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

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Sheryl Lightfoot

North American member on the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Keynote lunch #2: UNDRIP and Modern Treaties
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 12:00pm-1:15pm

Sheryl Lightfoot is Anishinaabe, a citizen of the Lake Superior Band of Ojibwe, enrolled at the Keweenaw Bay Community. She is currently the North American Member on the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP).

At the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, she is Professor in Political Science and the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs as well as a faculty associate in the Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies. She was Canada Research Chair in Global Indigenous Rights and Politics from 2013 to 2023, and between 2018 and 2023, she served as Senior Advisor on Indigenous Affairs, leading the development and implementation of the Indigenous Strategic Plan across UBC.

As one of the world’s experts in global Indigenous politics, Sheryl’s research specializes in complex questions of Indigenous peoples’ rights and how those rights are being claimed and negotiated. Her work explores both practical and theoretical aspects of implementation of Indigenous rights globally as well as in domestic contexts. She is the author of Global Indigenous Politics: A Subtle Revolution as well as numerous journal articles and book chapters.

She holds a PhD in International Relations from the University of Minnesota as well as a master’s degree from the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota. Prior to her academic career, she had fifteen years’ volunteer and contract experience with a number of American Indian tribes and community-based organizations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, including nine years as Chair of the Board of the American Indian Policy Center, a research and advocacy group.

As a member of the UN Expert Mechanism Sheryl provides the Human Rights Council with expertise and advice on the implementation of the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Mechanism also assists UN Member States in achieving the goals of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. She is the first Indigenous woman from Canada to be appointed to this prestigious position.

Plenary Speakers

Aislyn Omilgoetok, Student

Nunavut Sivuniksavut

Plenary 2: Paving the way for and with our Youth
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 10:50am-12:00pm

My name is Aislyn, I’m from Cambridge Bay Nunavut in the Kitikmeot region. I attend Nunavut Sivuniksavut as a second year student. I was a member for the NCCYAC (Nunavut Climate Change Youth advisory Committee) for 4 years and a current Nunavut Sivuniksavut Student council member. I spend my time usually doing art or writing and advocating for the 2S+LGBTQIA community. Quanaquttit (thank you very much) for making space for young Indigenous youth to get together.

Aluki Kotierk

Originally from Igloolik, now residing in Iqaluit with her family, Aluki Kotierk leads by example. Aluki is driven by her passion to empower and improve the lives of Inuit. After earning her master’s degree in Native and Canadian Studies at Trent University, Aluki worked for various Inuit organizations including Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, Inuit Tapirisat of Canada (now known as Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami), and Nunavut Sivuniksavut. She has also held management and Deputy Minister roles within the Government of Nunavut, Office of the Languages Commissioner and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. Aluki is keen in how Inuit language and culture can be better incorporated into the way in which programs and services are designed and delivered in Nunavut.

Chief Barb Joe

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations

Plenary 4: Land Claims Agreements and Culture: Successes and Challenges
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 3:15pm-4:15pm

3A: On the Land Programming
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

Barb Joe was elected as Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Chief in October 2022. Prior to becoming Chief, she was an elected Councilor for Champagne and Aishihik First Nations for four years.

Barb has a Law Degree from University Victoria, a Bachelor of Arts in Rural Development with a minor in Natural Resources from University of Alaska Fairbanks and a Diploma in Interior Design from Mount Royal University. In her work career, she has worked as an Implementation Officer/Negotiator, Judicial Council Administrator, Governance Director, Policy Analyst, Justice Manager, Training Coordinator, Program Coordinator, Tour Operator, Hostess at Expo 86 and Housing Director.

Her career path was inspired by her family role models. Barbara’s maternal and paternal Great Grandfathers and her paternal Grandfather were all Chiefs. Commitment to government and public service was something she heard about as a child growing up in Klukshu. She would listen to her uncles Harry Allen, Dave Joe and Paul Birckel talk about life on the political road as they balanced leadership with their annual harvesting. Her aunt, Margaret Commodore (Joe) was an advocate and the first Indigenous Justice Minister in Canada also mentored her.

The events, people and history being made in the Yukon inspired her to seek post-secondary education. Barb spends leisure time at her cabin in southwest Yukon and is able to continue the practice of harvesting and beading.

Dave Joe, O.C.

Plenary 1: Reflecting on 50 Years of Modern Treaties: Where we came from, where we are going
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 9:10am-10:20am

1E: Indigenous Laws, Legal Traditions and Rights
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

3E: Jurisprudence and Legislative Development: The Impact on Modern Treaties
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:15am-11:45am

Dave Joe, O.C., is the Yukon’s first Indigenous lawyer, called to the Yukon Bar in 1977. Mr. Joe was involved in the land claim movement in Yukon prior to and after his call to the Bar. In 1973, he was involved when Yukon First Nations convinced then Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and then Indian Affairs Minister Jean Chretien to negotiate a modern day treaty with Yukon First Nations. Mr. Joe was still involved 22 years later when the first four Yukon First Nations’ Final Agreements became part of the Canadian Constitution on February 14, 1995. Today, the recognition and implementation of aboriginal rights, titles and interests are still the main focus of his law practice in Yukon and British Columbia. Mr. Joe was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2008 “for his leadership in building stronger communities … and in negotiating final land claim agreements for several Yukon First Nations.” He was born in Klukshu, Yukon, and is of Southern Tutchone descent and is a Citizen of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations.

President Eva Clayton

Nisga’a Lisims Government

Plenary 1: Reflecting on 50 Years of Modern Treaties: Where we came from, where we are going
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 9:10am-10:20am

Prior to the Nisga’a Treaty Eva was elected as Councillor to the Gitlakdamix Band Council for 13 years. Prior to the Nisga’a Treaty, she became the First Nisga’a woman to be appointed as Deputy Chief Councillor of the Gitlakdamix Band Council. First Nisga’a woman appointed to Chair the Nisga’a Treaty Ratification Committee. She was the first Nisga’a woman to be elected as the Chief Councillor of the New Aiyansh Village Government in 2004 to 2008. She was also the first Nisga’a woman to be elected as President for Nisga’a Lisims Government from 2016- 2020. She is currently serving her second term: 2020- 2024.

Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty

Tłı̨chǫ Government

Plenary 3: A New Era: The Commissioner of Modern Treaty Implementation and Bill S-13
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 8:45am-10:00am

GRAND CHIEF JACKSON LAFFERTY was elected Grand Chief of the Tłı̨chǫ Nation in November 2021. Prior to being elected as Tłı̨chǫ Grand Chief, he served in the Legislature of the Government of the Northwest for five consecutive terms, a period of over 16 years. As MLA for the riding of Mǫwhì, he served as the Deputy Premier, Minister of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), Justice, Public Works and Services, Official Languages and Worker’s Safety and Compensation Commission.

During his time with the NWT Government and throughout his career, Grand Chief Lafferty served on numerous boards and agencies, where he was a fierce advocate for education, youth, languages, and culture. He was often seen speaking his Tłı̨chǫ language at the legislature during question period.

In the early 2000s, Mr. Lafferty worked in the mining industry with Rio Tinto at the Diavik Diamond Mine. During this time, he contributed to the implementation of DDMI’s Participation Agreement with northern indigenous groups and played a key role as liaison for communities and indigenous mining employees. Grand Chief Lafferty remains committed to working with the mining industry from closure to remediation, work that will be conducted through collaborative consultation.

Jeremy Tunraluk, President

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.

Plenary 1: Reflecting on 50 Years of Modern Treaties: Where we came from, where we are going
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 9:10am-10:20am

Plenary 3: A New Era: The Commissioner of Modern Treaty Implementation and Bill S-13
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 8:45am-10:00am

Jeremy Tunraluk has dedicated his career to advancing Inuit rights and fostering community engagement. In December 2024, he was elected President of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Prior to this role, President Tunraluk served on the Qikiqtani Inuit Association Board of Directors, as Community Director for Arctic Bay and later as Secretary-Treasurer.

As NTI President, Jeremy emphasizes collaboration with the Government of Nunavut and the Regional Inuit Associations to address issues facing Inuit. He is passionate about education, both traditional and academic, and enhancing Inuit culture, language and arts.

Tunraluk is an artist himself. In his spare time, he enjoys carving, hunting, and singing with his wife, Debbie, and their four children. It’s something he cherishes, as it brings them closer together and inspires others.

In his term, President Tunraluk is committed to visiting all 25 communities in Nunavut to ensure Nunavut Inuit feel heard. Tunraluk’s leadership is characterized by his dedication to transparency, accountability and unity among Inuit.

Chief Councillor John Jack

Huu-ay-aht First Nation

Keynote lunch #2: UNDRIP and Modern Treaties
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 12:00pm-1:15pm

4A: Mental Health and Wellness
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Kirk Cameron, Mayor of Whitehorse

Plenary 3: A New Era: The Commissioner of Modern Treaty Implementation and Bill S-13
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 8:45am-10:00am

4C: Co-management: Reflections and Insights
Wednesday February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Kirk was born in Whitehorse. He has 20 years of experience in public service at all levels of government, including as Deputy Minister with the Yukon government. In 2003 Kirk moved to consulting, and started his own company in 2009, the Northern Governance Institute. As a public servant, consultant or elected official, he has worked with all Yukon First Nations, the Yukon government, the Province of British Columbia, the Government of Canada and the City of Whitehorse. He was elected in October 2024 as the Mayor of the City of Whitehorse, teaches Political Science at Yukon University, and continues to work with First Nations as a Governance Specialist.

He is the co-author of two books, The Yukon’s Constitutional Foundations (1991) and Northern Governments in Transition (1995), and has written articles and book chapters on many northern governance topics including: Indigenous land claims and self-government, the Office of Ombudsman, territorial governments, and co-management organizations set up to address topics relating to renewable and non-renewable resources.

From 2016 to the present, Kirk has supported Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. in developing the LCAC proposal for the Commissioner of Modern Treaty Implementation.

Leena Evic, President

Pirurvik Centre Inc.

Plenary 4: Land Claims Agreements and Culture: Successes and Challenges
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 3:15pm-4:15pm

1A: Language Revitalization
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Leena Evic has been an essential voice in Nunavut, articulating a vision for the territory that is grounded fully in Inuit knowledge and wisdom that have been passed along through the centuries. She works to rekindle the sharing of this living legacy between generations of Inuit as the means to building prosperity and wellbeing in the modern Arctic communities of today.

Leena Evic is the founder and President of the Pirurvik Centre, an Inuit-owned company dedicated to Inuit language, culture and wellbeing. In 2016, she was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross by Canada’s Governor General in recognition of the transformative programs Pirurvik has created since 2003. Pirurvik wide range of programming explores the highest levels of Inuit knowledge; provides literacy and language enhancement to Inuktut speakers and teaches Inuktut as a Second language to younger Inuit and those from outside the culture. Its well-being programs are designed around the specific needs of Inuit men, women and youth. Pirurvik has also been on the leading edge of creating the computing tools that enable Inuktut speakers to use their language in the digital age. As Pirurvik’s President, but also as an educator, a facilitator and an entrepreneur, Leena shares her experience and inspiration through speaking events in local communities, throughout Nunavut and the rest of Canada, and on the global stage.

