Gather for an evening of celebration, recognition, and support for the Indigenous legal community in British Columbia at the Aboriginal Lawyers Forum Holiday Banquet.

We are pleased to welcome a keynote address from Drew Lafond, President of the Indigenous Bar Association, along with a presentation of the ALF Special Contribution Award and the ALF Student Appreciation Award. These awards highlight the excellence and commitment of those working to further Indigenous representation in law.

Place your bids at the annual ALF Silent Auction throughout the evening. Your participation in the auction will directly contribute to creating opportunities for future Indigenous lawyers, supporting their paths to success in the legal profession.

Let's come together to honour, support, and uplift Indigenous voices in the legal profession. 

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Sponsor a Student

As a part of our commitment to empowering the next generation of Indigenous lawyers, we are offering sponsored tickets for Indigenous law students or young lawyers (YOC 2020+) that would not be able to afford it.

Please consider sponsoring an Indigenous aspiring lawyer for this event! Purchase a sponsored ticket through online registration.

Interested in a Sponsored Ticket?

We have a limited amount of sponsored tickets. To request one, students can email events@cbabc.org for more information.

Drew Lafond, President of the Indigenous Bar Association

Drew is a partner at MLT Aikins. He advises clients on matters related to economic development, gaming, housing, commercial leasing, corporate governance, structure and finance.

Drew also assists Indigenous clients with asserting and exercising jurisdiction over core areas of governance, including land management, taxation, gaming and agriculture in Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Yukon.

Drew was raised in Treaty 6 territory on the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation reserve and is also of Secwepemc descent from the Simpcw First Nation in British Columbia.

He has also served as president of the Indigenous Bar Association since 2019.

Applications are now open | Apply by Nov 6

ALF Special Contribution Award

This award recognizes an Indigenous firm or individual's contribution to the Aboriginal Lawyers Forum in addressing the various issues facing Indigenous people in the legal profession. 

ALF Student Appreciation Award

This award is given to law students of Indigenous ancestry who have shown consistent dedication to Indigenous people in the field of law. There will be three awards given, one for each of the three law schools in BC.

Learn more.

The Aboriginal Lawyers Forum is hosting their annual Silent Auction as part of the evening. We kindly invite you to consider donating items or experiences to the ALF Silent Auction. Your generous contributions will not only help us raise vital funds for the Warrior Project but also create a memorable and engaging experience for our event attendees.

To donate an auction item, please contact events@cbabc.org by Wednesday, November 20.

This event is hosted by the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch, located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam First Nations. We encourage our members to explore the rich history and knowledge of Indigenous people, and to continue learning about their experience in Canada, past and present.

The CBABC provides access to activities for all members. The facilities for this event are wheelchair accessible.

For information about accessible parking or to communicate your request for other accommodation you require, please contact CBABC Events at events@cbabc.org.

We also welcome your suggestions for enhancing the inclusiveness of our activities.

Please note there will be a 20% non-refundable administration fee on cancellations received 48 hours prior to close of RSVP. After the above deadline, refunds will only be issued if we are able to fill your seat from a waitlist.

To cancel your attendance, please contact CBABC Events at events@cbabc.org.