SYNOPSIS
Section 27 of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission  Calls to Action calls upon lawyers learn more about the  history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal – Crown relations.

This webinar focusses on Indigenous Rights and Title. Our presenters, who are experts in aboriginal law, will discuss:

• Colonial historical policies
• Overview of the Interpretations of “aboriginal title” and the evolution of cases from British Columbia
• Indigenous law sources
• Practical guidance on what reconciliation means for your law practice and your clients
   

 
About Our Speakers

Christopher G. Devlin, DGW Law Corporation, was one of the founding partners of Devlin Gailus, the predecessor to DGW Law Corporation.Christopher’s practice focuses on Aboriginal and Treaty law on behalf of First Nations, tribal councils, Métis groups and other Indigenous organizations.

Christopher works with Indigenous peoples throughout Canada, as a litigator, negotiator and strategic advisor. He has appeared as counsel at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as before administrative tribunals and regulatory panels. He has negotiated multi-party agreements on behalf of Indigenous clients, including specific claim settlements, consultation process agreements and impact benefit agreements.

Christopher is consistently recognized as a leading lawyer in the area of Aboriginal Law by the Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory.

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Elin Sigurdson, Mandell Pinder LLP, practice focuses on Aboriginal and constitutional litigation and dispute resolution. She is committed to finding the most effective long-term solutions for her clients, and has throughout her practice been involved in complex matters of significant importance to her clients and to the public. Elin’s interest in the law is grounded in her commitment to finding legal solutions for people and groups seeking social justice. She has been honoured to work with First Nations to achieve their goals including recognition and protection of their rights, securing economic benefits, and achieving greater self-governance.

Elin’s experience has included mounting major Aboriginal Law, Administrative Law, Constitutional Law and Charter cases. She recently worked with a First Nation client, alongside a group of Indigenous clients, environmental organizations and their counsel to challenge the approvals of the Northern Gateway Pipelines Project. She has worked with Aboriginal groups across Canada to advance both litigation and non-litigation strategies for attaining proper recognition of treaty rights. She has worked with First Nation governments to develop internal capacity and policies, and to develop strategies for the recognition and implementation of Indigenous law and jurisdiction. Elin also works with clients in their efforts to ensure that the duty to consult owed to Indigenous peoples is carried out honourably by the Crown and assists in developing strategic approaches to the participation of First Nations in consultation and negotiation with the Crown and industry.