This webinar is a part of the CBABC Advancing Reconciliation Series.
Since the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by BC in 2019 and Canada in 2021, there are new expectations of our legal systems and lawyers in their relationship with Indigenous peoples.
In this session, learn the basics of UNDRIP and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and how this impacts your practice, whether you are a family law lawyer or involved with land development, or another practice area. This session will also benefit those working in law and policy reform.
ABOUT OUR GUEST SPEAKERS
About John Gailus
John is one of the founding partners of Devlin Gailus, the predecessor to DGW Law Corporation. He spent four and one-half years working at the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (“DIAND”) as the Senior Land Management & Leasing Officer for the west coast of British Columbia. At DIAND he developed an expertise in economic development of reserve land. He built a varied law practice focused on consultation, Aboriginal and Treaty rights litigation, Indian Act issues and economic development.
He was counsel for several First Nations during the Cohen Commission Salmon Inquiry, Site C Joint Review Panel and the National Energy Board Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion hearings. John has appeared on multiple occasions before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs as an expert witness on proposed changes to the Indian Act and Aboriginal economic development. John currently is the chair of the Indigenous Justice Advocacy Committee of the Canadian Bar Association as well as the Aboriginal Law representative on the Federal Courts Bench and Bar Liaison Committee.
John is a proud member of the Cumshewa Clan of the Skidegate Band and member of the Haida Nation.
About Nick Leeson
Nick is a Senior Counsel at Woodward & Company LLP, currently practicing from their Victoria offices.
With over a decade of experience living and practicing law in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, Nick has been steadfast in advancing the rights of First Nations and Inuit communities across Canada. Nick’s legal practice covers lands and resources, regulatory processes, administrative law, and human rights.
Nick has gained extensive experience designing and implementing co-management regimes and shared decision-making throughout his career, integrating UNDRIP and FPIC into these processes. He is a sought-after advisor in self-governance and natural resource law.
He has appeared before various legal bodies, including the Nunavut Impact Review Board, Mackenzie Valley Renewable Resources Board, and other territorial and provincial tribunals across northern and western Canada. Nick leverages this extensive litigation and negotiation experience to help his clients navigate the ever-changing legal landscape, and to assert, protect, and revitalize their rights.
Nick has served as President of the NWT Branch of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) and as the CBA National Representative for Northern Canada on the Legal Aid Liaison Commission. Additionally, Nick has chaired multiple CBA committees, including the National Environmental, Energy and Resources Law Section.
Nick is a member of the Law Societies of Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories. He holds a J.D. from the University of British Columbia and earned a certification in international law from Sciences Po in Paris, France. Additionally, Nick earned a Bachelor’s degree from Western University and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Queen’s University.
ACKNOWLEDGING FIRST NATIONS TERRITORIES
This webinar 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.
TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS
We strongly recommend all participants to check these requirements and run the test atleast a couple of days before the course date in order for the webinar to work properly for you.
ZOOM - We will be using Zoom to facilitate this webinar. If you have not used Zoom before, prior to the webinar to familiarize yourself with the platform
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- You will be sent the webinar link and log-in instructions 1 day prior to the course date.
- All materials and handouts will be sent to you with your instructions.
- Please ensure your computer speakers are working properly as audio will be delivered
entirely over the computer.
- Earphones are recommended for the best sound quality.
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All materials related to this course are for the sole use of the above said registrant, which 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.
Cancellation Policy
Once payment has been processed there will be no refund issued. To cancel your attendance, please contact the PD Department at PD@cbabc.org. No refunds will be issued to non-attendees.