MAKING MODERN TREATIES WORK
Building Today for a Better Tomorrow
February 11-12, 2020 at the Hilton Lac Leamy, Gatineau Quebec
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
BREAKOUT STREAM A: Implementation Tools
This stream focuses on tools for implementation practitioners, particularly those working in modern treaty organizations.
1A: Teaching our Citizens about the Treaties
This session explores approaches to communications and awareness-building about modern treaties, with a focus on educating our communities. It will include a discussion of communications tools and share a number of experiences, lessons learned and best practices.
Moderator:
Dana Tizya-Tramm, Chief, Vuntut Gwitchin Government
Speakers:
Sashia Leung, Associate Director, BC Treaty Commission
Kluane Adamek, AFN Regional Chief, Yukon
Bobby Clark, Director of Communications and Inter-Governmental Relations, Nisga’a Lisims Government
Monica Pishew, Research Assistant, Modern Treaty Implementation Research Project
Stephanie Irlbacher-Fox, Principal Investigator, Modern Treaty Implementation Research Project
2A: Involving Youth, Recruitment and Succession Planning
Treaty implementation is an ongoing and resource-intensive process. How do we best support, motivate and mobilize our youth and our staff to take on the challenge of reclaiming and rebuilding in the modern treaty context?
Moderator:
Bobby Clark, Director of Communications and Inter-Governmental Relations, Nisga’a Lisims Government
Speakers:
Jordan Peterson, Deputy Grand Chief / Vice President, Gwich’in Tribal Council
Kaitlynn Hester-Moses, Youth Grand Chief, Cree Nation Youth Council
Kim Smarch, Director of Negotiations and Implementation, Teslin Tlingit Council
Robin Bradasch, Director, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
Shakina Johnson, Youth Rep, Kluane First Nation
Jodi-Lyn Newnham, Director, Implementation and Reconciliation, Government of Yukon
3A: Data Relevance, Management, and Governance
Leaders need accurate and current information to make informed decisions and communicate with citizens and treaty partners. This session will delve deep into current initiatives in data management and governance, including questions of access and data sovereignty, as well as on-the-ground tools and ideas for data analysts and information management staff.
Moderator:
Ashley Carvill, Implementation Administrator, Governance Department, Carcross/Tagish First Nation
Speakers:
Jennifer Jansen, Tsawwassen First Nation
Hannes Edinger, Managing Director, Big River Analytics Ltd
Paul Kishchuk, President, Yukon Chapter of the Canadian Evaluation Society
Jonathan Dewar, Executive Director, First Nations Information Governance Centre
4A: Sustaining Indigenous Languages
With a panel comprising practitioners and linguists in relation to strengthening languages and reviving languages with few current speakers, session panelists and participants will share success stories, lessons learned, barriers and opportunities in language revitalization.
Moderator:
Hannah Uniuqsaraq, Chief Administrative Officer, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
Speakers:
Math’ieya Alatini, Chief Strategist, GSD Strategies
Julia Ogina, Programs Coordinator (Elders, Language & Culture), Kitikmeot Inuit Association
John B Zoe, Senior Advisor, Tłı̨chǫ Government
BREAKOUT STREAM B: INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
Modern treaties set the “ground rules” for how governments must work together to achieve their objectives while respecting the rights, jurisdictions and interests of their treaty partners. This stream explores current opportunities and challenges.
1B: Self-Government
Dive deep into self-government agreements and their relationship to land claims agreements, experiences of transitioning into self-government, and related challenges and opportunities. How we can help one another in the development and operation of self government agreements? This session will also include a moderated discussion on the topic of intergovernmental relations between the federal government and Indigenous self-governments. The moderated discussion will focus on the topic of government-to-government relationships between Self-governments and the Federal Government, and how best to ensure meaningful ongoing communication and engagement on shared priority areas.
Moderator:
Adam Fritz, Director, Indigenous Coordination and Engagement, ESDC
Speakers:
Bertha Rabesca Zoe, Legal Counsel, Tłı̨chǫ Government
Heather Castleden, Canada Research Chair in Reconciling Relations for Health, Environments, and Communities
hinatinyis Johnson, Huu-ay-aht First Nation
Rhiannon Klein, Instructor, Yukon College
2B: What Should Policy Co-Development Look Like? Modern Treaty Perspectives
We hear about it a lot, but what does “co-development” mean? What does meaningful co-development entail? In this session, hear modern treaty perspectives on what is required for collaboration and co-development, areas where it has taken place, and areas where improvement is needed.
