It is with profound sadness that the Indigenous Bar Association (IBA) marks the passing of the Honourable Murray Sinclair, I.P.C., a beloved leader, mentor, and visionary in Indigenous justice and reconciliation. Justice Sinclair’s tireless dedication to advancing Indigenous rights and bridging the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities has left a permanent legacy that will inspire generations to come.

The Indigenous Bar Association (IBA) is relieved by the defeat of Resolution 3 at the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC), but equally disheartened by how narrowly the motion was defeated. Resolution 3, which contained troubling elements of Residential School denialism, sought to revise the LSBC’s Indigenous Cultural Competency Course by deleting a passage referencing the confirmation of unmarked burials at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

“The near success of this resolution exposes a dangerous undercurrent in the legal profession," said IBA President Drew Lafond. "The denial of the harms caused by Residential Schools and the dismissal of Indigenous voices is not just an affront to survivors, but a glaring reminder that the work of reconciliation remains unfinished. The legal profession must do better."

The Indigenous Bar Association in Canada (IBA) vehemently condemns a resolution that was tabled by members of the Law Society of British Columbia for consideration at its 2024 Annual General Meeting, the content of which invites skepticism surrounding the atrocities endured by Indigenous Peoples at the hands of the Residential School system.  Specifically, the resolution calls upon members of the Law Society to revise the Indigenous Training component of its Cultural Competency course in a manner that calls into question the existence of the “unmarked burial site” at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School grounds. The proponents of the resolution argue that the Law Society’s course materials, which reference the discovery of an unmarked burial site containing the bodies of 215 children, proliferate "false information". This assertion is both inflammatory to Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and anathema to the pursuit of reconciliation.

The Indigenous Bar Association in Canada (IBA) applauds the Court of King's Bench of Alberta’s recent decision in Anderson v. Alberta, 2024 ABKB 524, granting the Beaver Lake Cree Nation advance costs to support its Treaty infringement litigation against Canada. This decision affirms that First Nations must have access to the resources necessary to bring meritorious legal claims to assert and uphold their constitutional and Treaty rights, and draws attention to the unique societal and governmental challenges that Indigenous communities such as the Beaver Lake Cree must overcome with scarce financial resources.  

The Indigenous Bar Association in Canada (IBA) proudly congratulates the Honourable Tina L. Dion on her appointment as a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in New Westminster. Justice Dion, a member of Kehewin Cree Nation located in Treaty No. 6 territory, has served with distinction as a judge of the Provincial Court of British Columbia since 2019.

The Indigenous Bar Association in Canada (the “IBA”) welcomes the Supreme Court of Canada's (the “SCC” or “Court’s”) decision released today in Ontario (Attorney General) v Restoule (2024 SCC 27). As an intervener in this landmark case, the IBA applauds the unanimous ruling affirming the Crown’s duty to uphold the promises made in historic treaties with Indigenous peoples. 

The Indigenous Bar Association in Canada (the “IBA”) celebrates a pivotal step forward for Indigenous peoples with respect to the regulation of legal professionals in British Columbia with the introduction of Bill 21 - 2024 Legal Professions Act (“Bill 21”). By introducing an Indigenous Council to its regulatory framework this legislation represents a significant step towards advancing Indigenous representation, protecting the public interest, and dismantling systemic discrimination within colonial institutions.

The IBA extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Haida Nation on the historic recognition of Aboriginal title by the Province of British Columbia. After more than two decades of negotiation, the Gaayhllxid / Gíhlagalgang ``Rising Tide” Agreement between the B.C. government and the Council of the Haida Nation marks a significant milestone in recognizing the Nation’s inherent rights to its ancestral lands.

Today, the Indigenous Bar Association in Canada (the “IBA”) acknowledges the decision handed down by the Supreme Court of Canada in Shot Both Sides v. Canada - 2024 SCC 12, which reaffirms the enforceability of Treaty rights at common law. The decision upholds the Federal Court of Appeal’s ruling that the Blood Tribe’s claim which alleged an historic breach of Treaty rights is time-barred by Alberta’s limitations legislation. Canada’s top court issued a declaration to assist the Parties in resolving the dispute.

The IBA welcomes the recent decision by the Supreme Court of Canada in Dickson v Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation. In particular, the IBA applauds the Court’s affirmation that the residency requirement section of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation’s Constitution is protected under section 25 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The Indigenous Bar Association in Canada (IBA) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Koren Lightning on her recent designation as King's Counsel by the Law Society of Alberta. This prestigious recognition underscores Lightning's unwavering commitment to excellence in the legal profession and her significant contributions to the legal community.

The Indigenous Bar Association (IBA) is thrilled to extend heartfelt congratulations to Dianne Corbiere, IPC, on being awarded the prestigious Law Society Medal by the Law Society of Ontario.

Dianne is a member of M'Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island in Northern Ontario, where she grew up. This esteemed recognition is a testament to Dianne's exceptional contributions to the legal profession and her unwavering commitment to advancing justice for Indigenous Peoples.

The Indigenous Bar Association (“IBA”) proudly celebrates Eileen Sasakamoose, IPC, on receiving the 2024 Women in Law Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award. Eileen is a distinguished Yellowknives Dene woman, a trailblazer in the legal profession, and a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and social justice.

The Indigenous Bar Association (IBA) proudly celebrates the recent appointment of Julie L. Blackhawk, a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Nation, to the judiciary. Justice Blackhawk's extensive experience and steadfast dedication to Aboriginal law and Indigenous issues mark her as a formidable addition to the bench.

The Indigenous Bar Association (IBA) is pleased to announce its support for the latest amendments to the consolidated general practice guidelines of the Federal Court of Canada, which now include provisions allowing individuals involved with the court to make Indigenous land acknowledgments and incorporate references to reconciliation.

The Indigenous Bar Association in Canada (the “IBA”) commends the Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC”) recent decision affirming that Bill C-92 – and Canada’s recognition that Indigenous peoples have an inherent right of self-government including over their children and families – is constitutional. As an intervenor in this landmark case, the IBA welcomes the court's support for Parliament affirming such rights through legislation as a means for implementing UNDRIP and advancing reconciliation.

The Indigenous Bar Association in Canada (“IBA” ) offers its congratulations to Jocelyn Formsma on being the recipient of the 2024 Indpsire Award for Public Service.

Please join the Indigenous Bar Association in Canada (“IBA”) in congratulating the Honourable Steven Point, OC, OBC being named Officer of the Order of Canada and Dr. J. Wilton Littlechild, IPC, OC, KC on being promoted to the Companion of the Order of Canada.

Please join the Indigenous Bar Association in Canada (the “IBA”) in congratulating the Honourable Leonard Marchand on his appointment as Chief Justice of the British Columbia and the Court of Appeal of Yukon.

The Indigenous Bar Association is honoured to designate the Honourable Gerald Morin as Indigenous Peoples’ Counsel (IPC) at the 35th Annual Conference of the Indigenous Bar Association. Each year, the IPC designation is given to an Indigenous lawyer in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the practice of law.