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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) invites you to participate in the National Justice Forum in Vancouver, British Columbia, on February 21 to 23, 2012.

The Information Fair is open to all businesses, corporations, government and non-governmental organizations, to showcase their information and services.

The AFN has designated February 21&22 of the Forum primarily dealing with Justice Issues and February 23 will be focused on the topic of Indian Residential Schools.

Enclosed are the tradeshow registration forms. Should you require additional information about The National Justice Forum, please contact Michelle Itwaru by phone at (613) 241-6789, extension 290, or by email at mitwaru@afn.ca or please visit the AFN Website at www.afn.ca.

We look forward to seeing you in Vancouver!

LOCATION

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Justice Forum will be held February 21 - 23, 2012 at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver, British Columbia.

View the Poster

Registration From

Draft Provisional Agenda

Sponsorship Packages


Roberta Jamieson named one of Canada's Most Powerful Women for 2011

December 1, 2011 – Roberta Jamieson, National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation President and CEO has been named one of Canada's Most Powerful Women for 2011 in the Trailblazers & Trendsetters category.

With a community of 584 women that have received the Top 100™ Award, this year Ms. Jamieson joins a number of influential women, Dr. Carol Stephenson, Dean, Richard Ivey School of Business; Elyse Allan, President and Chief Executive Officer, GE Canada; Janet Holder, President, Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.; The Honourable Marjory LeBreton, Leader of the Government in the Senate; Margaret Atwood, Author; and Deepa Mehta, Director, Producer and Screenwriter.

"Roberta has been at the forefront of virtually every field of endeavour she has pursued. From graduating as Canada's first First Nations woman to earn a law degree to being the first woman elected Chief of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Roberta is virtually the definition of Trailblazer & Trendsetter," said National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation Board Chair, David Tuccaro.

"I am honoured to be among some of the most distinguished and inspirational women in the country. I am delighted that I am able to bring awareness to the potential that all Indigenous people, especially our youth possess."

The Women's Executive Network which runs the Top 100™ Awards, is Canada's leading organization dedicated to the advancement and recognition of women in management, executive, professional and board roles.

This is Ms. Jamieson's third time as a recipient of Women's Executive Network's Top 100™ Award.

To read Ms. Jamieson's full biography, please visit: naaf.ca/departments


23rd Annual IBA Fall Conference a Huge Success!
"Reconciliation in Canada: Changing Paradigms", the IBA's 23rd annual fall conference was held in Ottawa September 29-October 1, 2011 at the National Arts Centre. "Changing Paradigms was a huge success", stated Koren Lightning-Earle, the IBA's new President and co-chair for the conference. "For the first time in the IBA's history, our fall conference event was declared sold-out and would-be conference registrants had to be turned away. We had over 180 participants attending from a wide range of backgrounds, all contributing to a real dialogue on Reconciliation­ and what that means in Canada today." To view the conference program, an article about the conference, or to view the conference papers and power point presentations click here
The IBA wishes to acknowledge and thank the sponsors of the 23rd Annual IBA Fall Conference:

GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS:

BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS:

IN -KIND SPONSORS:

 


"Promoting Relations between First Nations and Industry: Energy, Mining & Claims" National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo Speaks at IBA Luncheon (Toronto)

Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations was the keynote speaker at a fundraising luncheon for the IBA held at the Law Society of Upper Canada Convocation Hall in Toronto on September 9, 2011. The National Chief inspired lunch guests with a visionary keynote presentation on building positive relationships and partnerships with First Nations in Canada, particularly in the areas of energy and mining.