Before beginning Pirurvik, Leena was the Director of Social, Cultural and Educational Development with Nunavut Tunngavik, the Inuit organization that signed Canada’s largest land claims agreement. She was also the Director of Policy for the Department of Justice in the Government of Nunavut that was created in 1999 as part of the land claim.

Inuit approaches to teaching and learning have been important throughout this time, beginning in her early years when she was immersed in the rhythms of traditional Inuit life in Cumberland Sound, near present-day Pangnirtung. She has built on that foundation through a career as a teacher, a school principal and as an instructor in the Nunavut Teacher Education Program. She holds a Bachelor’s in Education from McGill University where she also did her Master’s work on educational leadership and culture-based education.

Chief Louise Nattawappio

Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach

Plenary 1: Reflecting on 50 Years of Modern Treaties: Where we came from, where we are going
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 9:10am-10:20am

Louise Nattawapio, Chief of the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach, is a leader deeply rooted in her heritage and dedicated to the future of her people. A mother of six and grandmother of seven, Louise was raised in Kawawachikamach by her grandparents, who taught her the importance of both education and cultural traditions. Her great-grandfather, Noah Mokoush, was a respected Naskapi leader for over 30 years, known for his selfless dedication to the well-being of the community. His values of service, fairness, and compassion continue to inspire Louise today.

Holding a Bachelor of Education from McGill University, Louise has spent years developing and teaching the Naskapi curriculum, ensuring the preservation of her people’s language and culture. She later trained in Indigenous Wellness and Addictions, driven by a desire to address the pressing challenges of her community.

Elected Deputy Chief in 2021 and Chief in 2024, Louise leads with empathy, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility. She envisions a future where Naskapi traditions are not only preserved but flourish, where education, mental wellness, and community connection are priorities, and where every voice in Kawawachikamach is heard and respected.

Itoah Scott-Enns, Director, Department of Planning and Partnerships

Tłı̨chǫ Government

Plenary 2: Paving the way for and with our Youth
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 10:50am-12:00pm

3C: Emergency Management
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

Deputy Chief Nathan Uniam

Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamac

Plenary 1: Reflecting on 50 Years of Modern Treaties: Where we came from, where we are going
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 9:10am-10:20am

Nathan Uniam is a devoted father of six boys, sharing his family life with his partner, Ashley. A 2014 graduate of McGill University with a Bachelor of Education, Nathan has spent over a decade shaping the minds of Naskapi youth at Jimmy Sandy Memorial School in Kawawachikamach. During his time there, he played a pivotal role in reviving the school’s culture program, teaching students from kindergarten to grade 9 and embedding traditional values into the curriculum.

Beyond the classroom, Nathan is an active cultural practitioner, deeply connected to the land and his Naskapi heritage. He carries forward the teachings of his ancestors through his passion for fishing, hunting, and camping—traditions he shares with his children and community.

Now serving his second term on the Naskapi Council, Nathan was elected Deputy Chief in September 2024. His leadership is grounded in his commitment to education and cultural preservation, as he strives to uplift his people and ensure that the legacy of the Naskapi endures for generations to come.

Paul MacDonald, Student

Nunavut Sivuniksavut

Plenary 2: Paving the way for and with our Youth
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 10:50am-12:00pm

My name is Paul Kungitok MacDonald, I am 19 years old and originally from Kugluktuk, Nunavut. I’m currently living in Ottawa, ON, attending Nunavut Sivuniksavut (NS). NS is a 2-year college certificate program for Inuit youth, of which I am in my second, and final year of NS. I am lucky to have opportunities to attend events such as this LCAC conference through NS, and I hope to learn a lot from it, as well as gain some experience from this conference.

Taylor Baker, Executive Councillor and Legislator

Tsawwassen First Nation

Plenary 2: Paving the way for and with our Youth
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 10:50am-12:00pm

Taylor Baker is an Executive Councillor and Legislator for Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN). She is Indigenous with both Coast Salish and Gitxsan ancestry. Taylor was elected in 2022 at 26 years old for a 4-year term, also serving as Co-Chair for TFN’s Housing Advisory Committee. Taylor also worked on the Speaker’s Indigenous Reconciliation Advisory Committee that assisted in the development of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia’s Reconciliation Action Plan release in May 2024. In 2019, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Politics from Acadia University, focusing her interests in First Nation Politics & Indigenous Law. Her work experience includes working in Policy & Intergovernmental Affairs and Economic Development at her Nation before being elected.

Tammy Steinwand, Director of Culture and Lands Protection

Tłı̨chǫ Government

Plenary 4: Land Claims Agreements and Culture: Successes and Challenges
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 3:15pm-4:15pm

Keynote lunch #1: Book Launch: Modern Treaties Implementation Research Project Edited Volume: Best Practices in Implementing Modern Treaties
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 12:00pm-1:15pm

3A: On the Land Programming
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

Tammy Steinwand-Deschambeault is a Tłı̨chǫ Citizen born and raised in Behchokǫ̀, NT. Tammy graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in the Bachelor of Education Program with great distinction in 1997. Tammy taught in her community for many years before moving to the board office as a Culture and Language Coordinator with the Tłı̨chǫ Community Services Agency. During this time Tammy has helped create an immersion program in her community that is still running today. Tammy also assisted the Government of the Northwest Territories with curriculum development in areas of Northern Studies (which included a module on Residential Schools, this work received national recognition) and the new, Our Languages Curriculum document. Tammy is the chair for the Official Languages Board of the NWT. Tammy has received numerous awards for her work including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Presently Tammy is the Director for the Department of Culture and Lands Protection for the Tłı̨chǫ Government. She holds a Masters Degree through the University of Victoria on Indigenous Language Revitalization.

Valerie Gideon, Deputy Minister

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

Plenary 3: A New Era: The Commissioner of Modern Treaty Implementation and Bill S-13
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 8:45am-10:00am

Session Speakers

Dr. Adam Perry

Senior Avisor, Nisga’a Lisims Government

Keynote lunch #1: Book Launch: Modern Treaties Implementation Research Project Edited Volume: Best Practices in Implementing Modern Treaties
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 12:00pm-1:15pm

2B: Socioeconomic Well-being
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

3B: Building Better Intergovernmental Relations and Stable Financing for Self-Government
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

Moderator – 4D: Economic Development in Modern Treaties
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Dr. Adam Perry holds a PhD in Social Anthropology from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa. His academic work spans rural socio-economic development, co-management of natural resources, biodiversity, and evolving perspectives on sustainability. He has a deep interest in emerging economies, human migration, migrant labour, social mobility, and critical Indigenous theory. Since 2016, Dr. Perry has been part of the Nisga’a Lisims Government and now serves as the Industry Relations Manager. In this capacity, he plays a pivotal role in fostering relationships between the Nisga’a Nation and various industries. He also contributes to shaping intergovernmental relations and multilevel governance.

Alastair Campbell

Senior Policy Advisor, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI)

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

3E: Jurisprudence and Legislative Development: The impact on Modern Treaties
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

Alastair Campbell is Senior Planning and Policy Advisor to Nunavut Tunngavik, the organization that represents Nunavut Inuit. He has previously worked for the Government of the NWT, the federal government, and the Assembly of First Nations. He has studied history and the social sciences at universities in Canada, New Zealand and Europe, and he has taught occasional courses in Indigenous Studies, Anthropology and Sociology. He has published papers dealing with northern political development and land claims settlements.

Angela Wesley, Commissioner

BC Treaty Commission

Moderator – Plenary 3: A New Era: The Commissioner of Modern Treaty Implementation and Bill S-13
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 8:45am-10:00am

Moderator – 1E: Indigenous Laws, Legal Traditions and Rights
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Angela Wesley is a citizen of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations (Nuu-chah-nulth). As owner/partner in Wes-Can Advisory Services since 1992 she has spent her career providing advisory and facilitation services to First Nations and other governments in the areas of strategic planning, community development and engagement, communications, and governance capacity building. Angela continues to be an active participant the implementation of the Maa-nulth Treaty with her own Nation and with the 4 other signatories to the treaty. She has served as a Commissioner on the BC Treaty Commission since 2018 and is actively involved in international discussions on indigenous governance and leadership. She has a strong vision and a lifelong passion for realizing an ever-improving quality of life for First Nations and their citizens.

She is proud to have learned from and been mentored by some of the most brilliant indigenous leaders in British Columbia.

Anne-Marie Miller, Implementation Officer

Ta’an Kwäch’än Council

Moderator – 2C: Collaborative Fiscal Policy: Opportunities and Issues
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

Anne-Marie Miller is a proud member of the (Ägunda) wolf clan from the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and is of Southern Tutchone ancestry. She was born and raised in Whitehorse, Yukon, where she presently resides. Anne-Marie attended Mount Royal College in Calgary, Alberta and graduated with a Diploma in Social Work. She returned to the Yukon and has worked in various social services settings. Anne-Marie went to work with the Elders Documentation Project with the Council of Yukon Indians, as it was then known, as a Researcher. Ms. Miller has assisted many First Nation citizens and families with social, health and justice issues, and has served on numerous Boards and Committees. Due to her compassion and commitment to her native heritage, she wanted to learn to speak her traditional language, Southern Tutchone. She completed a bachelor’s degree in Social Work at the University of Regina and has a Diploma in Criminology and a Certificate in Women’s Studies. Anne-Marie presently works with her First Nation, Ta’an Kwäch’än Council as Implementation Officer since 2022 and previously was their Heritage Officer since 2018. She takes a lot of pride in being able to teach her older granddaughter, language and culture.

Brad Hickes, Senior Policy Advisor

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI)

1F: Implementation of the Nunavut Agreement: Entering A New Phase
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15-2:45pm

Brad Hickes is a Senior Policy Advisor in the Department of Economic Advancement with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. He has had the responsibility, as the file lead, for the implementation of Article 24 (Government Contracting) since 2004. He was the lead negotiator for the Directive on Government Contracts, Including Real Property Leases, in the Nunavut Settlement Area, the Nunavut-specific federal procurement policy, and a co-chair for the Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Regulations (NNI) review with the Government of Nunavut. He is also one of the representatives for NTI on the Nunavut Implementation Panel, amongst other file responsibilities within NTI.

Brendan Bachand, Senior Associate

Pape Salter Teillet LLP

Moderator – 4C: Co-management: Reflections and Insights
Wednesday February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Brendan advises on a wide range of issues including indigenous rights, implementation of modern treaties, protected area agreements, and wildlife issues, as well as governance and employment law matters.

Brendan was raised in Yellowknife, NWT. Prior to joining Pape Salter Teillet LLP, Brendan worked in criminal defense in Winnipeg, Manitoba, helping to guide his clients through the criminal justice system. Before becoming a lawyer, Brendan worked for the Government of the Northwest Territories during the negotiation and implementation of the Federal Government’s devolution of lands and resources to the Territorial Government.

