John Rich

Lawyer, Sailor, Strategist

Board member (2021 to present)

John has spent most of his life around Howe Sound and has a strong attachment to the area and the natural environment. He spent his childhood summers and many weekends on Bowen Island at his family’s cabin and has been a permanent resident of Bowen for almost 50 years.

John is active outdoors. A lifelong boater, he has spent years on the water, in Howe Sound, Georgia Strait, and beyond. He has also been a serious hiker.

John became involved in Bowen Island planning issues in the 1970s, opposing large scale development and supporting the “preserve and protect” mandate of the Islands Trust. He was elected four terms as an Island Trust representative for Bowen Island, including four years as Chair of the Trust.

John has practiced law for over 35 years, the past few on a part-time basis. The vast majority of his work has been litigation and general counsel work for First Nations. He has conducted major litigation and appeared at all levels of Court respecting the establishment of Aboriginal rights and righting of historical wrongs. Major cases include success in claims to recover the Kitsilano Reserve for the Squamish Nation and establishing commercial fishing rights for Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations. The Squamish Nation has given John the honorary name Tekw’emtn (captain).

John has served as director on a number of boards, including: West Coast Environmental Law; Ecojustice; Save Howe Sound Society; Georgia Strait Alliance; and Bowen Island Conservancy (current).