Submitted by Section Co-Chair Jennifer Spencer
Summary of Activities
Number of Meetings Held: 6
November 30, 2010
Guest Speakers: Mitch Taylor, QC, Ryan Dalziel, Chris Sanderson, Maegen Giltrow and Roy Millen
Synopsis: Rio Tino Alcan Inc. et al v. Carrier Sekani Tribal Council – The Obligation to Consult – How Far Can You Go?
January 26, 2011
Guest Speakers: Brad Armstrong, QC, Mitch Taylor, QC and Karey Brooks
Synopsis: Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in Beckman v. Little Salmon / Carmacks First Nation
March 3, 2011
Guest Speaker: Robert Janes
Synopsis: Developments in Aboriginal Law: Year in Review
March 16, 2011
Guest Speakers: Lynn Ramsay, QC, Tina Dion and John Doolan
Synopsis: Land Development at Tsawwassen
April 20, 2011
Guest Speakers: Timothy Howard and Mark Haddock
Synopsis: Addressing Aboriginal Rights through the BC Environmental Assessment Process
July 25, 2011
Synopsis: Year End Social and Planning Meeting
Comments and Observations of the Co-Chair
The Section remained a vibrant one in the 2010-2011 with six meetings, attracting good attendance from both solicitors and litigators in the Aboriginal Law Bar as well as counsel acting for First Nations, the Crown, and industry.
We also provided value to members in funnelling Aboriginal-law related opportunities to comment on various task forces and projects by the National Section, by sister Sections, and by outside agencies, including the Environmental Law Clinic at the University of Victoria and other researchers.
Certain members of the Section have also been active in fundraising for the CBA Aboriginal Law Student Scholarship Trust in the last year. Particular thanks to members with the Department of Justice for their excellent work in this respect.
We continue to have a good relationship with the Aboriginal Law - Vancouver Island Section. With the cooperation of both Executives, all members of the Aboriginal Law Sections can typically access meetings at either Section’s meetings through telephone or webinar technology. The uptake has been reasonably good and the feedback from members positive.