BC Mother Seeks Court Hearing After Ban Over Opposing School Land Acknowledgements

A sheriff enters the Law Courts building, which is home to B.C. Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, in Vancouver on Jan. 12, 2026. The Canadian Press/Ethan Cairns

A dispute over land acknowledgements in B.C. public schools may soon be headed to the B.C. Supreme Court.

Lara Yates of Sechelt, B.C., is seeking a judicial review and overturning of a ban on her entering school property, arguing it violates her Charter right to free expression. The ban stems from her opposition to mandatory participation in land acknowledgements at her daughter’s school.