In February 2020 CBABC members created the Reconciliation Response Plan for Law Firms (“RRP”) to help firms advance reconciliation by:

• maximizing awareness and understanding of the historical experiences of Indigenous people and communities, and how the legal system contributed to those experiences; and
• improving relationships with Indigenous clients and community in and out the workplace.

In this recording, our presenters shared insights of how their firms implemented a RRP at their firms which reflects the firms values and business goals and offer helpful tips and advice on how to move to the next stage in developing an RRP for your firm.

About J. Berry Hykin

As a partner and solicitor at Woodward and Company, Berry works closely with First Nations to negotiate, develop, and implement legal and administrative tools to support self-governance and protect their Indigenous traditions and ways of life. In doing so, her practice includes lands and environmental management, on-reserve housing, band governance, economic development, and employment law with a focus on assisting employer First Nations and Aboriginal groups.

Before coming to Victoria, Berry lived on a farm in the West Kootenays. She obtained an honours with distinction BA in Classical Studies from the University of Victoria and Boston College, as well as a J.D. from the University of Victoria, where she took an intensive Indigenous Legal Studies program.

As well as her current practice of Indigenous law, Berry is trained in civil mediation and family law mediation. Berry has been with Woodward & Company since 2004, when she first joined as a student. She was called to the BC Bar in September 2006, and the Alberta Bar in January 2011.

About Zach Romano

Zach is a Corporate/Commercial lawyer in Fasken’s Global Mining, Indigenous Law and Global Energy and Climate practice groups.

Zach has represented clients on a range of commercial, transactional and regulatory matters, with emphasis on the energy and mining sectors.  He acts on acquisitions and divestitures of resource assets, including mining projects, renewable projects, LNG projects and associated pipelines.  He has particular expertise negotiating and drafting agreements involving Indigenous nations, including exploration, impact benefit, joint venture and other project-related agreements.  He regularly advises on environmental approvals and consultation issues involving the development of projects and facilities in traditional territories. 

Prior to joining Fasken, Zach worked in the treaty department for an Indigenous government and as a research consultant for a firm specializing in traditional use research.   Zach is Métis, a descendant of the historic Métis community at Lac St. Anne and a director of the Métis Community Services Society of BC.

This recording is hosted by CBABC, which is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam First Nations. We encourage our members to explore the rich history and knowledge of Indigenous people, and to continue learning about their experience in Canada, past and present.