While studying law at Robson Hall at the University of Manitoba, Brendan was involved in numerous projects related to First Nation and Métis rights. He was a participant in the Create H20 program, which was the first science-engineering research training program in Canada that combines technical water and wastewater management training with Indigenous theory, law and methodological skills training. Brendan worked with a legal team in Guatemala in their action for reparations stemming from the genocide of the Maya Achi indigenous peoples of Guatemala before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

Brendan in called to the bar in British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

R. Brent Lehmann, Partner

Ratcliff LLP

Moderator – Keynote lunch #2: UNDRIP and Modern Treaties
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 12:00pm-1:15pm

2E: UNDRIP and Modern Treaty Implementation: Case studies of the NWT and BC
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

Brent is an experienced and innovative advisor to Indigenous communities on treaty negotiation and implementation, Indigenous corporate and economic development, and governance.

As legal counsel in the development and implementation of the Maa-nuth First Nations Final Agreement, Brent works closely with the five signatory Nations (as well as other Indian Bands and non-treaty Nations) to restore governance capacity, draft and codify legislation, and develop a framework of re-empowerment that provides economic and cultural development opportunities. His work within the Indigenous law context intersects a variety of sectors including law enforcement, fisheries, forestry, housing, among others.

Brent is a frequent presenter to Indigenous societies, companies, and governments as well as civic municipalities, federal government committees, and professional organizations.

Breyze Blake, 7^th National Treaty Simulation Participant

Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation

1D: Modern Treaty Education
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15-2:45pm

Bruce Uviluq, Legal Counsel

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated

1F: Implementation of the Nunavut Agreement: Entering A New Phase
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15-2:45pm

Carissa Waug

2D: Climate action in Modern Treaty implementation
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

Carissa Waugh, also known by her Northern Tutchone name Ékè Éwe (meaning Caribou Hoof Noise after her late Great-Grandma Emma Shorty), is Kwanlin Dun First Nation belonging to the Crow Clan. Carissa is an Ambassador for the Reconnection Vision. She graduated from the Yukon First Nations Climate Action Fellowship in February 2023 but continues to do advocacy and work for the Fellowship. Over the past few years they’ve been working with Yukon First Nations (YFN) Youth, Leadership and Communities to collaboratively develop a YFN approach to climate action that is grounded in our holistic values and worldviews. In early 2023 they released the Reconnection Vision, a Pathway for Change from the Children of Tomorrow. They invite others to learn about this transformative work, to reflect on your own reconnection journey and experiences, and to be part of the solutions in the ways we live, learn and work. Carissa also represents the Assembly of First Nations Yukon Region in the National AFN Women’s Council where she will represent all Yukon First Nations women.

Carissa runs her at-home business called Ékè Éwe Art where she sells her beadwork across Canada, using the art to bring awareness to Indigenous issues such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2 Spirit People, Every Child Matters, Reconciliation, and even Climate Change.

Catherine Littlefield, Food Systems Manager

Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation

2A: Indigenous Food Sovereignty
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

Catherine Littlefield is a food systems researcher, born and raised in Ottawa – Algonquin Anishinaabe territory. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in global, environmental, and Indigenous studies, she completed a master’s degree at Carleton University’s Institute of Political Economy, where her thesis focused on customary food governance and community economies with the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun. Her interests include all things related to land, food, governance, and justice. Catherine currently works for Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation as a Food Systems Manager, and is passionate about cultivating connections for community well-being.

Chenoa McCarthy, Kakawinminh Youth

Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Kakawinminh – Women Warriors

3A: On the Land Programming
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

Christle Moulton, Ishkaahittan Judicial Council Clan Representative

Carcross/Tagish First Nation

1E: Indigenous Laws, Legal Traditions and Rights
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Christle Moulton is a member of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation (CTFN) and belongs to the Ishkahittaan Clan (Frog). Her education and life work experience is centered around Justice and Criminology. She has been valuable in developing legislation for the Carcross/Tagish First Nation based on traditional values, stories and laws. She is currently assisting the First Nation in implementation of CTFN’s Family Act, which is a proactive rather than reactive approach to law development. She currently sits as a community representative of CTFN’s Family Council, which has been mandated to develop policies, programs and services to strengthen the families, Clans and community. She also sat as a Constitutional Committee member to review, recommend and implement changes to the Constitution of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation and to strengthen the Self-Government of the citizens. She has served since 1997 and is currently Chair of the CTFN Judicial Council working towards developing their 4^th pillar of government.

Colin Salter, Partner

Pape Salter Teillet LLP

1C: Implementation Policy: Successes and Challenges
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

2C: Collaborative Fiscal Policy: Opportunities and Issues
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

Colin Salter is a partner with Pape Salter Teillet LLP and specializes in Indigenous rights law, with a focus on the fiscal and business opportunities available to Indigenous peoples that build wealth and economic independence.

As a member of the legal team that worked with the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council and the Tlicho people to negotiate the Tlicho Land Claims and Self-Government Agreement, Colin helped conclude the first agreement of this kind in the Northwest Territories in 2004. His focus during the negotiations was on the fiscal and tax aspects of the agreement. He also participated in the negotiation of tax sharing agreements for both the Income Tax and Goods and Services Tax, including appearances before parliamentary committees to advocate on behalf of the sharing of taxes with Indigenous governments.

Colin also has significant experience negotiating and concluding agreements with corporations that propose developments in Indigenous homelands. Colin has assisted his clients in arranging financing for their equity participation in the projects. He has worked to guarantee Indigenous governments’ significant participation in the business opportunities that arise from a development project.

Colin believes that the fundamental principle of his work is that Indigenous people are entitled to share in the wealth generated in their homelands and that this can be achieved through negotiated agreements. These agreements, business relationships and related financings will assist Indigenous peoples to build strong and prosperous economies that respect their way of life and provide the resources for self-determination and for the well-being of their citizens.

Colin received his LL.B from Osgoode Hall Law School and is called to the bar in Ontario, Yukon, Northwest Territories and British Columbia. Colin is recognized as a “repeatedly recommended” leading practitioner in the field of Aboriginal law in the peer rankings published by Lexpert Magazine.

Crystal Jack

Co-founder, Tiithluup Advisory Services

2B: Socioeconomic Well-being
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

3D: Modern Treaties in the Era of AI and Data Governance
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

Crystal Jack is a co-founder of Tiithluup Advisory Services, which she owns and operates with her husband, John Alan Jack. Tiithluup Advisory Services is a consulting network specializing in governance, communications, and planning for modern treaty implementation in British Columbia.

Crystal has worked with several of the member-nations of the Maa-nulth Treaty Society, primarily with Huu-ay-aht First Nations and the society itself. Over the past 16 years, this has included active participation with the Alliance of British Columbia Modern Treaty Nations and the Land Claims Agreements Coalition, as well as engagement in intergovernmental relations with indigenous, local, provincial, and federal governments and other related organizations.

Tiithluup Advisory supports modern treaty nations in policy development, data governance, indicator development, research and report writing, community engagements, workshops and facilitation, major project relations, as well as fisheries and natural resources rights.

Cynthia Blackstone, Chief Administrative Officer

Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations

Moderator – 2A: Indigenous Food Sovereignty
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

4E: Jurisdiction Challenges and Opportunities
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Cynthia Blackstone is a member of the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations (KCFN) and currently serves as their Chief Administrative Officer. She and her family reside in Houpsitas, a KCFN village located in the beautiful area of Kyuquot Sound, Vancouver Island. Cynthia’s passion is working with the KCFN government to build capacity among KCFN members, and to be part of building the self-sustaining independent Nations that realize the full advantage of a modern treaty.

Dana Tizya-Tramm, Nadlii

3D: Modern Treaties in the Era of AI and Data Governance
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

Dana Tizya-Tramm is an accomplished leader who served the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (VGFN) and the Gwich’in Nation from 2016 to 2023, including four years as Chief. During his tenure, he spearheaded major advancements in land protection, Indigenous governance, and sustainable development, earning international recognition as a TIME 100 Next rising leader and a Clean 50 Emerging Leader. Known for his successful defense of the Porcupine Caribou herd’s calving grounds and his pioneering climate action efforts, Dana has set a standard for Indigenous-led environmental advocacy.

Currently, Dana holds key leadership roles, including Chair of the First Nation School Board and Indigenous Partnerships and Strategy Lead for Small Economy Works. He is also an Education Analyst for the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate and Director of Arctic Circle Strategies. As he prepares to launch a tech start-up focused on AI and digital solutions for Indigenous governance, Dana continues to drive innovation and positive change in the Yukon and beyond.

Dr. Daniel Sherwin, Postdoctoral Fellow

School of Public Policy & Administration, Carleton University

3B: Building Better Intergovernmental Relations and Stable Financing for Self-Government
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

Daniel Sherwin is postdoctoral fellow with the Modern Treaty Implementation Research Project. He is interested on how Indigenous Self Government Financing have evovled over time, and his current research focuses on placing the Collaborative Self Government Fiscal Policy of 2019 into historical and policy context. He holds a PhD from the University of Toronto, and has published scholarly articles on Indigenous political thought and treaty renewal. He is writing a book tracing the development of treaties in Canada.

Daniel T’seleie

K’asho Got’ine Chief Negotiator

2E: UNDRIP and Modern Treaty Implementation: Case studies of the NWT and BC
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

Moderator – 3E: Jurisprudence and Legislative Development: The impact on Modern Treaties
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

Daniel is K’asho Got’ine Dene from Radili Ko (also known as Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories). As K’asho Got’ine Chief Negotiator he manages his community’s self-government negotiations with Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Through his consulting practice Daniel works on Indigenous protected areas implementation and implementation of the Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement. He is also heavily involved in work on climate justice and Indigenous rights in volunteer capacities.

Daniel holds a J.D. from the University of Victoria and a B.Sc. in mathematical sciences from McMaster University.

Danny Gaudet

Ɂekw’ahtı̨dǝ́, Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government

4E: Jurisdiction Challenges and Opportunities
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Ɂekw’ahtı̨dǝ́ Gaudet was Délįnę’s chief negotiator for nearly two decades in reaching a self-government agreement with the federal and territorial governments. The Délįne Final Self-Government Agreement is the first combined public-Indigenous self governing Indigenous government in Canada, which includes responsibility for modern treaty-based lands and resource rights. He also led the successful negotiation of the Canada- Délįnę Uranium Table recommendations, addressing the ongoing impacts of uranium mining on Délįnę lands which significantly impacted the community. In addition, his infrastructure and construction business has provided employment and opportunity within the community and the Sahtu region for the past two decades.

He was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal on August 2, 2017, from the Governor General of Canada in recognition of his role as Chief Negotiatior of the self government agreement. In addition, he is a recipient of the Order of the NWT, and he holds an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) from the University of Alberta in recognition of his service to his community.