Many thanks to our event sponsors:

GOLD LEVEL SPONSORS

IBA PARTNER / HOST

SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS:


IBA Students Featured in Film at Montreal World Film Festival
IBA Student Members Joseph Flowers and Marie Belleau-Veevee will be featured in an upcoming film by Guy Simoneau at the Montreal World Film Festival, called Qallunaaliaqpallianiq - Heading South. Screenings on August 22 and 23, 2011 in Montreal.
For more info click here…


IBA Urges Harper Government to Appoint an Aboriginal Justice to the SCC
Click here for IBA's July 19, 2011 media release
Click here for accompanying SCC Appointment Fact Sheet


IBA Participates at Women's World Summit 2011
Margaret Froh, IBA President, participated in a panel discussion on Human Rights, Gender Equality and First Nations Governance at the Women's World Summit 2011 held in Ottawa.
For more information click here...


Indigenous Lawyers Win the Social Responsibility Award in the 2011 Canadian General Counsel Awards

Please join the Indigenous Bar Association in congratulating the Chippewas of Rama First Nation General Counsel's Office -- IBA members Jeffery Hewitt, Margaret Froh and Sheri Wilson -- upon receiving the Social Responsibility Award in the 2011 Canadian General Counsel Awards. The Social Responsibility Award is a new award given to a law department with a sustained commitment to making a difference in their community through the promotion of pro bono and/or diversity initiatives. The Rama General Counsel's Office is sharing this award with the Royal Bank of Canada in recognition of their community centered approach to providing in-house legal services.
For recent media coverage of the award click here
For more info about the CGC Awards click here


David C. Nahwegahbow, I.P.C. – Recipient of the 2011 Law Society of Upper Canada Medal

David C. NahwegahbowPlease join the Indigenous Bar Association in congratulating David C. Nahwegahbow, I.P.C., upon receiving a Law Society of Upper Canada Medal.

The Law Society's Medal is awarded to outstanding lawyers in Ontario in recognition of exceptional service. David is a founding member of the IBA and former IBA President. David has been widely recognized as an expert in Aboriginal Law and has long been an outstanding role model for Indigenous lawyers in Canada. David was named an 'Indigenous Peoples' Counsel' or 'IPC' by the IBA in 2003, and in 2008 he received both the National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Law and Justice and the Anishnabek Lifetime Achievement Award from the Union of Ontario Indians.

David will receive the LSUC Medal in a public awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at the Law Society of Upper Canada, Osgoode Hall, 130 Queen Street West, Toronto. The ceremony begins at 5:30pm and will be followed by a reception. We hope you will join us at the Awards to celebrate David's achievements. For more info click here


LSUC Bencher Election Results

Please join the Indigenous Bar Association in congratulating Manitoulin Island Ojibway lawyer, Susan M. Hare, who was recently re-elected as a Bencher of the Law Society of Upper Canada. For more information click here


Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Declares Open Season on First Nation Children

The IBA voiced serious concerns over the decision of Canadian Human Rights Tribunal Chair Shirish Chotalia's March 14, 2011 decision to dismiss the human rights complaint filed by the AFN and the First Nation Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. The complaint alleged discrimination by the federal government in the unequal treatment provided to First Nation children in care on-reserve versus all other Canadian children in care.
For more info click here…


Recent IBA Submissions to Parliamentary and Senate Committees

IBA Submissions on Bill S-11 Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act.
For more info click here…

IBA Submissions on Bill C-3 Gender Equity in Indian Registration Act.
For more info click here…


Roger Jones, I.P.C. – Recipient of the 2011 National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Law & Justice

Roger JonesPlease join the Indigenous Bar Association in congratulating Roger Jones, I.P.C., upon receiving the 2011 National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Law & Justice. Roger was the founding president of the IBA and has long been recognized for his contributions to law and policy advancing the interests of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and beyond. He has been a wonderful role model for young Indigenous lawyers and served as mentor to many.
For more info click here…


Kawaskimhon “Speaking With Knowledge” Aboriginal Law Moot 2011

The UBC Faculty of Law is hosting this year’s Kawaskimhon Moot on March 4-6, 2011 in Vancouver, BC.  Indigenous Bar Association members at the 2009 IBA Fall Conference gathered around the idea of a Kawaskimhon Moot on the issue of murdered and missing Aboriginal women in Canada, and Indigenous legal scholars and staff at UBC Faculty of Law have made this a reality.  More than 80 law students, law professors and community leaders are expected to attend from across Canada to discuss this critical issue.  Observers are welcome to attend.  Unfortunately the funding typically provided for the Kawaskimhon Moot was not provided this year so the organizers are welcoming donations to help offset the costs of the event (charitable tax receipts are available upon request).  For more info click here


The IBA Mourns the Loss of Dr. Patricia Monture

Dr. Patricia MontureThe Indigenous Bar Association in Canada mourns the loss of Dr. Patricia Monture who passed away on November 17, 2010 in Saskatoon.

