CBABC Aboriginal Lawyers Forum Retreat 2023
“Honouring the Past, Foundations for the Future”
ABOUT THE RETREAT
The retreat marks an opportunity to reflect on significant moments in Indigenous history and to honour the achievement of Indigenous lawyers that came before us.
This year, we have outstanding speakers including the Honourable Judge Alexander Wolf and the Honourable Judge Karen Whonnock.
Our retreat includes learning about the next steps in integrating Indigenous laws and legal orders, advancing Indigenous lawyers, and advocating to improve the lives of Indigenous peoples. With 6 hours of CPD, you’ll find valuable information to inspire you.
Join us at the beautiful Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort in Parksville, BC for a weekend filled with powerful stories, inspirational advice and the chance to connect with your friends and colleagues.
AGENDA
Friday, June 23
7:00-8:30pm | Welcome Reception
Updates from the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch | Randy Robinson, CBABC Board Member
Updates from the Indigenous Bar Association | Drew Lafond, President, Indigenous Bar Association
Saturday, June 24
7:30-8:30am | Registration Check-In & Breakfast
8:30am-8:45am | Welcome Remarks
8:45am-9:30am | Connecting with the Territory
Carrie Reid
Qualicum First Nation
9:30am-9:45am | Mokadjigé Sculpture Dialogue
Jocelyne Robinson
Artist
Timiskaming Nation
9:45am-10:00am | HEALTH BREAK
10:00am-11:00am | Section 35 as a Tool of Colonialism
Bruce McIvor
First Peoples Law
Manitoba Métis
11:00am-12:00pm | The Road to Becoming a Bencher
Bryan Dybwad
Parents Legal Centre; LSBC Bencher
Gitxsan Nation
12:00pm-12:45pm | LUNCH
12:45pm-1:30pm | Indigenous Beadwork (Cultural Activity)
Michelle Casavant
Department of Justice
Métis
1:30pm-2:30pm | Advancing Indigenous Laws
Dr. Sarah Morales
University of Victoria, Faculty of Law
Coast Salish; Cowichan Tribes
2:30pm-2:45pm | HEALTH BREAK
2:45pm-3:45pm | Protecting Our Oceans
Dr. Judith Sayers
Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council
Hupacasath First Nation
2:45pm-2:30pm | So You Want to be a Judge
The Hon. Judge Karen Whonnock
Provincial Court of BC
Wet’suwet’en First Nation
6:00-9:00pm | Retreat Dinner: 4 -Course Indigenous Inspired Plated Dinner
*As a participant of this retreat, the banquet dinner on the night of Sat, Jun 24, is included with your registration. You may purchase one (1) guest ticket for a non-lawyer guest to accompany you to the dinner.
The Hon. Judge Alexander Wolf
Provincial Court of BC
Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa'mis First Nation
Sunday, June 25
8:00-10:00am | Breakfast & Check out
INDIGENOUS LAWYERS WAIVERS OF DUES PROGRAM
The new Indigenous Lawyers Waivers of Dues Program seeks to make CBABC more accessible to Indigenous lawyers who would otherwise not be able to afford membership.
This program helps to advance reconciliation and create an environment where Indigenous lawyers feel welcome and supported. Our commitment to reconciliation, guided by our Reconciliation Action Plan, is ongoing.
Do you know any Indigenous lawyers who would benefit from this program?
Learn More.
RETREAT COST
Please note that joining CBABC at the current pro-rated fee significantly reduces your retreat cost.
Accommodations at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Resort are at capacity. You may book your own accommodations at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort (1175 Resort Drive, Parksville, BC), located close to the retreat venue.
CBA Member
Retreat Only | $400 + GST
Non-Members
Retreat Only | $600 + GST
IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE TO ATTEND THE RETREAT?
The Law Foundation of BC has provided funds to assist those Indigenous lawyers and students for whom the cost would be a barrier to attend. Please contact events@cbabc.org to find out more.
INTERESTED IN CBA MEMBERSHIP?
Join CBABC now to access the member rate for this retreat and enjoy membership benefits for the remainder of the 2022-23 term at a pro-rated membership fee. Learn more.
ACKNOWLEDGING FIRST NATIONS TERRITORIES
The CBABC acknowledges that the land from which we gather and host this retreat from is on the ancestral lands of the Qualicum and Snaw-Naw-As First Nations, and we encourage members to explore the rich history and knowledge of Indigenous peoples, and to continue learning about their experience in Canada past and present.
PARTICIPANT GENERAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
By registering, you agree that all materials related to this course are for the sole use of the registrant, and may not be copied, reproduced, uploaded, posted, publicly displayed, translated, distributed, shared, modified, made available on a network or other website, used to create derivative works, or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever without the prior express written permission of the Canadian Bar Association.
ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSIVENESS
The CBABC provides access to activities for all members. The facilities for this meeting may be wheelchair accessible. For information about accessible parking or to communicate your request for other accommodation you require, please contact CBABC Events at events@cbabc.org.
We also welcome your suggestions for enhancing the inclusiveness of our activities.
