ALF Special Contribution Award

CBABC congratulates 2023 recipient of the ALF Special Contribution Award, Bill Wilson (Hemas Kla-Lee-Lee-Kla) of the Kwagiulth (Kwakwaka’wakw) Nation.

Wilson is a highly influential figure with decades of service in Canadian law and politics. He is known for his trailblazing achievements in organizational and institutional change, advancing the visibility and unity of Indigenous peoples. In particular, he negotiated an amendment to Canada’s Constitution in Section 35 of the Constitution Act 1982, which enshrined Indigenous title to traditional lands and treaty rights as well as equality of Indigenous women.

Applications for the Special Contribution Award will open again next fall.

About the Award

This award recognizes an Indigenous firm or individual's contribution to addressing the various issues facing Indigenous people in the legal profession. These issues include the retention of Indigenous people in the legal profession and the support and enhancement of the stature and influence of Indigenous people in the legal profession. Note this award is for Indigenous lawyers, and/or organizations that are primarily Indigenous-owned.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the award, a nominee must:

  • Indigenous (Indigenous for individuals or primarily Indigenous owned for firms/organizations)
  • be a resident of British Columbia
  • not be a current member of the ALF Executive;
  • have demonstrated outstanding contribution to Indigenous people in the field of law, including any or all of the following activities:
    • supporting the ALF and ALF initiatives;
    • mentoring and supporting Indigenous law students and junior lawyers;
    • contributing to programs and services that support Indigenous law students and lawyers;
    • working to address the issues facing Indigenous lawyers; or,
    • working to enhance the stature and influence of Indigenous people in the legal profession.
Presentation

The 2023 ALF Special Contribution Award was presented at the 13th Annual Holiday Banquet on Friday, November 24, 2023 at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel in Vancouver, BC.

RECIPIENTS

2022 – Douglas White, KC and Myrna McCallum 

2021 – Bradley Regehr, QC 

2019 – The Honourable Tina Dion  

2018 – Dr. Bruce McIvor

2017 – The Honourable Steven Point 

2016 – Christina J. Cook

2015 – The Honourable Linda Thomas 

2014 – The Honourable Len Marchand, Jr.

2013 – Callison & Hanna (firm)

Names, designations and honorifics are reflected as they were when the award was presented.