MAKING MODERN TREATIES WORK
Building Today for a Better Tomorrow
February 11-12, 2020 at the Hilton Lac Leamy, Gatineau Quebec
Keynote Speakers and Plenary Topics
PLENARY 1 (Tues AM): History, Diversity, Implications and Benefits: An Insider’s Overview of Land Claims Agreements
This opening session will provide an overview of general issues and commonalities across modern treaties in Canada. From how (and where) modern treaties first began, to the range of agreements, it will establish a foundation for the remaining conference sessions.
Speakers:
Dave Joe, Dave Joe Law Corporation
Ethel Blondin Andrew, Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated
John Amagoalik, Senior Advisor, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
PLENARY 2 (Tues AM): Building Today: Modern Treaty Organizations and Community Development
This session explores the roles modern treaty organizations play in community and economic development. From long-term comprehensive planning, supporting the labour force with programs and training, through to directly owning and investing in business enterprises, treaty organizations play a critical and varied role in supporting community and economic development. What is being done? What is working well? What barriers are being encountered and how can they be overcome?
Speakers:
Clifford Daniels, Behchokǫ̀ Chief, Tłı̨chǫ Government
Angela Wesley, Partner, Wes-Can Advisory Services
LUNCH PLENARY (Tues Lunch)
Our lunch plenary will share reflections from BC on the new UNDRIP legislation and implications for modern treaty implementation.
Speakers:
Celeste Haldane, Chief Commissioner, BC Treaty Commission
PLENARY 3: (Wed AM) Whole-of-Government? Challenges and Opportunities
This plenary is an opportunity to hear reflections from senior management within the federal government and senior legal counsel from modern treaty organizations on current challenges and opportunities related to implementing the broad objectives of modern treaties. Modern treaties are with the Crown, not a particular government department, and a whole-of-government, coordinated approach is needed for their implementation. What does this currently look like in the federal system? What direction is it heading in? From the Cabinet Directive and the Deputy Ministers Oversight Committee to reflections on current challenges, this discussion will delve into the structural details, barriers, silos and opportunities that are part of the current implementation landscape.
Speakers:
Jim Aldridge, Partner, Aldridge + Rosling LLP
Daniel Watson, Deputy Minister, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
PLENARY 4: (Wed AM) For A Better Tomorrow
This session looks at ways to support wellbeing in modern treaty communities and shares experiences, lessons learned, barriers and opportunities.
Speakers:
Leena Evic, President, Pirurvik Centre Inc.
Jordan Peterson, Deputy Grand Chief / Vice President, Gwich’in Tribal Council
PLENARY 5 (Wed PM): Where Next? Priorities and Opportunities
Hear from LCAC member leaders on current priorities and challenges in implementation.
Speakers:
Chief Dana Tizya-Tramm, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
Hegus Clint Williams, Tla’amin Nation
PLENARY 6 (Wed PM): Language and Culture – The Foundation for the Future
This closing plenary will provide perspectives on the role of language and culture, and the support and education needed in those areas for ourselves, our children, and treaty partners, in making the treaty relationship work.
Speakers:
Matthew Coon-Come, former Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee), and former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations
