Celebrating 50 Years of Modern Treaties: Successes and Challenges Conference 2025

Breakout 1A: Language Revitalization

How Modern Treaty governments and organizations have worked to revitalize their languages.

Moderator:
Deputy Chief Michelle Telep, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council

Speakers:

• Leena Evic, President, Pirurvik Centre Inc.
• Chief Sean Uyenets’echᶖa Smith, Kwanlin Dün First Nation
• Teresa Samson, Heritage Manager, Na Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation
• Jeneva Touchie, Manager of Language Services, Ucluelet First Nation

Proceedings

Breakout 1A – Language Revitalization

Breakout 1B: Relationship to Land

It is a joint initiative of the LCAC and Carleton University, with a national office located at Tłįchǫ Government in Yellowknife.

Initiated in 2014 through discussion of the LCAC Research Group and formulated through a workshop in Whitehorse in 2014 and a subsequent conference in Ottawa in 2016, this project was funded from 2018-2024 by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, which invested $2.5 M. The grant has supported over 40 undergraduate, masters, PhD and doctoral students during their course of study; three edited volumes; and over 200 research papers, workshops, panels, presentations, and community-based and desktop academic research projects.

Led by Principal Investigator and Carleton University Adjunct Professor Dr. Stephanie Irlbacher-Fox, PhD, the grant themes are co-led by an academic and land claim agreement practitioner: Indigenous and Settler Law; Relationships to Land; Socioeconomic Well Being; Multilevel Governance; and Finance.

Moderator:
Dr. Hayden King, Executive Director, Yellowhead Institute, Toronto Metropolitan University

Speakers:

• Dr. John B. Zoe, Senior Advisor, Tłı̨chǫ Government
• Megan Dicker Nochasak, Yellowhead Institute, Toronto Metropolitan University
• Kunuk Inutiq

Proceedings

Breakout 1B – Relationship to Land

Breakout 1C: Implementation Policy: Successes and Challenges

Canada’s Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy was announced in February 2023. Since then, a number of working groups have formed to address priorities laid out in the Policy. This panel provides an update on how the work has progressed in implementing the Policy, the successes, challenges and the road ahead.

Moderator:
Katie Tucker, Counsel, Pape Salter Teillet LLP

Speakers:

• Itoah Scott-Enns, Director, Department of Planning and Partnerships, Tłı̨chǫ Government
• Mathieu Sargent, Senior Director, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
• Colin Salter, Partner, Pape Salter Teillet LLP

Proceedings

Breakout 1C – Implementation Policy: Successes and Challenges

Breakout 1D: Modern Treaty Education

Hosted by The Gordon Foundation, this session highlights current initiatives to educate the public and membership about modern treaties. Since 2019, The Gordon Foundation has been running Treaty Simulations in collaboration with LCAC and their membership, educators, and other Nations and organizations. The Treaty Simulation model is a hands-on learning experience where youth, students, and other participants experience the realities of negotiating or implementing aspects of a modern treaty/land claim. It emphasizes the importance of educating the next generation on the realities of what it was like for young Indigenous leaders to do this ground-breaking work in a time when things were very different.

This session emphasizes learning about the treaty-making process, facilitating the transfer of knowledge from advisors (experienced negotiators and leaders) to participants, and passing on important negotiation skills and experiences. Panelists, including advisors and past participants, speak to their involvement in this experiential learning model and other modern treaty education initiatives.

Moderator:
Selma Ford, Program Director, The Gordon Foundation

Speakers:

• Robin Bradasch, Citizen of Kluane First Nation; Regional General Director, CIRNAC Yukon Region
• Frank Dragon, Negotiator, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h First Nations Financial Fiscal Agreement, Maanulth Final Agreement
• Emily White, Manager, Tla’amin Nation

Proceedings

Breakout 1D – Modern Treaty Education

Breakout 1E: Indigenous Laws, Legal Traditions and Rights

Learn about groundbreaking work going on in Modern Treaty organizations and governments regarding the development of legal frameworks and assertion of rights, as well as the barriers they have faced along the way.

