IBA 37th Annual Conference
“Rewriting the Rules: Indigenous-Led Legal Reform and Resistance”
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
Main Conference
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8-9 am Opening Ceremony & Breakfast to Follow
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:
2a: Innovation North
2b: 2s in Law
2c: 90 Minute Trust/Estates Lawyer
2-2:2:15pm Coffee Break
2:15-3:45pm Seminars:
3a: Business of Law Series: Growth, Talent and Tech in Practice Management
3b: Criminal Law Updates
3c: Class Action Update
3:45-4pm- Close for the Day & Reflections
7-9pm President Reception: Pathways & Connections Reception (co hosted with NILSA)
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8-9am Breakfast
9-9:30am Opening & Welcome Remarks
9:30-10:45am Breakouts:
1a: Indigenous Citizenship Governance/Taxation
1b: Overlapping Rights & Claims
10:45-11am Coffee Break
11-12:00pm Breakouts:
2a. Consultation Case Law Update
2b. Moving Towards the Protection of Indigenous Knowledge & ICEs in Canada’s Intellectual Property Regime
12:00-1pm Lunch
1-2pm Group Activity- Speed Mentoring
2-3:30pm IBA AGM
5:30-8:30pm GALA
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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:
3a. Navigating Leadership in Legal Institutions
3b. Federal Court Aboriginal Law Bar Liaison Committee: In person Engagement for Renewed Collaboration
11:30-12:30pm Lunch
12:30-1:30pm Breakouts
4a. CanLii Project on Indigenous Laws
4b. Foreign Trade Relations & Jay Treaty
1:30-2:30pm Breakouts
Enforcement of First Nation Laws Nation Building
B.C. UNDRIP Updates
2:30-3:30pm Plenary
3:30-3:45pm Closing Remarks
Student Track
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9:30am-11:30am Seminar: Jody Wilson-Raybould
Presentation with question
Meet & Greet
12:30-2pm Seminar: Eagle Song Dancer Presentation
2:15-3:45pm Seminar: Private Practice Alternatives
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9:30-10:45am Breakout: NILSA AGM & NILSA Elections
11-12:00pm Breakout: Oral Advocacy Workshop
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10:30-11:30am Breakout:
Rooted in Two Worlds: Navigating Indigenous & Western Legal Systems
12:30-1:30pm Breakout:
Coping with Existence in Colonial Settings: Wellness Taking Care of Yourself
1:30-2:30pm Breakout:
Indigenous Legal Orders
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
