Unceded territory refers to lands where Indigenous peoples never surrendered, sold, or signed away their rights through treaties or other agreements—their inherent rights to the land were never legally extinguished. Significant parts of Canada, particularly British Columbia and parts of Quebec, are unceded territory. The absence of treaties doesn't mean Indigenous rights disappeared; rather, it means those rights were never formally addressed. Courts have confirmed that Aboriginal title may exist on unceded lands, requiring consultation and accommodation for activities affecting those lands. Land acknowledgments often reference unceded territory to recognize that meetings occur on lands where Indigenous rights persist. Modern treaty negotiations in unceded areas seek to address historical absence of agreements.