Ɂekw’ahtı̨dǝ́ Gaudet’s term took effect September 1, 2022. His three stated focuses for the immediate future are healthcare, housing, and education.

David Codzi, Self-Government Manager

Behdzi Ahda First Nation

3B: Building Better Intergovernmental Relations and Stable Financing for Self-Government
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

David Codzi is a member of Behdzi Ahda First Nation. He is the current Self-Government Manager and Assistant Band Manager for Behdzi Ahda First Nation. David was formally the President of Ayoni Keh Land Corporation for eight years and currently negotiates the fiscal process for the Land Corporation. He has been involved in politics for almost 30 years and is also involved in renewable resources, solar panels, and other development in Colville Lake and nearby regions. David is a husband and father of three children.

Dr. David Wright, Associate Professor

Faculty of Law, University of Calgary

Moderator – 4B: Indigenous and Settler Law
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

David’s teaching and research are focused chiefly on natural resources law, environmental law, tort law, energy law, Indigenous law, Aboriginal law, negotiations, rule of law, and sustainable development. Prior to joining the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Law, David held positions with Canada’s Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, the Gwich’in Tribal Council, the United Nations Development Programme, the law firm of Stewart McKelvey, and the Marine and Environmental Law Institute at Dalhousie University. During his graduate studies at Stanford Law School, David was a fellow with the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment.

David has been called to the Bars of Nova Scotia (2008), Nunavut (2009), and Northwest Territories (2016).

Dianna Dragon, Lands & Resources Co-Ordinator

Department of Lands and Resources, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations

2A: Indigenous Food Sovereignty
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

Dianna is an enrolled citizen of Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations (KCFN). Her life includes all aspects of her culture from her parents and husband Francis who is a Che:k’tles7et’h’ Tyee Ha’wiih (Hereditary Chief).

Dianna has worked for KCFN for the past 16 years as a Communication Worker in helping getting information to all the members in Bulletins, Letters, Meetings with the members in group settings and going into their homes to talk about treaty.

For the last 3 years, Dianna has been the Lands and Resources Co-Ordinator for the KCFN’s Department of Lands and Resources. In she role she provides support to the department, manages purchasing, manages KCFN’s relationship with BC Parks, manages protection of Cultural and Heritage sites, and leads KCFN’s Food Fish Distribution of over 30,000 lbs for fish per year to roughly 600 members. This includes fish such as Sockeye, Chinook, Halibut, Lingcod, Rockfish along with Clams and herring roe. She has also coordinated meetings with the Hawiih (Hereditary Chiefs) of KCFN.

Dianna is also on the KCFN Housing Board Committee ensuring with the other committee members that membership has safe and well maintained homes.

Emily White

Citizen of ɬaʔamɩn Nation
Manager, Treaty Relations and Intergovernmental Affairs, ɬaʔamɩn Nation

1D: Modern Treaty Education
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Emily White (she/her) is from Klahoose and Tla’amin Nations. She is the Manager of Treaty Relations and Intergovernmental Affairs for Tla’amin Nation, and is also an Elected Councillor for Klahoose First Nation. Emily is a past participant in the Gordon Foundation National Youth Treaty Simulation, and recently hosted a Treaty Simulation in Tla’amin Nation.

Erin Thomson-Leach, Partner

JFK Law LLP

4E: Jurisdiction Challenges and Opportunities
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Erin Thomson-Leach is a partner at JFK Law LLP with a diverse practice advising clients on self-government and nation building. She supports negotiations in a range of areas, such as reconciliation and self-government negotiations, specific claims, additions to reserve, government-to-government agreements, and treaties.

Erin’s approach is to start from a place of curiosity and ensure her clients’ priorities guide the process. Erin advises on law-making and structured, fair decision-making, whether clients are self-governing or working within the Indian Act structure. She has a broad range of subject-matter experience in matters like resource development, fisheries, forestry, land use planning on and off-reserve, and environmental assessments. She has been privileged to assist with establishing an indigenous protected area and to support on robust community visioning and engagement processes as part of that effort.

As one of the leads in JFK Law’s nation building practice group, Erin encourages lawyers to stay client-focused and bring creativity to their work. She believes in intentional community visioning and engagement processes to support Nations making wise, informed decisions. Finally, as a former journalist, Erin collaborates with clients on communication strategies and advises on public profiles and media relations.

Originally a prairie girl, Erin is now very grateful to live in Lekwungen territory on Vancouver Island with her family.

Eve Dewald

Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government

1E: Indigenous Laws, Legal Traditions and Rights
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Eve Dewald holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Concordia University and a Masters degree in Population Dynamics from McGill University. She works as a Policy Advisor for Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government where she provides advice on the development of agreements, legislation, strategies and policies that will guide implementation issues. Currently she is responsible for managing research projects and developing strategies that will support the negotiation of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Administration of Justice Agreement and the development of a Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Justice Department.

She has been working collaboratively with Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government and citizens to ensure that we are building a justice system that reflects Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in culture, values and legal traditions and one that addresses the needs of the community.

Frank Dragon

Citizen of the Gwich’in Nation;
Negotiator, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h First Nations Financial Fiscal Agreement, Maanulth Final Agreement

1D: Modern Treaty Education
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

2A: Indigenous Food Sovereignty
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

Moderator – 3D: Modern Treaties in the Era of AI and Data Governance
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

4D: Economic Development in Modern Treaties
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Frank is a Gwich’in member of the Ehdiitat Gwich’in Council, Aklavik NWT, and enrolled as a member in the Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement, and the Gwich’in Land Act (Bill C-94). His life encompasses all aspects of his rich cultural heritage from his parents.

Frank is Senior Advisor to Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/ Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations Legislative Chief and Legislative Vice Chief and to the Administration of the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/ Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations. Frank has provided advisory services in the areas of the constitution, law development, strategic planning, community development, community engagement, and governance capacity training. He was formerly the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/ Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations representative at the Maa-nulth Fisheries Committee, Joint Technical Fisheries Committee, Joint Fisheries Committee, Finance Committee and Implementation Committee.

Frank has 20 plus years’ experience in the Drug and Alcohol Addictions field, working specifically with First Nations Youth and Young Adults in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. He has been involved on numerous Boards including the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, Circle of Eagles Lodge, ACCESS Employment Centre, Greater Vancouver Homelessness Initiative, Greater Vancouver Aboriginal Homelessness Initiative, Hoy Creek Housing Co-operative, and Yes Campaign to Ward System (on behalf of the then Mayor now Senator Larry Campbell of Vancouver).

Frank is a part of the Self-Governing Indigenous Governments Collaborative Fiscal Policy team and is involved in the Modern Treaty Implementation Policy Collaborative process. He had previously sat on the Southern Resident Killer Whale Sanctuaries Committee and Canada’s Halibut Advisory Board on behalf of the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h First Nations.

Frank is one of the Chief Negotiators for Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h First Nations Financial Fiscal Agreement Negotiations on Maanulth Final Agreement. He was formerly Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h First Nations Interim Lands and Resources Director.

Frank has been appointed to the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h First Nations Holdings Board, and Economic Development Committee, and sits as a Director for all of the Limited Partnerships Group of Businesses

Frank’s passion is working with the Legislative process of the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations specific to the Constitution and Law Development. As a result of his efforts, Frank was adopted by a Che:k’tles7et’h’ Ha’wiih in accordance with Nuu-Chah-nulth custom, and given the name Chah Chim Wa Eek-“one who always says good words.”

Dr. Gabrielle Slowey, Associate Professor

Department of Politics, York University

3D: Modern Treaties in the Era of AI and Data Governance
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

Dr. Gabrielle Slowey (UofT, UNB, UofA) is an associate Professor in the Department of Politics at York University (Toronto, ON) where she teaches courses in Indigenous and Arctic Politics. Her research investigates the intersection between Indigenous peoples, governance (treaties, landclaims), resource extraction, economic development, the environment and the state in multiple regions (primarily northern/Arctic Canada). She is the author of Navigating Neoliberalism: Self-Determination and the Mikisew Cree First Nation (UBC Press, 2008) any many other publications.

Gary Yabsley, Senior Counsel

Ratcliff LLP

Keynote lunch #2: UNDRIP and Modern Treaties
Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Gary has represented First Nations and Inuit organizations as legal counsel, political advisor and negotiator for many years.

His involvement has included constitutional development, treaty making and land issues, reconciliation and mutual benefits agreements with governments and corporate entities, economic development and power projects, and the development of First Nation governance.

Gertrude Touchie, Member of the Executive, Community Services Portfolio

Ucluelet First Nation

4A: Mental Health and Wellness
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Dr. Hayden King, Executive Director

Yellowhead Institute, Toronto Metropolitan University

Moderator – 1B: Relationship to Land
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Hayden is Anishinaabe from Beausoleil First Nation on Gchi’mnissing. Hayden is the executive director of Yellowhead Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University and has taught at McMaster and Carleton Universities, held senior fellowships at Massey College and the Conference Board of Canada, and served in advisory roles to provincial and tribal governments and Inuit organizations. His writing, analysis and commentary on Indigenous politics and policy is published widely and he is the recipient of the Governor-General’s Meritorious Service Medal for his work.

Heather Bourassa, Chairperson

Sahtú Land Use Planning Board

4C: Co-management: Reflections and Insights
Wednesday February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Heather Bourassa has been the Chairperson of the Sahtú Land Use Planning Board since 2012. She oversaw the approval of the first Sahtú Land Use Plan in 2013, as well as its 5-Year periodic review which received final approval in 2023. Heather is a Beneficiary of the Sahtú Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement (SDMCLCA), and lives in Fort Good Hope, NT. As a Beneficiary of the SDMCLCA, she has been motivated to participate and offer on solutions that benefit the region, such as sitting on the local land claims board and the local school board, to name a few. She is also a business owner, and the proud mother of two children.

Dr. Heather Castleden

4E: Jurisdiction Challenges and Opportunities
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Dr Heather Castleden is a Professor in the School of Public Administration at the University of Victoria where she holds the President’s Impact Chair in Transformative Governance in Planetary Health. Her research interests focus on decolonial community-based participatory research in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples on governance, health, and land-based matters that are important to them.

hinatinyis

4E: Jurisdiction Challenges and Opportunities
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

My name is hinatinyis. I am a Huu-ay-aht woman and a language warrior. I graduated from the Indigenous Language Revitalization program in 2020 and have been sharing the Nuu-chah-nulth language on many platforms. I’ve had the honor to work with new language learners online, at music festivals, and have worked with UVic and many other post-secondary institutions.

I have been so lucky to meet and work with students at different stops on their language journeys, but I especially love working with beginners.

