Thank You for Making Our 37th Annual Conference a Success
IBA 37th Annual Conference
“Rewriting the Rules: Indigenous-Led Legal Reform and Resistance”
held in Vancouver, BC Oct 15-18, 2025
On behalf of the Indigenous Bar Association Board of Directors, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of our 37th Annual Conference. It was an honour to host such a vibrant gathering, bringing together passionate individuals and organizations committed to advancing the legal profession and supporting Indigenous communities across Canada.
A special thank you to our generous sponsors. Your support helped make this event possible, enabling us to provide meaningful programming, networking opportunities, and a welcoming space for dialogue and learning.
We also wish to acknowledge our outstanding speakers for sharing their expertise, stories, and insights. Your contributions sparked important conversations and motivated us to pursue justice and equity with renewed purpose.
Finally, to all our attendees—thank you for your enthusiasm, engagement, and commitment. Whether you travelled from near or far, your presence helped foster a sense of community and belonging throughout the conference.
We look forward to building on the momentum of this year’s event and welcoming you again at our next annual conference. Until then, thank you for being part of our journey.
37th ANNUAL CONFERENCE SPONSORS - 2025
Legacy
Keynote Speaker
Gala
“Future Leaders” Student Champion
Reconciliation In Motion
Meal
Conference Partner
38th Annual Conference - 2026
The Indigenous Bar Association is honoured to announce that our 2026 Annual Conference will be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, located on Treaty 1 Territory.
Treaty 1 was entered into in 1871. Today, Treaty 1 Territory remains home to the original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis, whose ancestral and contemporary presence continues to shape the cultural and legal landscape of Manitoba.
The name Winnipeg derives from the Cree word wīnipekw, meaning “muddy water,” referring to the waters of Lake Winnipeg and the Red River. The province’s name, Manitoba, originates from the Anishinaabe phrase Manitou Ahbee (or Manitou aabii), which translates to “the place where the spirit or Creator sits.”
For over six millennia, the area now known as Winnipeg has been a vibrant gathering place for Indigenous Nations. The Forks, where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, has long served as a site of trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. It remains a powerful symbol of connection and relationship - values that continue to guide Indigenous law and governance today.
Modern Winnipeg continues to be a centre of Indigenous innovation and resurgence. The establishment of Naawi-Oodena, Canada’s largest urban reserve, demonstrates the enduring presence and self-determination of Indigenous peoples within the city’s heart.
[The Annual IBA Conference is typically held in mid-October. Please check back later in the year for further information about our Annual Conference 2026!]
Photo: Dan Harper