Moderator:
Angela Wesley, Commissioner, BC Treaty Commission

Speakers:

• Rhea Lewthwaite, Katie Fraser and Eve Dewald, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation
• Christle Moulton, Ishkaahittan Judicial Council Clan Representative, Carcross/Tagish First Nation
• Dave Joe, O.C

Proceedings

Breakout 1E – Indigenous Laws, Legal Traditions and Rights

Presentations

Breakout 1E: Carcross/Tagish First Nation – Indigenous Laws, Legal Traditions and Rights – Christle Moulton
Breakout 1E: Nihondëk, nidä’olè’ (Our Stories Are Our Law) – Rhea Lewthwaite, Katie Fraser and Eve Dewald

Video

Breakout 1F: Implementation of the Nunavut Agreement: Entering A New Phase

The Nunavut Agreement, signed in 1993, was accompanied by a legally binding Implementation Contract, intended for renewal in 10 years. Failure to renew the contract, and government’s failure to implement some important provisions of the Agreement, led NTI to sue the federal government in 2006 for breach of the Agreement. An out-of-court settlement was reached in 2015, which (among many other provisions) provided for the deferment of Implementation Contract renewal negotiations to 2022, and the establishment of a Nunavut-specific federal contracting policy in accordance with Article 24 of the Nunavut Agreement. Following negotiations with NTI, the federal government adopted a Directive on Government Contracts in Nunavut in 2019. Negotiation of the renewed Implementation Contract continued through 2024, and the Contract now awaits final approval.

Moderator:
Alastair Campbell, Senior Policy Advisor, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI)

Speakers:

• Brad Hickes, Senior Policy Advisor, NTI
• Nick Dodd, Legal Counsel, Dionne Schulze
• Bruce Uviluq, Legal Counsel, NTI

Presentation

Breakout 1F – Implementation of the Nunavut Agreement: Entering A New Phase

Breakout 2A: Indigenous Food Sovereignty

Food sovereignty is a critical issue for many Modern Treaty organizations and governments. Learn about transformative programs and projects.

Moderator:
Cynthia Blackstone, Chief Administrative Officer, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations

Speakers:

• Frank Dragon (Negotiator, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations) and Dianna Dragon (Lands & Resources Co-Ordinator, Department of Lands and Resources, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations)
• Nicole Hutton and Catherine Littlefield, Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation
• Dr. Stephan Schott (Professor, Carleton University) and Walter Bezha (Consultant, Deline Renewable Resources Council)

Proceedings

Breakout 2A – Indigenous Food Sovereignty

Presentations

Breakout 2A – Indigenous Food Sovereignty – NNDDC
Breakout 2A – Food Sovereignty – Ka:’yu:’k’t’h/Che:k’tles7et’h’

Breakout 2B: Socioeconomic Well-being

This session focuses on the book project regarding Best Practices in Data Governance among Self-Governing Indigenous Governments (SGIGs), Modern Treaties, and those working in the pursuit of enhancing self-governance to improve wellness outcomes for Indigenous populations.

Moderator:
Dr. Thierry Rodon, Professor, Université Laval

Speakers:

• Dr. Adam Perry (Senior Advisor, Nisga’a Lisims Government) and Crystal Jack (Co-Founder, Tiithluup Advisory Services)
• Steinar Våge, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations
• Shawn Blankinship, Data and Analytics Manager, First Nations Financial Management Board

Proceedings

Breakout 2B – Socioeconomic Well-Being

Breakout 2C: Collaborative Fiscal Policy: Opportunities and Issues

Canada’s Collaborative Self-Government Fiscal Policy was developed in 2019 between the federal government and self-governing Indigenous governments to ensure that Self-Governing Indigenous Governments have stable, predictable and sufficient funding to exercise their inherent right to self-determination. Learn more about the ongoing work and way forward.

Moderator:
Anne-Marie Miller, Implementation Officer, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council

Speakers:

• Colin Salter, Partner, Pape Salter Teillet LLP
• Michael Welters, Partner, Aldridge + Rosling LLP
• Chief Councilor Wilfred Cootes, Uchucklesaht Tribe Government

Proceedings

Breakout 2C – Collaborative Fiscal Policy: Opportunities and Issues

Breakout 2D: Climate Action in Modern Treaty Implementation

How do Modern Treaty agreements fit into the context of climate change? What’s being done to address climate change through Modern Treaty implementation?

