We are delighted to extend a warm invitation to you for the 13th Annual Aboriginal Lawyers Forum Holiday Banquet, featuring our Keynote Speaker, The Honourable Michelle O’Bonsawin of the Supreme Court of Canada, appearing by video (see biography below). Enjoy a three-course dinner, silent auction benefitting the Warrior Project, and presentations of the 2023 ALF Awards.

The Aboriginal Lawyers Forum Holiday Banquet is an annual gathering that brings together legal professionals, scholars, and students from Indigenous communities across British Columbia and their allies. It provides a unique platform for networking and celebrating the achievements of Indigenous legal professionals. This event plays a vital role in fostering a sense of community and support within the legal field.

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Sponsor a Student to Attend the Event

As a part of our commitment to empowering the next generation of Indigenous lawyers, we are offering sponsored tickets for Indigenous students that would not be able to afford it.

Please consider sponsoring an Indigenous aspiring lawyer for this event! Purchase a sponsored ticket through online registration.

Interested in a Sponsored Ticket?

We have a limited amount of sponsored tickets. To request one, students can email events@cbabc.org for more information.

Applications are now open | Apply by Oct 30

ALF Ally Award NEW! 

This award recognizes an ally (firm or individual) and their contribution to the Aboriginal Lawyers Forum in addressing the various issues facing Indigenous people in the legal profession. 

ALF Special Contribution Award

This award recognizes an Indigenous firm or individual's contribution to the Aboriginal Lawyers Forum in addressing the various issues facing Indigenous people in the legal profession. 

ALF Student Appreciation Award

This award is given to law students of Indigenous ancestry who have shown consistent dedication to Indigenous people in the field of law. There will be three awards given, one for each of the three law schools in BC.

Learn More.

The Aboriginal Lawyers Forum is hosting their annual Silent Auction as part of the evening. The proceeds from this auction will be dedicated to the Warrior Project.

We kindly invite you to consider donating items or experiences to the ALF Silent Auction. Your generous contributions will not only help us raise vital funds for the Warrior Project but also create a memorable and engaging experience for our event attendees.

By donating, you become a crucial part of our mission to foster diversity and inclusion within the legal profession and, ultimately, improve access to justice for Indigenous communities.

The Honourable Michelle O’Bonsawin is a widely respected member of Canada’s legal community with a distinguished career spanning over 20 years.

A fluently bilingual Franco-Ontarian, Justice O’Bonsawin is an Abenaki member of the Odanak First Nation.

Justice O’Bonsawin was appointed to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Ottawa in 2017. Prior to her appointment, she was General Counsel for the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group for eight years. She began her legal career with the legal services at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and was then Counsel with Canada Post, specializing in labour and employment law, human rights, and privacy law.

Justice O’Bonsawin has taught Indigenous law at the University of Ottawa’s Common Law Program and was previously responsible for the Indigenous Relations Program at the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group. 

Justice O’Bonsawin previously served on the Board of Governors of the University of Ottawa, as well as its Executive Committee, and as a Board member for the Aboriginal Legal Services of the University of Ottawa Legal Aid Clinic. She was an observer member of the Membership Committee of Odanak First Nation and a Board member of the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice.  She is currently a Partner Judge for Afghanistan Women Judges with the International Association of Women Judges.

Justice O’Bonsawin holds a Bachelor of Arts from Laurentian University, a Bachelor of Law from the University of Ottawa, a Master of Law from Osgoode Hall Law School, and a Doctorate in Law from the University of Ottawa.

Born in Hanmer, Ontario, a small Francophone town near Sudbury, she now resides in Ottawa with her family. 

She was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada on September 1, 2022.

By attending this in-person event, attendees agree to follow the health and safety protocols of the venue to reduce the risks of exposure to and transmission of COVID-19 and confirm that they are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms on the day of the event.

This event is hosted by the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch, 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.

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.

Tickets are non-refundable unless we are able to fill your seat from a waitlist. To cancel your attendance, please contact CBABC Events at events@cbabc.org.