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you”. – B.B. King

Jeneva Touchie, Manager of Language Services

Ucluelet First Nation

1A: Language Revitalization
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Jennifer Mierau

2D: Climate action in Modern Treaty implementation
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

Jennifer Mierau is from the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, and has lived in Dawson City, Yukon. Growing up, she is connected to the traditions of her Han nation, the people who have always lived along the Yukon River between Eagle, AK and Dawson City, YT, sharing land and cultural practices across what’s now the border between Canada and Alaska. That connection was disrupted with the gold rush, but the heritage and community bonds have remained strong. Jennifer recently completed a two-year term as an Ambassador of the Reconnection Vision through the Yukon First Nation Climate Action Fellowship. She’s passionate about reclaiming her Tr’ondëk identity, decolonizing systems, and finding ways to communicate that feels genuine and restorative. She’s also on a journey to grow her skills as a circle facilitator, a mentor to young people, and a guide in creating safe, welcoming spaces for real conversation. With a lifetime spent as a cultural steward—attending culture camps, harvesting with her family, and salmon fishing in the Yukon—Jennifer feels deeply tied to her heritage. She hopes to build her land-based skills to share what she learns with her community in ways that help others reconnect, each in their own way.

Jenny Freeman, Emergency Program Coordinator

Tla’amin Nation

3C: Emergency Management
Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Jenny is the Emergency Program Coordinator for Tla’amin Nation in the qathet Regional District of British Columbia. As a South African immigrant with a strong background in community service, she is passionate about supporting Modern Treaty Nations in the domestic & international context.

Via the guidance of Tla’amin’s Comprehensive Nation Plan, Jenny’s strives to bring an inter-disciplinary lens to the emergency context. By weaving together themes of inter-connection, climate readiness and education, she hopes to create a sustainable support system for Tla’amin Nation, and to contribute to a ‘whole of community’ approach for the safety of Indigenous Nations across Canada.

With a grandchild in the Indigenous community, Jenny is personally inspired by Northwest Coast oral histories around the orca whale. These incredible creatures, especially the grandmothers, are symbols of family, harmony and community.

Jenny is a volunteer firefighter for the region, and has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cape Town, majoring in English, French and Psychology.

Dr. John B Zoe

Citizen of Tłįchǫ Nation; Negotiator, Tłįchǫ Agreement

Keynote lunch #1: Book Launch: Modern Treaties Implementation Research Project Edited Volume: Best Practices in Implementing Modern Treaties
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 12:00pm-1:15pm

1B: Relationship to Land
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

1D: Modern Treaty Education
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

2E: UNDRIP and Modern Treaty Implementation: Case studies of the NWT and BC
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

John B. Zoe has had many leadership roles in his community and more broadly worked with Elders in reviving the Tłı̨chǫ traditional land and water trails, developing the “Trails of Our Ancestors” program to invigorate youth to know their lands. He had major roles as a communicator, interpreter, and visionary in projects as critical as establishing a mission statement for the Tłı̨chǫ school board and developing Dedats’eedaa, the Tłı̨chǫ research institute, of which he is the chair. From 1992 to 2005 he was the chief land claims negotiator in the process that led to the self-government agreement for Tłı̨chǫ Ndek’àowo [Government]. He is the recipient of many honours in recognition of his leadership in modern treaty processes and his many contributions in sustaining Tłı̨chǫ language, culture, and way of life. Today, in addition to being an advisor to Tłı̨chǫ Ndek’àowo, he is the chair of the governing council of Hotıì Ts’eeda, an innovative unit of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research based in the NWT, and co-lead for the Indigenous Relationship to Land theme for the Modern Treaties Implementation Research Project. He is an acclaimed public speaker and author on topics as wide ranging as treaties, lessons from the land, canoes, place names, architecture, education, health, and governance.

Katie Fraser, Natural Resources Policy Advisor

Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government

1E: Indigenous Laws, Legal Traditions and Rights
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Katie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science with a focus in Wildlife Biology from McGill University, and a Master’s degree in Sustainability from the University of Saskatchewan. She has over 10 years of experience working in the field of natural resource management within the Yukon, largely in the realm of environmental monitoring, impact assessment, and land use planning. Katie now holds a position with the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government as a Natural Resources Policy Advisor, in which she is largely responsible for the meaningful implementation of Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in’s Final Agreement provisions related to land and resources. In this role, she works closely with the community and other governments to ensure Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in rights and interests are upheld on the land.

Katie is from Dawson City, Yukon, born and raised on the Traditional Territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, where she continues to reside with her family.

Katie Tucker, Counsel

Pape Salter Teillet LLP

Moderator – 1C: Implementation Policy: Successes and Challenges
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

4D: Economic Development in Modern Treaties
Wednesday February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Katie Tucker advises First Nations and Inuit groups on Indigenous and treaty rights. Over the past 15 years she has worked in private practice, and as in-house counsel to a treaty organization in Montreal and Toronto. She has worked extensively on Pre-Confederation, Historic, and Modern Treaties. Katie represents Indigenous groups in negotiations regarding self-government, fiscal financing, co-management, land claims, the development of nuclear energy projects, radioactive waste management issues, and commercial and real estate development. She has litigated before trial and appellate courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada.

Kimberly Touchie, Kakawinminh Leader

Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Kakawinminh – Women Warriors

3A: On the Land Programming
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

Regional Chief Kluane Adamek, Aagé

Assembly of First Nations

Moderator – 2D: Climate action in Modern Treaty implementation
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

Regional Chief Kluane Adamek (Aagé) is a proud northerner and citizen of Kluane First Nation, and honours the Matriarchs who have welcomed her into the Dakl’aweidi (Killer whale) Clan. Kluane is a First Nation woman with mixed Tlingit, Southern Tutchone, and settler Canadian ancestry, and is a proud mother to her daughter, Tayāna Copper-Jane.

She has served as the Assembly of First Nation (AFN) Yukon Regional Chief since January 2018. As Regional Chief, Kluane consistently presses for change in the ways that women, young people, and the next generation are included and empowered in decision-making forums, and she is committed to approaching her own leadership journey in a way that reflects her inner-most values as a Yukon First Nation woman. Kluane is deeply committed to advancing the interests of the 14 Yukon First Nations and works closely with Chiefs and citizens to advance their priorities and interests, both regionally and nationally.

Kluane’s diverse ancestry and lived experiences in both Northern and Southern parts of the country allow her to analyze the world from several different perspectives, and to build bridges between people, communities, nations, and generations. Through extensive time spent in both the private and public sectors, Kluane has spent her life and career searching for ways to support emerging leaders in the North and beyond. While pursuing her Jane Glassco Northern Fellowship with the Walter and Duncan Gordon Charitable Foundation, she led and founded “Our Voices,” a collective of Northern Indigenous emerging leaders.

The critical roles of education, language, culture, and reconnection for Indigenous youth is what drives Kluane to be part of creating change in the Yukon and beyond. She proudly holds the AFN’s Youth portfolio, working with youth from across the country to support and elevate their voices as leaders of the next generation. She also holds the AFN Mental Health and Wellness portfolio, where she hopes to merge conversations about mental health and wellness with culture and reconnection, with particular focus on youth mental health.

Since 2009, she has worked with Yukon First Nations and local communities in the areas of education, economic development, and governance, serving on several boards and committees including the Yukon College Board of Governors, Kluane Dana Trust, Actua, the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, the Aboriginal Sport Circle, and most recently as a board member of WWF Canada.

As the AFN’s portfolio holder on climate change, the environment and water stewardship, she has established environmental action as a top priority for the organization nationally and internationally. She served on Canada’s Net-Zero Advisory Body to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada and remains a key representative of the AFN at international conferences where she provides a powerful voice within global conversations on climate.

Kluane also currently holds the AFN Modern Treaties portfolio where she is actively working to advance the implementation of treaties signed after 1975, a key priority for Yukon First Nations. As Chair of the AFN Executive and Management Committees, Kluane works with her fellow AFN Executive members to establish the AFN as a progressive organization that supports the interests of all First Nations.

In 2019, Kluane completed her Master of Business Administration at Simon Fraser University where she further expanded her governance and leadership experience. She is enriched and inspired daily by the Matriarchs, Elders, and youth who guide her work and the future of Yukon First Nations and her passions remain closely connected to working with First Nations youth, education, economic development, and governance.

Kunuk Inutiq

1B: Relationship to Land
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Kunuk (Sandra) Inutiq is self-employed. She previously served as the Director of self-government at Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI), studying self-government for Nunavut. Before that, she was the Chief Negotiator for the Qikiqtani Inuit Association for the Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area’s Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement. She has also worked as a Senior Associate for Inuit Nunangat at the Tides Canada Foundation (now known as MakeWay).

Inutiq has lived in various communities in Nunavut. She spent her childhood in Kangiqtualuk outpost camp and in Clyde River. In her youth she moved to Iqaluit, where she now lives. After graduating high school, she attended Nunavut Sivuniksavut, an Ottawa-based college program that teaches Inuit history, then returned to Iqaluit and took on a paralegal training position with Justice Canada. She then worked for Corrections with the Government of Nunavut, serving youth, before returning to school for an undergraduate law program at Carleton University.

Inutiq received her law degree from Akitsiraq Law School in 2005, and in 2006, she became the first Inuk woman in Nunavut to pass the bar exam. She has worked as legal counsel for the Government of Nunavut, as the Director of Policy for the Office of the Languages Commissioner and also served as the Official Languages Commissioner for Nunavut.

Larry Innes, Partner

Olthuis, Kleer, Townshend LLP

4C: Co-management: Reflections and Insights
Wednesday February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Larry is a partner at Olthuis, Kleer, Townshend LLP practicing in the area of Indigenous rights and environmental law. Larry has worked with First Nations on lands and resources issues for more than 25 years, and has developed extensive experience in the negotiation of impacts and benefits agreements, environmental assessment, co-management measures, self-government and treaty provisions.

He currently represents and advises Indigenous governments dealing with major mining, forestry and energy developments, and is also involved in several leading Indigenous conservation and land use planning initiatives across Canada.

Larry is called to the bar in Ontario, Alberta, Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Newfoundland and Labrador. He holds a JD from the University of Victoria, a Masters in Environmental Studies from York University, and is a graduate of McMaster University’s Arts & Science Programme. He resides in Yellowknife.

Larry is listed as a “Most Frequently Recommended” lawyer in his field by Lexpert, Chambers Global, and Best Lawyers.

Dr. Martin Papillon, Professor

Faculty of Arts and Sciences – Department of Political Science, University of Montreal

Moderator – 3B: Building Better Intergovernmental Relations and Stable Financing for Self-Government
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

Mat Sargent, Senior Director

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Government of Canada

1C: Implementation Policy: Successes and Challenges
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Mat Sargent is the Senior Director of the Modern Treaty and Self-Government Policy Directorate at Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC). In this role, he leads the development of policies and approaches that support the broad and purposive implementation of modern treaties and self-government agreements.

With nearly 20 years of experience in Indigenous policy, governance, and negotiations, Mat has played a pivotal role in shaping Canada’s approach to the recognition and implementation of Indigenous rights. He has held various positions across the Government of Canada, specializing in strategic policy development, policy co-development, and negotiations. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing key reforms, including to the Comprehensive Land Claims and Inherent Right to Self-Government policies and modernizing the federal mandating and approval processes for agreements.

