The Story of Indigenous-Crown Relations
Tuesday November 14, 9:00 AM
Historian J.R. Miller reviews significant events from first contact through to the Royal Proclamation, federal refusal to negotiate treaties, court decisions and subsequent modern treaties. This overview reflects on objectives and approaches taken by the Crown and by Indigenous peoples, and consequences of the interaction between Crown objectives and Indigenous approaches, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion of the present and future of Indigenous-Crown relations.
Modern Treaties and the Law
Tuesday November 14, 9:45 AM
Lawyer Jim Aldridge discusses the legal decisions that led to the negotiation and implementation of modern treaties: Calder (1972), patriation of the Constitution in 1982, development of Sections 25 and 35 and other key milestones: a legal-primer for everyone working with and within modern treaties.
The Spirit and Intent of Modern Treaties
Tuesday November 14, 10:45 AM
From the West Coast to Eastern Canada, hear Huu-ay-aht councillor Connie Waddell and lawyer for the Algonquins of Ontario Bob Potts speak about why nations choose treaties, as well as the objectives, intentions and processes used to reach a signed agreement.
A New Generation Reflects on Treaty Implementation
Tuesday November 14, 11:15 AM
How is the current generation of modern treaty implementers interpreting the “spirit and intent” of these agreements?
Gwich’in Renewable Resources Board Executive Director Amy Amos, Tla’amin financial consultant Dillon Johnson and K’asho Got’ine Dene climate activist and self-government negotiator Daniel T’seleie share their perspectives on how their work honours the vision of the elder generation who first negotiated the treaties.
Indigenous Laws, Ways and Values: Transforming Canada
Wednesday November 15, 9:30 AM
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission found that revitalization of Indigenous laws would benefit Indigenous communities, improve relations between Indigenous and state governments, and benefit the nation as a whole. Can (and should?) Canada incorporate Indigenous laws into its systems and structures? Young lawyer and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation member Kris Statnyk addresses the implications of merging Indigenous and European legal traditions, and Inuit vision keeper Leena Evic reflects on healing, language, education, and culture.
Deputy Ministers Q&A: Implementing Modern Treaties and the Work of Reconciliation
Wednesday November 15, 8:40-9:30 AM
Here’s your chance to ask questions and make suggestions to senior officials from Privy Council Office, Parks Canada, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and Environment and Climate Change Canada about departmental operations, implementing modern treaties and reconciliation.
Lunch Session with the Auditor General
Wednesday November 15, 12:40-1:00 PM
The Office of the Auditor General of Canada has completed more than a decade’s worth of audits that show federal government programs for Canada’s indigenous peoples are not working. Canada’s Auditor General Michael Ferguson will explore the results of these audits to identify what changes are needed.
A Modern Treaty Implementation Review Commission
Wednesday, November 15, 3:15-3:45
The fourth “point” in the LCAC’s foundational 2006 “Four-Ten” Declaration of Dedication and Commitment calls for an “an independent implementation and review body, separate from the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. This could be the Auditor General’s department, or a similar office reporting directly to Parliament.” LCAC has developed a proposal to establish an independent Modern Treaties Implementation Review Commission (MTIRC) within the Auditor General’s Office. This session will provide an overview and assessment of this important project.
The Way Forward – Indigenous Leaders’ Panel
Wednesday November 15, 3:45-4:45 PM
How do modern treaty leaders define the path to reconciliation? What does the current federal approach to reconciliation mean in practical terms for modern treaty holders? Gwich’in Grand Chief and Tribal Council President Bobbie Jo Greenland-Morgan, Huu-ay-aht Councillor John Jack and Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees Dr. Abel Bosum will speak on modern treaties, reconciliation, and the way forward.
