Submitted by CBABC Sections
Summary of Meetings
Number of Meetings Held: 4
November 25, 2016
Guest Speaker: Claire Truesdale
Meeting Title/Topic: Gender Discrimination and Indian Status, Part I: Bill S-3 "The Basics"
Synopsis: In the summer of 2016, Canada announced it would be making legislative amendments to eliminate "known" gender discrimination in entitlement to Indian registration or "status" under the Indian Act. Indian status is of great importance to individuals as a recognition of Indigenous identity and as the gateway to accessing entitlements under the Indian Act and federal programs and services. It is also important to First Nations as federal program and service funding is directly tied to the number of status members. This session provided an overview of Bill S-3: An Act to amend the Indian Act (elimination of sex-based inequities in registration), the case that gave rise to this bill, Descheneaux v Canada, the consultation process Canada has announced and implications of the proposed legislation for individuals and First Nations.
Our speaker Claire Truesdale works with First Nations to educate communities about entitlement to registration under the Indian Act and assists members with applying for Indian status. She has advised status and non-status individuals and communities on the implications of the Daniels v. Canada and Descheneaux v. Canada decisions.
January 5, 2017
Guest Speaker: Dean Lawton, Q.C.
Meeting Title/Topic: Law Society
Synopsis: The Law Society of British Columbia has struck an advisory committee to address justice and legal issues affecting Indigenous people in the province, including those highlighted in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s report and recommendations. To discuss this, the Aboriginal Lawyers - Vancouver Island section held a conversation with Dean Lawton, Q.C., a member of the Truth and Reconcilliation Advisory Committee.
March 16, 2017
Guest Speaker: N/A
Meeting Title/Topic: Student and Lawyer Wing Night
Synopsis: Law students interested in the practice of Aboriginal law were invited to an informal meet and greet with practicing members of the Aboriginal law bar. All practicing members of the Aboriginal Law - Vancouver Island Section were encouraged to attend to enjoy a casual discussion with the students about their path to practice.
May 24, 2017
Guest Speaker: Robert Janes, QC, Principal, JFK Law Corporation
Meeting Title/Topic: Annual Aboriginal Case Law Update
Synopsis: Robert Janes gave his annual update on significant cases in the field of Aboriginal law in 2016. This session provided an essential review of significant cases for practitioners of Aboriginal law and related areas, and is one of our best attended sessions ever year. Following Robert's 1 hour presentation, we had a wine and cheese social to close out the year.
Comments and Observations of the Chair
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