Mat has led complex, multi-stakeholder engagement and policy co-development initiatives, working closely with Indigenous governments, provincial and territorial partners, and federal departments. Recent accomplishments include the co-development of Canada’s Collaborative Modern Treaty Implementation Policy and Bill C-77, An Act respecting the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at strengthening oversight and accountability in modern treaty implementation.

Outside of work, Mat enjoys spending time with his two young children, traveling, and playing soccer.

Mary Childs, General Counsel

Tsawwassen First Nation

4D: Economic Development in Modern Treaties
Wednesday February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45p

Mary Childs is General Counsel for Tsawwassen First Nation. Before joining TFN in June 2020, she practiced with a national law firm, working primarily with charities, cooperatives, and other purpose-driven organizations. Mary has held academic positions in law faculties in Canada and the UK. She chairs the board of governors of the Law Foundation of British Columbia, is a member of BC’s Passenger Transportation Board, and chairs the Motor Dealer Customer Compensation Fund Board. Currently, Mary is a member of the BC Law Institute’s Escheat Act Project Committee. In both 2021 and 2022, Business In Vancouver named her one of BC’s 500 most influential business leaders. Mary lives on the unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh people.

Michael Welters

Partner, Aldridge + Rosling LLP

2C: Collaborative Fiscal Policy: Opportunities and Issues
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

Michael Welters advises on taxes and inter-governmental fiscal relations. He specializes in providing tax advice to the tax-exempt sector, including modern treaty nations, bands, municipalities, health authorities, pension plans, charities and non-profit organizations. He provides those clients with advice on: obtaining or maintaining their income tax exempt status and structuring new activities; complying with and mitigating their commodity tax obligations (e.g., PST, GST, property transfer tax); and the application of, or exemption from, annual property taxes. He teaches “aboriginal tax” as an adjunct professor at UBC Faculty of Law.

With respect to the inter-governmental fiscal relations, Michael advises on the negotiation of tax coordination agreements between different levels of government and on the negotiation and application of fiscal financing and own source revenue agreements. His knowledge extends to equalization and territorial financing arrangements and provincial tax harmonization arrangements.

Michael has represented clients in a variety of tax disputes, both at the administrative and court appeal levels, with respect to a wide range of taxes, including income tax, carbon tax, PST, GST, EI and CPP, tobacco tax and property tax. He has also assisted clients who have outstanding tax obligations with making voluntary disclosures to tax authorities.

Deputy Chief Michelle Telep

Ta’an Kwäch’än Council

Moderator – 1A: Language Revitalization
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

4A: Mental Health and Wellness, Wednesday
February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Deputy Chief Michelle Telep comes from a history of leaders. She is a member of the Crow Clan and comes from the Jenny Dawson family. Her great grandfather, George Dawson was the Hereditary Chief for the Ta’an Kwäch’än people from the late 1940’s until his passing in 1993. Michelle’s mother, Gail Anderson served as Deputy Chief of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council from 2006-2009 and was a Council member for nearly twenty years prior. Michelle served as Deputy Chief from 2012 to 2018 and has recently been re-elected for a third term in October 2024. She is guided by the teachings and principles that she has learned from her relatives and other Yukon Elders in her leadership role.

Michelle has a background in health and was a licensed Practical Nurse and a certified life skills instructor/coach and counsellor. Michelle was the Governance Renewal Coordinator for Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Implementation Manager in the early 2000’s.

As a Southern Tutchone woman, Michelle was born and raised in Whitehorse, Yukon with traditional teachings and cultural values including respect for the land and all living things, integrity, humility, unity and the importance of family. She is the proud mother of two daughters.

Nicholas Dodd, Legal Counsel

Dionne Schulze

1F: Implementation of the Nunavut Agreement: Entering A New Phase
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15-2:45pm

Nicholas Dodd is a partner at the law firm Dionne Schulze SENC in Montreal. He represents Indigenous groups before the courts and assists them at the negotiating table. He has worked extensively on the interpretation and implementation of modern treaties, including on questions related to resource co-management and appropriate funding mechanisms for implementing treaty promises.

Nicole Hutton

Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation

2A: Indigenous Food Sovereignty
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 3:15-4:45pm

Nicole Hutton is Handyät [Crow Clan] from the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun (NND) in Mayo, Yukon where she was born and raised. She was raised to have a strong connection with food – especially through community volunteers and traditional teachers in her life. This led her to get a position with NND’s Heritage and Culture Department, as well as volunteering with Mayo’s many volunteer groups, as well as Yukon Emergency Services for many years. After that, Nicole gained a position with NND Development Corporation, and through her work was able to give back to her community in a meaningful way. Being able to help advocate for food security and sovereignty for her Nation, helping to celebrate and share the variety of skills of our citizens, and being a part of creating all these different opportunities for connection building in the community has truly been a blessing.

Nicole Bulger, PhD candidate

Balsillie School of International Affairs, University of Waterloo

3B: Building Better Intergovernmental Relations and Stable Financing for Self-Government
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

Nicole Bulger (Burns) (she/her) is a PhD candidate at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, University of Waterloo, specializing in Global Justice and Human Rights. Since 2016, Nicole has been engaged in community-led capacity building, primarily working with Indigenous communities across Canada on various health and wellness initiatives. She has worked in numerous capacities supporting the research direction of Indigenous partners, as an allied researcher. Nicole is continuing her PhD research focusing on Indigenous Peoples inherent right to self-government and partnering with Behdzi Ahda First Nation to conduct an in-depth case study.

Nigel Moore, Special Projects Manager

Uchucklesaht Tribe Government

2D: Climate action in Modern Treaty implementation
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

Nigel Moore is Special Projects Manager, Uchucklesaht Tribe Government (UTG). In this role he manages a portfolio of infrastructure, planning, and other UTG projects including several clean energy and climate action initiatives. Prior to joining the UTG staff in 2023, Mr. Moore worked for Barkley Project Group in Nanaimo, BC as a Project Manager, supporting several indigenous-owned renewable energy projects including solar, hydropower, geothermal and biomass energy projects. He has 4 years experience studying the intersection of renewable energy systems and economic and social development as a research program manager at the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Sustainable Energy, and has previously held positions in research institutes and think tanks including the University of Oxford in England, the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (now the Research Institute for Sustainability) in Germany, and the Centre for International Governance Innovation in Canada.

Nuri Frame, Managing Partner

Pape Salter Teillet LLP

3E: Jurisprudence and Legislative Development: The impact on Modern Treaties
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

Nuri Frame is managing partner of Pape Salter Teillet LLP. He specializes in Indigenous rights law, with an emphasis on litigation and dispute resolution, governance, and treaty negotiation and implementation.

Nuri’s litigation practice focuses on a range of areas impacting Indigenous peoples, including constitutional law, administrative law, environmental and regulatory law, treaty and self-government issues and disputes concerning implementation of impact benefits agreements. Nuri has appeared before numerous courts and regulatory tribunals in both Canada and the United States. Nuri appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada on behalf of interveners in the Behn, Keewatin, Chippewas of the Thames, and First Nations, Inuit and Métis Children, Youth and Families Act cases.

In addition to his litigation practice, Nuri also provides advice on a range of other legal issues affecting Indigenous communities, including governance, treaty negotiation and implementation, environmental and resource protection and negotiation and consultation with governments and resource developers. Nuri has worked extensively with Indigenous governments in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon and the Northwest Territories. In his practice, Nuri aims to provide his clients with legal and strategic advice that permits them to access the full range of options available for effectively resolving the issues they are presented with. Prior to joining Pape Salter Teillet, Nuri practiced as a litigator in the New York office of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, where he worked on a broad range of complex corporate and commercial litigation matters.

Nuri received his LL.B from Osgoode Hall Law School, where he was awarded the Bronze Medal, and is called to the bar in Ontario, Alberta, Yukon, the Northwest Territories and New York State. Nuri is recognized as a “consistently recommended” practitioner in the field of Aboriginal law in the peer rankings published by Lexpert Magazine and has, for the past nine years, been named a “Best Lawyer” in the area of Aboriginal law by the peer rankings in Best Lawyers in Canada. Best Lawyers in Canada named Nuri the 2018 “Lawyer of the Year” for Aboriginal law in Toronto.

Olivier Jarda, Associate

Pape Salter Teillet LLP

Moderator – 3C: Emergency Management
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

Olivier Jarda specializes in Indigenous rights and Aboriginal law, with a focus on governance, treaty implementation, language rights, and environmental, climate, health, and social policy.

Olivier has represented and advised Indigenous governments, national and regional Indigenous organizations, treaty organizations, and Indigenous communities.

Olivier served as Director of Policy and Legal Affairs to Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and as Policy Advisor to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. In these roles he helped develop government policies and several pieces of legislation, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Olivier previously worked as a Policy Associate at the Center for International Policy in Washington DC, where his focus was climate and environmental policy.

Olivier received his JD and BCL from McGill University’s Faculty of Law. He holds an MPhil in International Relations from the University of Oxford, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar.

Olivier is called to the bar in Québec, Ontario and the Northwest Territories.

Dr. Onyx Sloan Morga

4E: Jurisdiction Challenges and Opportunities, Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Onyx Sloan Morgan is a settler of Irish and Scottish ancestries who grew up on unceded Lekwungen territories / Victoria, BC. For the last 15-years, they have been working in partnership with Huu-ay-aht First Nations and Dr. Heather Castleden to explore the negotiation and now implementation of the Maa-nulth Treaty. Through the tašiiʔakqin ʔuyaqhmisukqin (Our Journey, Our Story): Huu-ay-aht Perspectives on Modern Treaty Implementation Research Project and as steered by the tašiiʔakqin ʔuyaqhmisukqin Research Advisory Committee, their collaborative research has investigated topics such as youth visions for a modern-treaty future, the living nature of treaties as signatories approach the periodic review, the process of negotiation and initial years of implementation, climate change and treaty, and the relationship with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Onyx is also a Principal’s Research Chair and Assistant Professor at UBC Okanagan.

Paulina Roche, Chief Executive Officer

Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government

Keynote lunch #1: Book Launch: Modern Treaties Implementation Research Project Edited Volume: Best Practices in Implementing Modern Treaties
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 12:00pm-1:15pm

Chief Pauline Frost

Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation

3C: Emergency Management
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

Chief Pauline Frost is one of seven children born to Donald and Alice Frost and is descendent of the Njuu’tli and Atshinekwditli families. Chief Frost believes that everyone deserves to be given an opportunity to participate in a true democratic government, one that is rooted in culture, our traditional teachings, while acknowledging the good work of our ancestors and our predecessors. This guides her in the work that she does representing our people locally, nationally and internationally.