Moderator:
Regional Chief Kluane Adamek, Aagé, Assembly of First Nations

Speakers:

• wiicackuum Anne Mack, Toquaht Nation
• Nigel Moore, Special Projects Manager, Uchucklesaht Tribe Government
• Valerie Cross, Executive Councillor, Tsawwassen First Nation
• Jennifer Mierau and Carissa Waugh

Proceedings

Breakout 2D – Climate Action in Modern Treaty Implementation

Presentation

Breakout 2D – Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation

Breakout 2E: UNDRIP and Modern Treaty Implementation: Case Studies of the NWT and BC

On March 29, 2023, the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) introduced in the Legislative Assembly the proposed United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Implementation Act. This Act aims to formalize the mechanisms that the GNWT will use to ensure that future laws, regulations, and policies are consistent with human rights as outlined in the Declaration. The Act was developed in partnership with Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations through the working group of officials. The BC Government passed the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) into law in November 2019. What does this legislation mean for Modern Treaties in NWT and BC? What are the opportunities and challenges ahead?

Moderator:
Dr. Stephanie Irlbacher-Fox, BA, MA (Alberta), PhD (Cambridge)

Speakers:

• Dr. John B. Zoe, Senior Advisor, Tłı̨chǫ Government
• R. Brent Lehmann, Partner, Ratcliff LLP
• Daniel T’seleie, K’asho Got’ine Chief Negotiator

Proceedings

Breakout 2E – UNDRIP and Modern Treaty Implementation: Case Studies of the NWT and BC

Video

Breakout 3A: On the Land Programming

There has been a resurgence of on-the-land programming across Modern Treaty organizations and governments. Learn about some of those innovative initiatives.

Moderator:
Ryan Daum, Manager, Economic Development, Tsawwassen First Nation

Speakers:

• Chief Barb Joe, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations
• Tammy Steinwand, Director, Culture and Lands Protection, Tłįchǫ Government
• Kimberly Touchie (Kakawinminh Leader) and Chenoa McCarthy (Kakawinminh Youth), Ucluelet First Nation

Proceedings

Breakout 3A – On the Land Programming

Video

Breakout 3B: Building Better Intergovernmental Relations and Stable Financing for Self-Government

This session features some of the ongoing research undertaken in intergovernmental relations, multilevel governance, and treaty financing themes of the Modern Treaty Implementation Research Project. With a focus on the process and outcomes of the Collaborative Fiscal Process with Self-Governing Indigenous Governments, the presentations focus on the potential, lessons, and possible future developments in modern treaty and self-government implementation financing and intergovernmental relations.

Moderator:
Dr. Martin Papillon, Professor, Faculty of Arts and Sciences – Department of Political Science, University of Montreal

Speakers:

• Dr. Frances Abele, Distinguished Research Professor, Chancellor’s Professor Emerita, School of Public Policy & Administration, Carleton University
• Dr. Adam Perry, Senior Advisor, Nisga’a Lisims Government
• Dr. Daniel Sherwin,Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Public Policy & Administration, CarletonUniversity
• Nicole Bulger (PhD candidate, Balsillie School of International Affairs, University of Waterloo) and David Codzi (Self-Government Manager, Behdzi Ahda First Nation)

Proceedings

Breakout 3B – Building Better Intergovernmental Relations

Breakout 3C: Emergency Management

Effective emergency management is vital for the security and well-being of communities. Canada’s emergency management framework was not built with Modern Treaty holders and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments in mind. As a result, Modern Treaty governments and organizations set up the Emergency Management collaborative process with the federal government. Learn about the process, success stories and ongoing barriers.

Moderator:
Olivier Jarda, Associate, Pape Salter Teillet LLP

Speakers:

• Itoah Scott- Enns, Director, Department of Planning and Partnerships, Tłįchǫ Government
• Chief Pauline Frost, Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
• Jenny Freeman, Emergency Program Coordinator, Tla’amin Nation

Proceedings

Breakout 3C – Emergency Management

Breakout 3D: Modern Treaties in the Era of AI and Data Governance

Data Governance and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming the way we collect, analyze and use information and make decisions. This session explores Indigenous-led data and AI initiatives that aim to enhance the well-being of Indigenous communities and ensure the thoughtful and inclusive application of Indigenous knowledge systems in this evolving field and industry.

