About John Gailus
John is one of the founding partners of Devlin Gailus, the predecessor to DGW Law Corporation. He spent four and one-half years working at the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (“DIAND”) as the Senior Land Management & Leasing Officer for the west coast of British Columbia. At DIAND he developed an expertise in economic development of reserve land. He built a varied law practice focused on consultation, Aboriginal and Treaty rights litigation, Indian Act issues and economic development.

He was counsel for several First Nations during the Cohen Commission Salmon Inquiry, Site C Joint Review Panel and the National Energy Board Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion hearings. John has appeared on multiple occasions before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs as an expert witness on proposed changes to the Indian Act and Aboriginal economic development. John currently is the chair of the Indigenous Justice Advocacy Committee of the Canadian Bar Association as well as the Aboriginal Law representative on the Federal Courts Bench and Bar Liaison Committee.

John is a proud member of the Cumshewa Clan of the Skidegate Band and member of the Haida Nation.

About Nick Leeson
Nick is a Senior Counsel at Woodward & Company LLP, currently practicing from their Victoria offices.

With over a decade of experience living and practicing law in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, Nick has been steadfast in advancing the rights of First Nations and Inuit communities across Canada. Nick’s legal practice covers lands and resources, regulatory processes, administrative law, and human rights.

Nick has gained extensive experience designing and implementing co-management regimes and shared decision-making throughout his career, integrating UNDRIP and FPIC into these processes. He is a sought-after advisor in self-governance and natural resource law.

He has appeared before various legal bodies, including the Nunavut Impact Review Board, Mackenzie Valley Renewable Resources Board, and other territorial and provincial tribunals across northern and western Canada. Nick leverages this extensive litigation and negotiation experience to help his clients navigate the ever-changing legal landscape, and to assert, protect, and revitalize their rights.

Nick has served as President of the NWT Branch of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) and as the CBA National Representative for Northern Canada on the Legal Aid Liaison Commission. Additionally, Nick has chaired multiple CBA committees, including the National Environmental, Energy and Resources Law Section.

Nick is a member of the Law Societies of Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories. He holds a J.D. from the University of British Columbia and earned a certification in international law from Sciences Po in Paris, France. Additionally, Nick earned a Bachelor’s degree from Western University and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Queen’s University.

About Crystal Fafard
Crystal Fafard is a partner with Maurice Law and is a member of Yellow Quill First Nation in Treaty 4 Territory and is a well known leader in Economic Development, contributing her skills and knowledge  for almost three decades.  She received her B. A. (Honours) from the U of S and J.D. law degree from the UBC in 2000.  She works exclusively for and with Indigenous communities in the area of economic development/corporate and her dream has always been to see First Nations succeed and overcome the negative impacts of colonization.  While promoting economic development she understands the delicate balance in maintaining a healthy and thriving environment and strongly advocates that Indigenous people press industry to meet or exceed environmental standards to protect future generations. 

Crystal is a member of the Indigenous Women’s Collective who’s mandate is “collectively working to end colonial violence and oppression against Indigenous Women in Canada” by advocating against those who claim false Indigenous identities for personal benefit.

Crystal sees Indigenous women leading decolonization and future nation building across Turtle Island.

About Dr. Darryl Leroux
Darryl Leroux is an associate professor of political studies at the University of Ottawa. Since 2015, he has been researching the phenomenon of false claims to Indigenous identify made by white Canadians. Since the publication of Distorted Descent: White Claims to Indigenous Identity, he worked extensively with First Nation, Métis, and Inuit governments concerned about the impacts of the self-indigenization movement.