Chief Frost has always kept her Gwich’in cultural connections strong while dedicating her career to furthering the interests of the Vuntut Gwitchin. In 2016, Chief Frost was elected as MLA in the Vuntut Gwitchin riding and served simultaneously as Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation. Prior to this, Chief Frost worked for Vuntut Gwitchin Government as their negotiator and Intergovernmental Coordinator and served as Director of the Yukon First Nation Self-Government Secretariat and Chair of the Yukon Salmon Sub-Committee. Chief Frost was responsible for the implementation of Yukon climate change strategy ” Our Clean Future”. She is also the chair of the National Children Chief Commission (NCCC), and the chair of Yukon Health Transformation representing Yukon First nations.

Phebie Kenny, Infrastructure and Housing Director

Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government

Keynote Lunch #1: Book Launch: Modern Treaties Implementation Research Project Edited Volume: Best Practices in Implementing Modern Treaties
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 12:00pm-1:15pm

Rhea Lewthwaite

Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government

1E: Indigenous Laws, Legal Traditions and Rights
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Dr. Robert Hamilton, Associate Professor

University of Calgary

4B: Indigenous and Settler Law
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Robert holds a JD from the University of New Brunswick Faculty of Law, an LLM from Osgoode Hall Law School, and a PhD from the University of Victoria Faculty of Law. Robert has published on a range of Indigenous rights issues, including Aboriginal rights and title, Indigenous peoples and federalism, treaty rights, and legal-historical aspects of Crown-Indigenous relations. Robert has worked also with Indigenous nations on treaty rights, Aboriginal title, and self-government issues.

Robin Bradasch

Citizen of Kluane First Nation
Regional General Director, Governance, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Yukon Region
Negotiator, Kluane First Nation Final Agreement

1D: Modern Treaty Education
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Chùsi – Robin Bradasch is a proud Southern Tutchone citizen of Kluane First Nation (KFN) in the Yukon, she is the daughter of Mats’an Nats’ ats’ulia (the late Chief Joe Johnson) and Kwanahay Ma (Sandy Johnson). She is of the crow moiety. Her career has been dedicated to the negotiation and implementation of the Yukon Final and Self-Government Agreements. She was the Chief Negotiator and Land, Heritage and Resources Director with KFN for 12 years reaching agreements in 2003. She also served several years as the Deputy Chief.

In 2005 she accepted a position with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and has since held various management positions. She is now the Regional Director General for the Yukon region for Crown Indigeneous Relations and Northern Affairs.

She holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University. She is an active citizen serving as a KFN Däna Trustee and sits on the KFN Constitution Committee

Ryan Daum, Manager of Economic Development

Tsawwassen First Nation

Moderator – 3A: On the Land Programming
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

4D: Economic Development in Modern Treaties
Wednesday February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Chief Sean Uyenets’echᶖa Smith

Kwanlin Dün First Nation

1A: Language Revitalization
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

4D: Economic Development in Modern Treaties
Wednesday February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Sean Smith was elected as Chief of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation in March 2023. KDFN signed its Final Agreement and Self-Governing Agreement which became effective April 1, 2005 officially making KDFN the tenth self-governing Yukon First Nation. Before becoming chief, Sean worked for KDFN in many capacities and served 6 years as a Councilor before becoming chief.

Chief Smith learned Southern Tutchone from many Elders he has worked with and has a passion for language revitalization in the community. For years he has been dedicated to organizing language conferences and gatherings designed to engage many First Nations and that appeal to the youth in the communities. His work in Language Revitalization helped to bring together effective immersive approaches to language teaching and learning.

As Chief, he has not lost his focus on language revitalization but he has added many priorities as he seeks to lead Kwanlin Dun. Deeply committed to responding to the community’s concerns, Chief Smith has made affordable housing, effective governance structure, and accessible education and employment opportunities the priorities for the government. These priorities are not new as back 51 years ago in Together Today for our Children Tomorrow they were identified as critical for the growth of the First Nations.

Chief Smith is dedicated to using his office as Chief to empower KDFN citizens to thrive. Working together with Elders to capture their amazing knowledge is very important to him, as this knowledge provides the foundation for implementing the self-government agreements and it informs KDFN’s continuing work with other First Nations in the territory today, and into the future.

Selma Ford, Program Director

The Gordon Foundation

Moderator – 1D: Modern Treaty Education
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Selma joined The Gordon Foundation in 2023 as Program Director. Originally from Nain, Nunatsiavut, Selma now lives in Ottawa and was a health officer at the Inuit Circumpolar Council before coming to The Gordon Foundation. Previously, Selma worked at various Indigenous organizations in Ottawa, including the national Inuit representational organization, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), as a health policy advisor.

Before moving to Ottawa, Selma worked for many years as a Community Health Worker in her hometown of Nain, delivering health promotion and education programs. Selma has spent her entire career working on behalf of Inuit, whether delivering prenatal programs in her hometown or coordinating activities at national and international levels.

Senwung Luk, Partner

Olthuis, Kleer, Townshend LLP

4B: Indigenous and Settler Law
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Senwung Luk is a Partner at OKT. He has appeared in different levels of court and tribunals, including the Supreme Court of Canada and various courts of appeal, representing Indigenous clients fighting for their rights. He has focuses on litigation on Aboriginal rights and title, the Crown’s fiduciary obligations to First Nations, and the implementation of Impacts and Benefits Agreements (IBAs). He has numerous peer-reviewed publications on these areas and his work has been cited by different levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada.

Senwung received his J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School, where he won awards for highest standing in Aboriginal law, civil liberties, and constitutional law courses. He served as law clerk to Mr. Justice John Evans of the Federal Court of Appeal of Canada. Senwung has also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University and a postgraduate Bachelor of Civil Law degree from the University of Oxford.

Senwung is a member of the Bars of Ontario, the Northwest Territories, and Newfoundland and Labrador, and is listed as Consistently Recommended in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory on Indigenous Law. He has also been recognized in the areas of Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice and Administrative and Public Law in The Best Lawyers in Canada™.

Senwung Luk provides his services through a Professional Corporation.

Shawn Blankship, Data and Analytics Manager

First Nations Financial Management Board

2B: Socioeconomic Well-being, Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

Shawn Blankinship is Nlaka’pamux and a member of the Ashcroft Band from the southern interior of British Columbia.

As the First Nations Financial Management Board’s (FMB) Data and Analytics Manager, Shawn is responsible for providing leadership in economic and fiscal data collection, analysis, and policy research. Shawn builds collaborative relationships with First Nations, Indigenous organizations, and other organizations to advance First Nations economic and fiscal policy.

Prior to joining FMB, Shawn worked in accounting public practice as an assurance manager where he earned his Chartered Professional Accounting designation. During this time Shawn worked with a variety of clients, including private firms, not-for-profit organizations, school districts, municipal governments, and First Nations governments.

Shawn conducted quantitative research during his graduate studies that utilized Census data and financial data from First Nations government financial statements. After advancing his MBA thesis in this area, Shawn has published journal articles on the topics of First Nations community wellbeing, housing, and fiscal policy.

Steinar Våge

Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations

2B: Socioeconomic Well-being
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

Steinar Våge, originally from Norway, moved to the West Coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, 13 years ago. He and his family live in Kyuquot, where they were adopted into the Jack/Jules family. Steinar has worked for Ka:yu:’k’t’h’ / Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations (KCFN) for 7 years and was instrumental in a KCFN census project that initiated the discussion about data governance within KCFN. He developed a Community Services department before moving into Program & Project Development for KCFN. Steinar is grateful and honoured to be living in and serving the community of Kyuquot.

Dr. Stephan Schott, Professor

Carleton University

2A: Indigenous Food Sovereignty
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

Stephan Schott is a Professor in the School of Public Policy and Administration at Carleton University with a PhD in Natural Resource and Environmental Economics. He teaches graduate courses in natural resource management, energy economics, energy tools and evaluation methods and theoretical foundations of public policy. He has extensively worked in interdisciplinary teams with Indigenous governments and communities, natural scientists, engineers and social scientists from other disciplines. He has substantial research and teaching experience in the Canadian Arctic where he managed and is leading several major Arctic research projects. His research currently focuses on food security and Northern fisheries, common pool resource institutions, alternative energy and sustainable development in the Arctic, local economic and human development impacts of mining, wildlife management and knowledge co-evolution, and energy strategies and carbon emission reduction programmes in North America and Europe.

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

Moderator – Keynote lunch #1: Book Launch: Modern Treaties Implementation Research Project Edited Volume: Best Practices in Implementing Modern Treaties
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 12:00pm-1:15pm

Moderator – 2E: UNDRIP and Modern Treaty Implementation: Case studies of the NWT and BC
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

Stephanie attended primary and high school in Inuvik, NWT, then went on to earn a BA and MA in Political Science at the University of Alberta. She subsequently earned a PhD from Cambridge University, England, supported by a full scholarship as Donner North American Scholar and Major Scholar at Magdalene College. Her academic book, Finding Dahshaa, is a standard text on Indigenous self government negotiations taught in universities across North America and Europe. For the past thirty years, Stephanie has worked for Indigenous peoples’ governments in the NWT on Modern Treaty and self government negotiations and implementation.

Stephanie represents NWT modern treaty holder clients in self government negotiations, intergovernmental relations, and treaty and self government finance negotiations. She maintains an active academic research program as the Principal Investigator of the Land Claim Agreements Coalition – Carleton University Modern Treaties Implementation Research Project, funded by the SSHRC and hosted by Tłįchǫ Government. She is the founding Scientific Director and current Scientific Lead of Hotıì ts’eeda, a Canadian Institutes of Health Research-funded research support unit, hosted by the Tłįchǫ Government. She and her spouse Andrew live in Yellowknife where they have raised their two sons.

Tasha Paramalingam, Senior Associate

Pape Salter Teillet LLP

Moderator – 4E: Jurisdiction Challenges and Opportunities
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Tasha Paramalingam is a senior associate with Pape Salter Teillet LLP, and specializes in Indigenous rights law, with an emphasis on litigation and governance.

Prior to joining Pape Salter Teillet LLP, Tasha worked at the Ontario Human Rights Commission and the Ministry of the Solicitor General. Tasha was previously an associate in Sidley Austin LLP’s litigation practice, in their Washington, DC office.

Tasha holds a J.D. from Yale Law School and a B.A., magna cum laude, in Justice and Peace Studies from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. Tasha is called to the bar in Ontario, New York, and Washington, DC.

Teresa Samson, Heritage Manager

Na Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation

1A: Language Revitalization
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Teresa Samson, a proud member of the Wolf Clan of the Northern Tutchone people from the Yukon Territory, has been the Heritage Manager for the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun since 2019. While her matrilineal ancestry is rooted in the Northern Tutchone area, Teresa’s paternal heritage is in Eastern Canada, where she was raised on Cape Breton Island. Her career with the Nation began in 1996 as an administrator, and over the years, she has worked in various departments, including Economic Development, Housing, Health and Social, Implementation, and Lands. Her deep experience across these areas has shaped her holistic approach to community leadership.

Teresa holds a Diploma in First Nation Governance and Public Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Indigenous Governance, both from Yukon University, where she earned a place on the Dean’s List for her academic achievements. She is also an active member of several committees, including the Business Trust, Constitution Committee, Housing Committee, Hiring Committee, Elections Committee, and School Council.