Moderator:
Martin Papillon, Associate Professor & Director of the Centre de Recherche sur les Politiques et le Développement Social
Speakers:
Frank Dragon, Advisor, Ka:yu:’k’t’h’ / Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations
Mark Smith, General Counsel & Director of Process, BC Treaty Commission
Nuri Frame, Partner, Pape Salter Teillet LLP
3B The Collaborative Federal Fiscal Policy Development Process
Come learn more about the collaborative federal fiscal policy development process for self-government, lessons learned, work so far and the process forward, including its implications for modern treaty holders.
Moderator:
Bertha Rabesca Zoe, Legal Counsel, Tlicho Government
Speakers:
Mark Nelson, Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation
Jake Kennedy, A/ Senior Director, Fiscal Policy, CIRNAC
Mike Haberl, Manager of Implementation BC, CIRNAC
Colin Salter, Partner, Pape Salter Teillet LLP
4B Revenues, Financial Relationships and Modern Treaty Implementation
When a modern treaty is signed there are obligations on Canada both in terms of spending and transferring funds. How does this system work? How can it be improved? Attend this session for an opportunity to better understand the financial relationships between modern treaty organizations and federal, provincial and territorial governments, as well as how the federal government makes funding decisions.
Moderator:
Charles Morven, Chief Councillor, Nisg’a Village of Gitlaxt’aamiks
Speakers:
Mike Joyce, Consultant
Greg Richard, Chief Economist, Fiscal Realities Economists
Corinne McKay, Secretary Treasurer, Nisga’a Nation
Michael Welters, Partner, Aldridge + Rosling LLP
BREAKOUT STREAM C: BUILDING COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC CAPACITY
This stream explores opportunities in various sectors, including research, business, and sustainable economic development.
1C It’s All Connected: Socioeconomic Outcomes and Wellbeing
This session will look at approaches modern treaty signatories and partners are taking to support wellbeing in our communities. It is an opportunity to share challenges and opportunities in all the different stages, from visioning and planning through to costing and evaluation. This session will focus on land-based programs, the connections between infrastructure investments and wellbeing, and experience with program monitoring and evaluation.
Moderator:
Daniel T’seleie, Self-Government Negotiator, K’asho Got’ine
Speakers:
Thierry Rodon, Research Chair in Northern Sustainable Development, Université Laval University
Karen Bouchard, PhD Candidate, Université Laval
Adam Perry, Data Analyst, Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government
Shannon West-Johnson, Research Assistant, Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government
Duane Gastant’ Aucoin, Yanyeidi Executive Councillor, Chair, Language & Culture Oversight Committee Teslin Tlingit Council
2C Impact and Benefit Agreements
Attend this session to share experiences with impact and benefit agreements in the modern treaty context. Share stories and information about how the negotiation process and agreements have changed over the last years, how they vary across regions and current issues to keep an eye on.
Moderator:
Charles Morven, Chief Councillor, Nisg’a Village of Gitlaxt’aamiks
Speakers:
Margaret Rosling, Partner, Aldridge + Rosling LLP
Kim Gilson, Partner, Duboff, Edwards, Haight & Schachter
Guy Polden, Senior Researcher, The Firelight Group
3C Building Sustainable Economies
This session will feature businesses and modern treaty organizations sharing information and stories about how they support economies, opportunities, livelihoods and innovation in modern treaty communities. Transitioning to green economies, supporting entrepreneurs with loans, training programs and everything in between, this session will explore current efforts, successes and challenges in building a diverse, sustainable, community economies.
Moderator:
Daniel T’seleie, Self-Government Negotiator, K’asho Got’ine
Speakers:
PJ Akeeagok, President, Qikiqtani Inuit Association
Keith Martell, Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, First Nations Bank of Canada
Nathan Fournier, Department Head, Economic Development, Makivik Corporation
4C Food Security
Attend this session to learn about different modern treaty efforts to support food security, from farms through income subsidies and everything in between. What works? What opportunities still need to be tried? From coast-to-coast-to-coast this is a critical discussion.
Moderator:
Roy Francis, Community Development Officer, Tla’amin Nation
Speakers:
Serge Lariviere, Cree Hunters and Trappers Income Security Board
Gregor Gilbert, Director, Department of Environment, Wildlife and Research, Makivik Corp.
Kevin Bayne and Lloyd Lintott, Carcross/Tagish First Nation Farm
BREAKOUT STREAM D: Structures of Government
How we work together is informed by the organizations, rules and structures we work within. This stream looks at the ways government and modern treaty organizations are organized as well as suggestions for new structures to improve implementation.
1D Implementation Organizations: Committees & Co-management Boards
This session is an opportunity to see the world of implementation from the perspectives of committees, co-management boards, and institutions of public governance. It will focus on sharing of implementation experiences that illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of agreements.