Moderator:
Frank Dragon, Negotiator, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h First Nations Financial Fiscal Agreement, Maanulth Final Agreement

Speakers:

• Dana Tizya-Tramm, Nadlii
• Dr. Gabrielle Slowey, Associate Professor, Department of Politics, York University
• Crystal Jack, Co-Founder, Tiithluup Advisory Services

Proceedings

Breakout 3D – Modern Treaties in the Era of AI and Data Governance

Breakout 3E: Jurisprudence and Legislative Developments: The Impact on Modern Treaties

There have been a series of recent court decisions (Dickson v Vuntut Gwitchin, 2024 SCC 10 to First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun v. Yukon (Government of), 2024 YKCA 5) and legislative developments (Royal Assent of Bill S-13, An Act to amend the Interpretation Act and to make related amendments to other Acts). What do these mean for Modern Treaty governments and organizations going forward?

Moderator:
Daniel T’seleie, K’asho Got’ine Chief Negotiator

Speakers:

• Kris Statnyk
• Nuri Frame, Managing Partner, Pape Salter Teillet LLP
• Alastair Campbell (Senior Policy Advisor, NTI) & Will David (Director of Legal Affairs, ITK)

Proceedings

Breakout 3E – Jurisprudence and Legislative Developments: The Impact on Modern Treaties

Presentation

Breakout 3E – Implications and Analysis of the Yukon Court of Appeal Decision in First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun v. Yukon

Breakout 4A: Mental Health and Wellness

Mental health and wellness are priorities for most Indigenous Modern Treaty nations and communities. Learn about the barriers and struggles, as well as best practices of community wellness.

Moderator:
Velma Albert, Implementation Manager, Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation

Speakers:

• Deputy Chief Michelle Telep, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council
• Chief Councillor John Jack, Huu-ayaht First Nations
• Gertrude Touchie, Member of the Executive, Community Services Portfolio, Ucluelet First Nation

Video

Breakout 4B: Indigenous and Settler Law

The session is part of a joint initiative of the LCAC and Carleton University, with a national office located at Tłįchǫ Government in Yellowknife.

Initiated in 2014 through discussion of the LCAC Research Group, and formulated through a workshop in Whitehorse in 2014, and a subsequent conference in Ottawa in 2016, this project was funded from 2018-2024 by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, which invested $2.5 M. The grant has supported over 40 undergraduate, masters, PhD and doctoral students during their course of study; three edited volumes; and over 200 research papers, workshops, panels, presentations, community based and desktop academic research projects.

Led by Principal Investigator and Carleton University Adjunct Professor Dr. Stephanie Irlbacher-Fox, PhD, the grant themes are co-led by an academic and land claim agreement practitioner: Indigenous and Settler Law; Relationships to Land; Socioeconomic Well Being; Multilevel Governance; and Finance.

Moderator:
Dr. David Wright, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Calgary

Speakers:

• Vanessa Udy, PhD Candidate, Faculty of Law, University of Victoria
• Senwung Luk, Partner, Olthuis, Kleer, Townshend LLP
• Dr. Robert Hamilton, Associate Professor, University of Calgary

Proceedings

Breakout 4B – Indigenous and Settler Law

Presentations

Breakout 4B – Modern Treaties and the Law – Robert Hamilton, Vanessa Udy, Senwung Luk, David Wright
Breakout 4B – Gonàowo – Reclaiming Tłı̨chǫ Fullness for Treaty Implementation – John B. Zoe and Vanessa Udy

Breakout 4C: Co-management: Reflections and Insights

Several Modern Treaties established co-management bodies where Treaty signatories and sometimes other parties come together to collaboratively manage a place and/or resources. The model has shown promise but also faces its challenges. Learn about ongoing work in this area and stories of success.

