ABORIGINAL TITLE

Who We Are

The Maiyoo Keyoh is a hereditary Indigenous governing body with deep, continuous ties to our land and its laws. As a s.35 rights holder under the Constitution Act, 1982, we maintain strong evidence for Aboriginal title to our keyoh territory.

 

Keyoh‑Based Aboriginal Title

“Our Indigenous laws are clear: Aboriginal title is held at the keyoh level — by each hereditary family territory.”

Our title case will influence how s.35 rights are understood across Canada, including harvesting, trade, land management, and self‑government.

 

Historic Governance vs. Statutory Bands

Indian Act bands, including Nak’azdli, are statutory creations. They are not the historic title holders under Dakelh law and do not represent us. Only keyohs, such as the Maiyoo Keyoh, hold the inherent right to self‑government.

 

Why We Are in Court

Despite the Crown’s duty to consult and reconcile Aboriginal title, governments continue to favour their own band‑based system. This leaves us with one path: pursuing an Aboriginal title claim through the courts to have our rights recognized.