MLT Aikins is proud to sponsor the Indigenous Bar Association’s 36th Annual Conference, taking place from October 24-26, 2024, at the River Cree Resort & Casino on Enoch Cree Nation in Alberta.
As the Gala Sponsor, our firm is honoured to support this significant event and its goal of bringing Indigenous legal professionals together. MLT Aikins has a longstanding partnership with Indigenous Nations and communities across Canada and this sponsorship further highlights our commitment.
The Indigenous Bar Association (IBA) is a not-for-profit federal corporation under Canada’s Not-for-profit Corporations Act, S.C. 2009, c. 23. It is a national association comprised of Indigenous lawyers, judges, legal academics, scholars, articling students, law clerks, paralegals and law students. With more than 330 members, the IBA represents a diverse group of professionals dedicated to advancing legal and social justice for Indigenous Peoples.
Saskatoon-based partner Drew Lafond has served as the IBA’s president since 2019. Drew is also a key participant in this year’s conference. He will moderate sessions on Métis Treaty and Self-Government Negotiations in Saskatchewan and on Indigenous Self-Determination, Jurisdiction and Legal Frameworks.
Calgary-based partner Billie Fortier will speak at the conference on Legal Ethics and Professionalism, focusing on navigating dual legal systems. Billie has been named a leading practitioner, Indigenous by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory since 2022.
The IBA’s objectives include promoting the advancement of legal and social justice for Indigenous Peoples, advocating for the reform of policies and laws affecting Indigenous communities, and fostering public awareness within the legal community and the general public about issues of concern to Indigenous Nations and communities.
As a firm, MLT Aikins looks forward to engaging with IBA members and contributing to the important discussions and initiatives that will be highlighted at this year’s conference.