The Specific Claims Tribunal determined Williams Lake had established the validity of the claim against the federal Crown: there were pre-emptive purchases of the lands by settlers, in contravention of colonial policy and law; such contraventions constituted a
breach of a legal obligation, pursuant to colonial legislation pertaining to reserved lands; B.C. failed to act honourably and was in
breach of its
fiduciary duties at common law, by failing to put the Indian interest in settlement lands ahead of settlers» interests; Canada was liable for B.C.'s
pre-Confederation breaches of legislation and
fiduciary duty, pursuant to the Act; and Canada also
breached its post-Confederation
fiduciary duties by failing to provide reserve lands to Williams Lake.