A passionate advocate for Indigenous language revitalization, Teresa sees language preservation as a key element in reclaiming cultural identity, fostering community well-being, and reaffirming one’s place in the world. Her work ensures that future generations stay connected to their linguistic and cultural heritage.

In addition to her professional commitments, Teresa has been raising two wonderful sons, Josh and Liam.

Dr. Thierry Rodon

Professor, Université Laval

Moderator – 2B: Socioeconomic Well-being
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

Thierry Rodon is a professor in the Department of Political Science at Université Laval and holds the INQ Research Chair in Northern Sustainable Development. He leads MinErAL, an international and interdisciplinary research project focused on extractive industries and Indigenous livelihood. The project involves researchers and Indigenous partners from Canada, Australia, New Caledonia, and Fennoscandia. He has authored three books: “In Partnership with the State” in 1998, “Nested Federalism and Inuit Governance in the Canadian Arctic,” with G. Wilson and C. Alcantara, published by UBC Press in 2020, and “The Challenge of Indigenous Policies in Canada” published by Presses de l’université du Québec in 2019. He has also co-edited with M. Papillon, “Indigenous peoples and natural resources: a look at the challenges of implementing free, prior and informed consent”, published in 2023 at L’Harmattan.

Chemkwaat, Valerie Cross, Executive Councillor

Tsawwassen First Nation

2D: Climate action in Modern Treaty implementation
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

Chemkwaat, Valerie Cross, is a proud of citizen of the Tsawwassen First Nation and was raised on the former Tsawwassen reserve by her grandparents Isaac and Pearl Williams. Her time with her grandparents provided her with strong roots to her heritage and a deep connection to the Tsawwassen lands, people and culture. Valerie is extremely, honoured to carry her great, great grandmother’s Squamish name, Chemkwaat.

Her compassion, commitment and passion for helping people are key to her successes at Tsawwassen First Nation. Valerie served her nation for 11 ½ years in a variety of roles, including band manager, treaty negotiator (pre-treaty) and manager of government services (post treaty). She worked tirelessly with the treaty team on an ambitious 40 project implementation work plan during the transition period leading up to the Effective Date of the Treaty (April 3, 2009).

As manager of government services for Tsawwassen First Nation she was responsible for the daily operation of Tsawwassen’s public institutions, including its Legislature and Executive Council. She played an integral part in growth and development of the Tsawwassen Legislature and has a passion for integrating culture and blending modern governance practices with traditional ones. She strongly believes in the benefits of a Treaty to the Tsawwassen people.

Valerie also believes that all Indigenous people can take control of their lives by whatever means is right for them, including climate change, and is committed to sharing her experiences and knowledge to whoever may want, need or welcome them. In 2014, her beliefs and experience led her to Naut’sa mawt Tribal Council where she held the position of Director of Advisory Services and was to committed to provide useful, relevant and helpful services to the 11 Coast Salish member nations that belong to the Tribal Council. In 2020, Valerie completed SFU’s Executive MBA Indigenous Business Leadership (IBL) program to obtain her Masters in Business Administration and values education for Indigenous Peoples of all ages. In 2021 Valerie moved from Indigenous Governance to academia working at BCcampus as Director of Collaborative Projects and Indigenous engagement. Currently, she is working as a consultant supporting higher education for Indigenous Peoples.

In April 2016 her people elected her to the Tsawwassen Legislature, where she continues to serve in her third term, and in April 2019 she was also elected to the role of Executive Councillor where she is serving in her second term. Upon the passing of Chief Swәnnәset, Ken Baird, Valerie was appointed as Acting Chief from August 2022 until the October 2022 election. Valerie is passionate about providing the tools for her community to fight climate change and believes in building relationships that improve collaboration, unity, wellness and happiness.

Vanessa Udy, PhD Candidate

Faculty of Law, University of Victoria

4B: Indigenous and Settler Law
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Vanessa Udy (BCL, LL.B., LL.M.) is a settler of mixed European descent living and working on the unceded lands of the W̱SÁNEĆ and Lək̓ʷəŋən speaking peoples. She is a member of the Barreau du Québec (2009) and the Law Society of British Columbia (2018). She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Victoria’s Faculty of Law, doing community-engaged research to support the revitalization of Tlingit Clan-based governance.

Velma Albert, Implementation Manager

Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation

Moderator – 4A: Mental Health and Wellness
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 1:15pm-2:45pm

Velma is from Carmacks, Yukon and is a member of Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation. She is a proud Indigenous woman who belongs to the Wolf Clan. Velma was born in Whitehorse, Yukon, but was raised in Carmacks which is her traditional home land. Her parents taught her the Northern Tutchone traditional ways to gather/harvest food and to evoke traditional healing through spiritual beliefs.

Although Velma’s parents taught her Indigenous ways, they also taught her to live a Christian life. As a child, she participated in Sunday School activities, and then attended church when she got older. To know the Creator is important to our healing and well being.

Velma married her husband, Brent in 1990, and had two sons soon there after. Their household continues to be a strong cohesion family.

To navigate in two worlds is also important to her. She attended the Simon Fraser University (SFU) and gained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree – she studied in Criminology. She also wanted to assist people who are battle addictions so she studied in the area of, Chemical Addiction counsellor at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT). She transferred her studies to the University of Fraser Valley and successfully gained another BA there. She continued her education at the University of British Columbia (UBC). She graduated with a Master of Education Degree; her research question was, “Do Indigenous people’s experience of Residential Schools and Penitentiaries share similarities?”

Velma Worked in many Judicial fields since she graduated high school in Carmacks. First, she became a member of the Royal Mounted Police (RCMP). It did not last long as she moved into becoming a Heavy Equipment Operator. Soon thereafter she began her career in working for the Little Salmon Carmacks Fist Nation as the, Finance Director. During this time, she held a second job as the community’s Justice of the Peace (JP). After she left her home community (Carmacks), she relocated to Burnaby to attend University at SFU.

Once she had graduated, she immediately secured employment with the Circle of Eagles Lodge Society (COELS). COELS have two Community Residential Facilities (CRF); and, Velma held the title of, House Manager, at Anderson Women’s Healing Lodge CRF. This facility houses women whom are on Conditional Releases from the Federal Prisons nationally. It was her duties to supervised 11 staff, and 10 residents. The job can be busy, but it is very rewarding as she has a chance to have an impact on the lives of women leaving penitentiaries.

After being away from her home for 22 years, Velma and her family relocated back to Carmacks, Yukon to work as an Implementation Manager with Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation (LSCFN). There she learned the FTA negotiation skills while participating in meetings with Self Governing Indigenous Groups (SGIG) and federal government. She shared that she has found her place in working for her Self-Governing Nation. She is at home.

Walter Bezha, Consultant

Deline Renewable Resources Council

2A: Indigenous Food Sovereignty
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

wiicackuum Anne Mack

Toquaht Natio

2D: Climate action in Modern Treaty implementation
Tuesday February 25, 2025, 3:15pm-4:45pm

Chief Councillor Wilfred Cootes

Uchucklesaht Tribe Government

2C: Collaborative Fiscal Policy: Opportunities and Issues
Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Wilfred Cootes was born in Port Alberni on September 2, 1978, to parents Wilfred and Susan Cootes. He is the father of five children, Moriah, Serra, Hunter, Oliver, and Wilfred.

He was elected in the Uchucklesaht Tribe’s first election in 2011 under Treaty as an Executive member and re-elected in 2015, and 2019. Wilfred ran unopposed and was elected as Chief Councillor in November 2023.

During his time as a member of Executive, Wilfred held the portfolios of Executive of Human Services and Executive of Lands and Resources.

In addition to Uchucklesaht Tribe Government elected Chief Councillor, Chief Wilfred Cootes is the current President of the Maa-Nulth Treaty Society, elected December 2023.

William David, Director of Legal Affairs

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

3E: Jurisprudence and Legislative Development: The impact on Modern Treaties, Wednesday
February 26, 2025, 10:30am-12:00pm

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

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Sheryl Lightfoot

North American member on the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Plenary Speakers

Aislyn Omilgoetok, Student

Nunavut Sivuniksavut

Aluki Kotierk

Chief Barb Joe

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations

Dave Joe, O.C.

President Eva Clayton

Nisga’a Lisims Government

Grand Chief Jackson Lafferty

Tłı̨chǫ Government

Jeremy Tunraluk, President

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.

Chief Councillor John Jack

Huu-ay-aht First Nation

Kirk Cameron, Mayor of Whitehorse

Leena Evic, President

Pirurvik Centre Inc.

Chief Louise Nattawappio

Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach

Itoah Scott-Enns, Director, Department of Planning and Partnerships

Tłı̨chǫ Government

Deputy Chief Nathan Uniam

Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamac

Paul MacDonald, Student

Nunavut Sivuniksavut

Taylor Baker, Executive Councillor and Legislator

Tsawwassen First Nation

Tammy Steinwand, Director of Culture and Lands Protection

Tłı̨chǫ Government

Valerie Gideon, Deputy Minister

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

Session Speakers

Dr. Adam Perry

Senior Avisor, Nisga’a Lisims Government

Alastair Campbell

Senior Policy Advisor, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI)

Angela Wesley, Commissioner

BC Treaty Commission

Anne-Marie Miller, Implementation Officer

Ta’an Kwäch’än Council

Brad Hickes, Senior Policy Advisor

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI)

Brendan Bachand, Senior Associate

Pape Salter Teillet LLP

R. Brent Lehmann, Partner

Ratcliff LLP

Breyze Blake, 7th National Treaty Simulation Participant

Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation

Bruce Uviluq, Legal Counsel

Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated

Carissa Waug

Catherine Littlefield, Food Systems Manager

Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation

Chenoa McCarthy, Kakawinminh Youth

Christle Moulton, Ishkaahittan Judicial Council Clan Representative

Carcross/Tagish First Nation

Colin Salter, Partner

Pape Salter Teillet LLP

Crystal Jack

Co-founder, Tiithluup Advisory Services

Cynthia Blackstone, Chief Administrative Officer

Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations

Dana Tizya-Tramm, Nadlii

Dr. Daniel Sherwin, Postdoctoral Fellow

School of Public Policy & Administration, Carleton University

Daniel T’seleie

K’asho Got’ine Chief Negotiator

Danny Gaudet

Ɂekw’ahtı̨dǝ́, Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government

David Codzi, Self-Government Manager

Behdzi Ahda First Nation

Dr. David Wright, Associate Professor

Faculty of Law, University of Calgary

Dianna Dragon, Lands & Resources Co-Ordinator

Department of Lands and Resources, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations

Breyze Blake, 7^th National Treaty Simulation Participant

Citizen of ɬaʔamɩn Nation
Manager, Treaty Relations and Intergovernmental Affairs, ɬaʔamɩn Nation

Citizen of the Gwich’in Nation;
Negotiator, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h First Nations Financial Fiscal Agreement, Maanulth Final Agreement