Moderator:
George Moore, Chief Councillor, Gingolx
Speakers:
Hayden King, Executive Director, Yellowhead Institute
Kirk Cameron, President, northSense Management Consulting, Board Member YESA
Dakota Erutse, Board Member and Vice-Chair, Sahtu Land Use Planning Board
2D Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Indigenous Services: An Update on the INAC Split
In 2017 it was announced that INAC would split into two departments: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). The newly appointed Deputy Ministers spoke at the LCAC’s 2017 conference. Now, three years later, what is the current status of this re-organization? What are the implications for modern treaty holders?
Moderator:
Kirk Cameron, President, northSense Management Consulting
Speakers:
Sony Perron, Associate Deputy Minister, Indigenous Services Canada
Diane Lafleur, Associate Deputy Minister, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
William David, Director of Lands and Territories, Assembly of First Nations
3D A Modern Treaty Implementation Review Commission
The LCAC has been calling for an independent review body on modern treaty implementation since it was first formed in 2003. A comprehensive proposal was prepared in 2016, launched at our 2017 national conference and presented at the 2017 Prime Minister’s Forum. This workshop will focus on the proposed commission, current status and next steps.
Moderator:
Alastair Campbell, Senior Policy Advisor, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
Speakers:
Kirk Cameron, President, northSense Management Consulting
Ronnie Campbell, former Assistant Auditor General
4D The 2015 Cabinet Directive: Reflections After 5 Years
This workshop will focus on the 2015 Cabinet Directive, which resulted in the formation of the Modern Treaty Implementation Office and the Deputy Ministers’ Oversight Committee. This Directive is now undergoing its 5-year review. What are the conclusions after 5 years? How does this fit into the landscape of federal efforts?
Moderator:
Kevin Jules, Deputy Chief, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Chek’tles7et’h
Speakers:
David Wright, Assistant Professor, University of Calgary, Faculty of Law
Ross Pattee, Assistant Deputy Minister, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)
Alastair Campbell, Senior Policy Advisor, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI)
BREAKOUT STREAM E: LEGAL PANELS
This stream will focus on legal topics and updates, many of which may be accredited for professional development.
1E Consultation: Guidelines, Expectations and Case Studies
How is consultation with modern treaty partners distinct from consultation with other Indigenous rights holders or organizations across Canada, and why? This session will delve into effective consultation/engagement, the use of the Assessment of Modern Treaty Implications (AMTI) tool, and relationships with provinces and territories, with examples from BC, Yukon and NWT.
Moderator:
Janna Promislow, Associate Professor, Thompson Rivers University, Faculty of Law
Speakers:
Julie Mugford, Senior Director, Modern Treaty Implementation Office, CIRNAC
Georgina Lloyd, Senior Director, CIRNAC
Frank Dragon, Ka:yu:’k’t’h’ / Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations
Tom Isaac, Senior Counsel, CIRNAC
2E Legal and Policy Updates
Learn about recent updates in legislation, policy and case law and the implications for the interpretation and implementation of modern treaties. Updates to include the recent changes to the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act and the new Recognition and Reconciliation of Rights Policy for Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia, and the federal Indigenous Languages Act.
Moderator:
Daniel T’seleie, Self-Government Negotiator, K’asho Got’ine
Speakers:
Paul Bachand, Partner, Pape Salter Teillet LLP
Dillon Johnson, Advisor, Tla’amin Nation
Erin Thomson-Leach, JFK Law Corporation
Stephen Gagnon, Director General, Canadian Heritage
3E Resolving Basic Differences: Dispute Resolution, Litigation and Other Options
This panel session will review different approaches modern treaty organizations have taken to resolving differences and disputes.
Moderator:
David Wright, Assistant Professor, University of Calgary Faculty of Law
Speakers:
Jessica Orkin, Partner, Goldblatt Partners LLP
Jim Aldridge, Aldridge + Rosling and Legal Counsel, Nisga’a Nation
Laurie Pelly, Legal Counsel, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
4E The UNDRIP and National Implications for Modern Treaty Implementation
This session will explore the UNDRIP and implications for modern treaty implementation. Panelists will outline the key questions and concerns, as well as reflections on how the UNDRIP opens up broader interpretations of implementing treaties.
Moderator:
Brian Tait, Executive Chairperson, Nisga’a Lisims Government
Speakers:
Margaret Rosling, Aldridge + Rosling LLP
Brian Crane, Gowling WLG
Peter Hutchins, Hutchins Legal Inc.
Paul Bachand, Pape Salter Teillet LLP