Moderator:
Brendan Bachand, Senior Associate, Pape Salter Teillet LLP

Speakers:

• Larry Innes, Partner, Olthuis, Kleer, Townshend LLP
• Heather Bourassa, Chairperson, Sahtú Land Use Planning Board
• Kirk Cameron

Proceedings

Breakout 4C – Co-management: Reflections and Insights

Presentation

Breakout 4C – The Sahtú Region – Successes and Challenges In Equity and Participation in the Land-use Planning Process – Heather Bourassa

Breakout 4D: Economic Development

Modern Treaties in part aim to advance economic development. How do they contribute to improved economic conditions for Modern Treaty holders?

Moderator:
Dr. Adam Perry, Senior Advisor, Nisga’a Lisims Government

Speakers:

• Frank Dragon, Negotiator, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h First Nations Financial Fiscal Agreement, Maanulth Final Agreement
• Chief Sean Uyenets’echᶖa Smith, Kwanlin Dün First Nation
• Ryan Daum, Manager of Economic Development, Tsawwassen First Nation and Mary Childs,General Counsel, Tsawwassen First Nation
• Katie Tucker, Counsel, Pape Salter Teillet LLP

Proceedings

Breakout 4D – Economic Development

Presentation

Breakout 4D – Tiicma Enterprises Businesses with Heart – Frank Dragon

Breakout 4E: Jurisdiction Challenges and Opportunities

Canada’s Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy states: “ensure that Indigenous Modern Treaty Partners are able to fully exercise their jurisdictional powers and manage and administer programs and services to their citizens, members or beneficiaries as set out in their agreements.” How do we exercise jurisdictional authority as Modern Treaty holders? Advancements are only possible through collaboration with government partners. What are the latest developments, stalls and opportunities?

Moderator:
Tasha Paramalingam, Senior Associate, Pape Salter Teillet LLP

Speakers:

• Danny Gaudet, Ɂek’wahtı̨dɁ́, Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government
• Dr. Onyx Sloan Morgan, Dr. Heather Castleden and Hinatinyis Coté
• Cynthia Blackstone (Chief Administrative Officer, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations) and Erin Thomson-Leach (Partner, JFK Law LLP)

Reflecting on 50 Years of Modern Treaties: Where we came from, where we are going

This year marks 50 years of Modern Treaties. What does it mean to have a Modern Treaty? What have been the successes and challenges, and what is the way forward for future generations?

Moderator:
Aluki Kotierk, Master of Ceremonies

Speakers:

• Chief Louise Nattawappio and Deputy Chief Nathan Uniam, Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach
• Dave Joe, O.C.
• Eva Clayton, President, Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government
• Jeremy Tunraluk, President, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.

Video

Paving the way for and with our youth

How have our Treaties improved the lives of our youth? As our future leaders, how do we ensure youth are part of the future of our Modern Treaties, and what are our youth’s understanding and vision about Modern Treaties and their implementation? What are some success stories and where can we improve?

Moderator:
Aluki Kotierk, Master of Ceremonies

Speakers:

• Itoah Scott-Enns, Director, Department of Planning and Partnerships, Tłı̨chǫ Government
• Taylor Baker, Executive Councillor and Legislator, Tsawwassen First Nation
• Paul MacDonald & Aislyn Omilgoetok, Nunavut Sivuniksavut

Video

Towards a New Era: Assessing Progress in the Implementation of Modern Treaties

The plenary focuses on the evolution of Modern Treaty implementation, shares progress, and discusses what is needed moving forward.

Moderator:
Angela Wesley, Commissioner, BC Treaty Commission

Speakers:

• Valerie Gideon, Deputy Minister, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
• Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty, Tłįchǫ Government
• Jeremy Tunraluk, President, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
• Kirk Cameron, Mayor of Whitehorse

Video

Land Claims Agreements and Culture: Successes and Challenges

The plenary explores how culture is embedded in the agreements and their spirit and intent. Speakers share their stories of innovative cultural and language programming in their communities and nations across Canada and reflect on challenges they have faced along the way.

Moderator:
Aluki Kotierk, Master of Ceremonies

Speakers:

• Leena Evic, President, Pirurvik Centre Inc.
• Tammy Steinwand, Director Culture and Lands Protection, Tłı̨chǫ Government
• Chief Barb Joe, Champagne and Aishihik First Nations

Video