THE IBA DENOUNCES DOMESTIC TERRORISM AFFLICTED ON MI’KMAW FISHERIES, AND CALLS UPON THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF MI’KMAW FISHERIES IN MI’KMA’KI

October 16, 2020FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OTTAWA – The Indigenous Bar Association (IBA) in Canada denounces the attack by non-Indigenous fishermen on Mi’kmaw harvesters providing a livelihood and food for their families and community in Mi’kma’ki (what is currently known as Nova Scotia). The recent violent and disturbing acts of terrorism are directly linked to the … Continued

INDIGENOUS BAR ASSOCIATION CHALLENGES PREMIER’S UNDERSTANDING OF LAW

April 10, 2020 By Alexandria Winterburn, Member-at-large and Brooks Arcand-Paul, Vice President Premier Brian Pallister’s response to the proposed federal legislation on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (“UN Declaration”) implies Premier Pallister has a callow and concerning  understanding of Aboriginal and Treaty rights and the fundamental history and laws of … Continued

THE IBA CALLS ON CANADA TO ASSIST WITH THE PROTECTION OF INDIGENOUS LAWS AND TO SECURE SPACE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND PRACTICE OF SUCH LAWS

Indigenous Bar Association optimistic for national engagement on the recognition of indigenous rights legal framework

OTTAWA – The Indigenous Bar Association (IBA) wishes to express its optimism with the announcement made by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on February 14, 2018 to implement necessary reform in the federal government’s relationship with Indigenous people. We remain optimistic that the goals for reform outlined by the Prime Minister for national engagement will create … Continued

The Indigenous Bar Association commends the University of Victoria on the introduction of a new joint degree program in Canadian common law and indigenous legal orders

OTTAWA, ON – The IBA enthusiastically applauds the University of Victoria’s development of a joint degree program in Canadian Common Law and Indigenous Legal Orders. Students will graduate after four years with a Juris Doctor and a Juris Indigenarum Doctor (JID). News was released last week confirming funding in the provincial budget. This will be … Continued

The Indigenous Bar Association in Canada (the “IBA”) is delighted to announce the favourable decision in Williams Lake Indian band v Canada (aboriginal affairs and northern development), 2018 scc 4

Ottawa, ON – The decision, released on Friday, February 2, 2018, concerned whether the Crown in right of Canada (“Canada”) could be held responsible under the Specific Claims Tribunal Act for losses arising from events that occurred pre-Confederation. It also considered whether, if Canada could be held responsible, Canada had owed, and breached, a fiduciary … Continued

60s Scoop Decision

The Indigenous Bar Association wishes to recognize the recent Ontario Superior Court decision, Brown v Canada (Attorney General) 2017 ONSC 251 concerning certain victims of the “60’s Scoop”. The decision marks a turning point in Canadian jurisprudence and a step forward for reconciliation, particularly for those Indigenous people whose forced removal from their childhood homes resulted in the … Continued

Canada Officially Removes Obiector Status on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Tuesday

OTTAWA – The Indigenous Bar Association (IBA) recognizes the Government of Canada’s recent decision to adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in accordance with the Canadian Constitution and without “qualification.” The IBA was interested in the Minister of Indigenous Affairs’ announcement regarding the Declaration, “breathing life into Section … Continued

AFN Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement Conference for Frontline Workers

The IBA presented to the AFN Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement Conference for Frontline Workers in Vancouver, BC on September 12th, 2006. The IBA presentation addressed Lawyers’ Roles & Responsibilities in light of the May 8, 2006 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. The presentation had a particular focus on the issues of professional responsibility, the … Continued

“IBA and NSAHRC seek support of Canadians for the appointment of Aboriginal Peoples to courts of appeals and Supreme Court of Canada”.

The IBA has been working with Canadians, National Aboriginal organizations and others within Canada to promote the necessity to have Aboriginal peoples included in our national institutions.  This effort to engage Canadians has recently been focused specifically on the inclusion of Aboriginal peoples and Indigenous legal Traditions in the courts.  These concerted have resulted in many positive … Continued