Patricia has been a teacher and auntie to so many within the IBA and her passing marks an enormous loss for the IBA community. A former President of the IBA and an unwavering advocate and activist for Indigenous people, Patricia’s leadership, bravery and vision touched so many.

Please join us in extending our most sincere condolences to Patricia’s family. Click here for link to Patricia's obituary.


New Job Opportunities

The Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee advises the Attorney General of Ontario on the appointment of Judges to the Ontario Court of Justice, and invites applications for a judicial position in Oshawa. Application deadline: February 3, 2012
Click here for more info…

The Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee advises the Attorney General of Ontario on the appointment of Judges to the Ontario Court of Justice, and invites applications for a judicial position in Cornwall. Application deadline: February 3, 2012
Click here for more info…

National Energy Board i seeking for one or more full-time Board member positions at the NEB. This recruitment process is being initiated to fill current and future openings. Application deadline: January 31, 2012
Click here for more info…

Lakehead University is conducting an extensive search for a Founding Dean, Faculty of Law, to take office at the earliest opportunity, and no later than the summer of 2012, and invites expressions of interest, applications and nominations.
Click here for more info…

Ryerson University invites nominations and applications for an Assistant Vice President/Vice Provost: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (AVP EDI), with the appointment to be effective ideally in early 2012.
Click here for more info…

Hensel Barristers is looking for an articling student for 2012-2013 to work in our Toronto office on a range of litigation files involving First Nations and Aboriginal peoples. Application deadline: December 8, 2011.
Click here for more info…

Katherine Hensel is looking for a litigation associate to work with her in a busy practice, on a range of litigation involving First Nations and other Aboriginal peoples, including Treaty and Aboriginal rights, other civil litigation, select criminal matters, public inquiries and other administrative tribunals, human rights applications and child welfare litigation.
Click here for more info…

 



What is the IBA?

The Indigenous Bar Association in Canada (IBA) is a non-profit professional organization for Indian, Inuit and Métis persons trained in the field of law.

Its membership consist of Indigenous lawyers (practicing and non-practicing), judges, law professors, legal consultants and law students.

As the field of Indigenous law develops, the public is becoming more aware and interested in Indigenous legal issues. The IBA plays an active role in promoting the development of Indigenous law and supporting Indigenous legal practitioners.

Find out more about the IBA by reviewing the objectives and by-laws of the Association.

Upcoming Events

OUR WAY - A Conference on The U.N. Declaration On The Rights Of Indigenous Peoples And Indigenous Law-Making

Date: MARCH 22-24, 2012
Co-Sponsored By
The Ariel F. Sallows Chair In Human Rights
The Native Law Centre, University of Saskatchewan

In Partnership With Oskayak School, Saskatoon

Conference Co-Chairs
Mary Eberts and Sa'ke'j Henderson IPC

Download Conference Program


Opportunities

Volunteering with the IBA

The IBA seeks interested members to volunteer to serve as mentors, as public speakers, to serve on committees, contribute to the newsletter, etc.

For info or to volunteer

Job Postings & Other Opportunities

From time to time organizations and employers contact us to share information with our membership regarding potential employment opportunities or volunteer opportunities. 

To view postings


Past Conferences

22nd Annual IBA Conference

View the Conference Summary Report

View paper written about the Conference


Hate and Racism Conference:

Click below to watch the video from the conference

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*Click here to download Real Player



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