Summary of Meetings: Aboriginal Law - Vancouver
Number of Meetings Held: 5
November 14, 2025
Registration Count: In-Person: 15 Remote: 92
Guest Speakers: Tom McCarthy, Ian Ketcheson, Merle Alexander, KC, & Chris Roine
Meeting Title/Topic: Fast-tracking Major Projects: Perspectives from BC and Canada
Synopsis: Significant global changes and uncertainty in existing trade regimes has resulted in both federal and provincial governments introducing new legislation to fast-track certain major projects. There have also been significant changes to the Impact Assessment Act since 2024, and reform to streamline processes under that Act are underway. In this lunch and learn session, Tom McCarthy, Ian Ketcheson, Merle Alexander, KC, and Chris Roine discuss recent legislation and reform initiatives aimed at fast-tracking major projects in Canada.
May 21, 2026
Registration Count: 110
Guest Speakers: Muliple speakers
Meeting Title/Topic: Aboriginal & Energy Law Seminar
Synopsis: Focused analysis, real-world application and informed discussion. With sessions exploring Aboriginal rights, UNDRIP and emerging regulatory trends, the Aboriginal & Energy Law Seminar delivers practical insight for lawyers navigating energy projects in British Columbia.
May 25, 2026
Registration Count: 33
Guest Speakers: Saul Joseph, Cassandra Paterson, & Robin Phillips
Meeting Title/Topic: Laying the Foundation: Tendering, Contracts, and Procurement Best Practices for First Nations
Synopsis: This panel discussion brings together Saul Joseph, Cassandra Paterson, and Robin Phillips to discuss the legal landscape of construction procurement, including pitfalls and tips for success for First Nations governments when issuing and responding to competitive opportunities. Drawing on practical experience and relevant case law, the panelists address how construction contracts are entered into, the legal framework governing competitive tendering, and the risks and obligations that arise throughout the procurement process.
June 4, 2026
Registration Count: In-Person: 10 Remote: 117
Guest Speakers: Robert Janes, KC
Meeting Title/Topic: Aboriginal Case Law - Annual Review
Synopsis: 2025 has been a landmark year for Aboriginal law. Please join Robert Janes, KC, as he reviews what came down in 2025 – and what might be on the horizon for 2026. This insightful review is a must for anyone practicing in this ever-evolving area of law.
June 18, 2026
Registration Count: 51
Guest Speakers: Kassie Seaby, Allison Russell, Patricia MacIver, & Andrew Beynon
Meeting Title/Topic: Additions to Reserve - Lessons Learned, Federal Redesign and a Proposal to Modernize
Synopsis: Gain practical insights into the federal Additions to Reserve (ATR) process and it's future development. Kassie Seaby, Allison Russell, Patricia MacIver, and Andrew Beynon discuss lessons learned from the current process, share updates on recent redesign efforts, and introduce a reform proposal to improve efficiency, modernization, and accelerate economic reconciliation.