Submitted by Section Chair, Tim Thielmann
Summary of Meetings
Number of Meetings Held: 4
January 29, 2014
Guest Speaker: Robert Janes, JFK Law Corporation
Meeting Title/Topic: Aboriginal Law: Year in Review
Synopsis: Robert Janes reviewed and lead a discussion of the most significant aboriginal law cases of 2013.
November 19, 2013
Guest Speaker: John Gailus, Devlin Gailus
Meeting Title/Topic: Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act
January 21, 2014
Guest Speaker: Fiona Hunter, Partner at Horne Coupar
Meeting Title/Topic: WESA Roundtable - Issues To Think About Now
Synopsis: Fiona Hunter led a discussion on various aspects of the new legislation.
May 27, 2014
Guest Speakers: Rosanne Kyle, Principal, JFK Law Corporation, Elin Sigurdson, Associate, JFK Law Corporation, and Chris Tollefson, Executive Director, UVic Environmental Law Centre
Meeting Title/Topic: Court Challenges to the Northern Gateway Pipeline
Synopsis: Several First Nations and environmental groups have launched judicial reviews challenging the Joint Review Panel's decision to recommend approval of the Northern Gateway Pipeline. Rosanne Kyle and Elin Sigurdson, solicitors for Gitxaala First Nation, and Chris Tollefson, acting for BC Nature, discussed the procedural and organizational challenges, the legal grounds for their respective cases, and what the legal landscape might look like once the federal government decides whether or not to accept the JRP's recommendations.
May 29, 2014
Guest Speaker: Merrill Shephard, Donovan and Co.
Meeting Title/Topic: Ethical Issues in Aboriginal Law
Synopsis: Merrill Shephard presented a discussion paper on conflicts of interest in the context of aboriginal law. This was followed by a group discussion of four fact patterns raising ethical issues relevant to aboriginal law, led by members of the Section executive.
Comments and Observations of the Chair
Hoping to task each executive member with arranging one meeting this year to share admin load and increase Section activities.