights hearings. Witnesses may apply based on personal experience, professional expertise, or a combination of lived experience, training, and subject-matter knowledge.
Applicants are asked to clearly describe the nature of their testimony in the application form. All testimony is considered on its relevance, clarity, and contribution to the public record.
Examples of relevant testimony may include, but are not limited to:
- Aboriginal title and land claims
- Treaties, treaty rights, and the historical interpretation and implementation of treaties
- The legal and constitutional foundations of land title and property rights in Canada
- Crown title, Crown authority, and the relationship between the Crown, Indigenous peoples, and private property owners
- Federal and provincial jurisdiction over land and natural resources
- Private property rights and the impact of land claims or title decisions on property owners
- Indigenous governance and jurisdiction
- Traditional territories and assertions of rights or authority over land
- Land surrender, reserve lands, and historical land agreements
- Court decisions concerning Aboriginal title, treaty rights, land claims, or property rights
- The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and related federal or provincial legislation
- The practical implementation of reconciliation policies as they relate to land, title, jurisdiction, and property
- Municipal and regional land-use decisions affected by questions of title or jurisdiction
- Agricultural land, resource development, access to land, and land-use restrictions
- Consultation, consent, and accommodation requirements
- Experiences of landowners, Indigenous communities, municipalities, businesses, farmers, ranchers, or other Canadians directly affected by land claims or questions of title and jurisdiction
- Historical, legal, constitutional, economic, or policy research relevant to land claims and property rights
- Witnesses may include:
- Individuals sharing firsthand or lived experience
- Indigenous leaders, elders, knowledge holders, or community members
- Landowners, farmers, ranchers, and resource-sector participants
- Lawyers and constitutional or legal scholars
- Historians and researchers
- Public servants, elected or former elected officials, and policy professionals
- Economists, academics, and land-use or resource experts
- Journalists or investigators
- Other professionals or individuals with relevant experience, knowledge, or expertise
Firsthand or lived experience
- Parents, caregivers, or community members
- Doctors, scientists, or health professionals
- Lawyers, public servants, or policy professionals
- Economists, academics, or researchers
- Journalists or investigators
- Educators and support staff
- Other professionals with relevant experience or expertise
All Canadians, as well as qualified international witnesses, are eligible to apply.
Due to the volume of applications received, only selected applicants will be contacted to proceed in the screening process. Submission of an application does not guarantee selection to testify.
More Information Regarding This Form:
All witness applications are reviewed to determine whether they are credible, relevant to the Inquiry’s mandate, and suitable for inclusion in the public record. Some applications may be assessed primarily on the credibility and clarity of the account provided. Others may be assessed on the applicant’s experience, credentials, and the quality of supporting information.
The National Citizens Inquiry will contact you if your application is selected to continue in the screening process. If selected, we will work with you to arrange your participation at the most appropriate hearing location and time. Please consult the Guidelines below to learn more about preparing for your testimony.
Applications may also be assessed using factors such as:
- Experience and credentials (where applicable)
- Topic(s) of proposed testimony
- Objectivity and clarity
- Strength and relevance of supporting evidence
If an applicant is not selected to testify, the Inquiry may still wish to include their account on this website at a later date as part of a broader effort to provide a public voice to as many Canadians as possible. If we choose to publish your account, we will contact you to request consent and may ask follow-up questions.
Remember, as a witness:
- You will testify under oath
- You may be subject to vigorous questioning
- Your testimony will be subject to strict time limits
Petition Signatures:
Signatures de pétition
Witnesses:
Être témoin
Experts Testified:
Témoignages d’experts
Hearing Days:
Journèes Audiences
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