The Mayor of Kamloops says he has asked former Stk’emlupsemc te Secwépemc Nation Chief Shane Gottfriedson to consider withdrawing the Nation’s 2015 land title claim, saying growing public concern is affecting confidence in the local housing market.

During his report to Kamloops City Council on Tuesday, the mayor said many residents have been asking him about the claim, which covers a large area including the City of Kamloops and Sun Peaks.

“I had a realtor tell me that three of his clients cancelled their plans to buy homes because of this,” he told council.

The mayor said he reached out to former Chief Gottfriedson because his name, along with former Chief Ron Ignace, appears on the original court filing. “I’ve asked him if he would consider withdrawing the claim,” the mayor said. “I believe we need all parties involved — the bands, the city, the provincial government, the federal government — so we can work together.”

He added that online discussions have become divisive and hopes more cooperation can ease concerns in the community.

Claim Back in Public Discussion

Although the 2015 land claim has been slowly moving through the courts, it recently returned to public attention after a major B.C. Supreme Court decision granted the Cowichan Tribes Aboriginal title to land in Richmond.

That ruling led some British Columbians to seek clarity about how Aboriginal title interacts with private property.

Province Says Its Position Has Not Changed

The Province of British Columbia is opposed to the Stk’emlupsemc te Secwépemc Nation’s land claim and that private property rights must be protected. The claim was last in court in September.

Mayor Hopes to Reduce Tension

The mayor said his request to former Chief Gottfriedson is part of an effort to bring down tensions and encourage discussion.

“I think we need to work together and try to lessen the divide,” he said.