Registration

will be opening soon—stay tuned for updates!

IBA 37th Annual Conference

October 16-18, 2025

Westin Bayshore Vancouver, BC

Join us at this year's IBA Conference to connect, learn, and shape the future of Indigenous law—your voice and insights are the keys to meaningful change!

Conference Agenda

Speaker Information coming soon!

Main Conference

  • 7-8am Opening Ceremony

    8-9 Breakfast

    9-930am Opening Remarks & Prayer

    9:30am-11:30am Seminar:     Legal Ethics and Professionalism: Ethical Billing, Contingency Fees, and Accountability in Legal Representation of Indigenous Nations

    11:30-12:30pm Lunch

    12:30-2pm Seminars:

    ·        Innovation North

    ·        2s in Law

    ·        90 Minute Trust/Estates Lawyer

    2-2:2:15pm Break

    2:15-3:45pm Seminars:

    ·        Business of Law Series: Growth, Talent and Teach in Practice

    ·        Criminal Law Updates

    ·        Class Action Update

    3:45-4pm- Close for the Day & Reflections

    7-9pm Pathways & Connections Reception (co hosted by NILSA)

  • 8-9am Breakfast

    9-9:30am Opening & Welcome Remarks

    9:30-10:45am Breakouts:

    ·        Implementation of Haida Aboriginal Title- Advancing Indigenous Governance & Jurisdiction

    ·        Overlapping Rights & Claims

    10:45-11am Break

    11-12:15pm Breakouts:

    ·        Consultation Case Law Update

    ·        Moving Towards the Protection of Indigenous Knowledge & ICEs in Canada’s Intellectual Property Regime

    12:15-1pm Lunch

    1-2pm Group Activity- Speed Mentoring

    2-3:30pm IBA AGM

    5:30-8:30pm GALA

  • 8-9am Breakfast

    9-9:30am Opening & Welcome Remarks

    9:30-10:45am Breakouts:

    9:30-10:15am Keynote Discussion- The Federal Court Aboriginal Practice Guidelines & The Important Roles of Case Management & Dispute Resolution Tools

    10:15-10:30am Break

    10:30-11:30am Breakouts:

    ·        Navigating Leadership in Legal Institutions

    ·        Federal Court Aboriginal Law Bar Liaison Committee: In person Engagement for Renewed Collaboration

    11:30-12:15pm Lunch

    12:15-1:15pm Breakouts

    ·        2s+Law: Fireside Chat

    ·        Foreign Trade Relations & Jay Treaty

    1:15-2:15pm Breakouts

    ·        Enforcement of First Nation Laws Nation Building

    ·        B.C. UNDRIP Updates

    2:15pm-3:15pm Female Indigenous Leaders in Law

    3:15pm-3:30pm Closing Remarks

Student Track

  • 9:30am-11:30am Seminar: TBA

    12:30-2pm Seminar: TBA

    2:15-3:45pm Seminar: Private Practice Alternatives

  • 9:30-10:45am Breakout: NILSA AGM & NILSA Elections

    11-12:15pm Breakout:  Oral Advocacy Workshop

  • 10:30-11:30am Breakout: Rooted in Two Worlds: Navigating Indigenous & Western Legal Systems

    12:15-1:15pm Breakout: Coping with Existence in Colonial Settings: Wellness Taking Care of Yourself

    1:15-2:15pm Breakout: Indigenous Legal Orders

Academics Day Agenda

Information Coming Soon!

Location

We are proud to host the Indigenous Bar Association’s 37th Annual Conference at the stunning Westin Bayshore in Vancouver, British Columbia. Nestled on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Peoples, this waterfront venue offers a breathtaking setting for reflection, learning, and connection. Surrounded by ocean views and Stanley Park, the Westin Bayshore provides an inspiring backdrop as we gather to advance Indigenous legal advocacy and celebrate our collective strength.

Book a room NOW through the below link or call Westin Bayshore reservations at:

1-800-WESTIN1 (1-800-931-8467).

 

https://book.passkey.com/event/51042271/owner/7719/home

Please ensure that you advise the Westin that you are booking for the Indigenous Bar Association Conference.

Flights:

WestJet has provided 5% off Econo, 10% off EconoFlex and Premium fares for travel within Canada and 2% off Econo*, 5% off EconoFlex and 10% off Premium base fares for guests travelling Trans-border. (No discount will apply to Ultra Basic or Business class bookings.)

  • The travel period begins: 10/8/2025

  • The travel period ends: 10/25/2025

Coupon Code:

Guest web/Travel Agent web: 4H2V5KE

Promo Code: Travel Agent GDS only: YBR81

SPONSORS

Want to become a sponsor?

Click on the photo below to view our 2025 Conference Sposorship Package