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November 17, 2020 Native American Heritage Month

Introduction to Status, Realities, Legal Framework and Future of Indigenous Peoples in the United States and Canada

You don’t have to be a lawyer to join the first-ever signature event on behalf of the American Bar Association (ABA), co-sponsored by the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), to celebrate Native American Heritage Month in November. Our esteemed panelists discuss the current status and resiliency of indigenous peoples in the United States and Canada. The panelists address the critical question of how past discriminatory – and even brutal governmental policies – led us to the current status of indigenous peoples today. More importantly, the panelists discuss what steps, laws, and policies can be taken to improve the lives of indigenous peoples in the United States. and Canada. The panelists compare and contrast the history, status, and future of the First Nations People in Canada vs. American Indians and Alaska Natives in the United States. After the panel discussion, the audience will gain a high-level overview of the issues around indigenous populations, which we hope will lead to a desire to learn more.

Welcome and Introduction

  • Patricia Lee Refo, President, American Bar Association; Partner, Snell & Wilmer LLP

Panelists

  • Bradley D. Regehr (Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation), President, Canadian Bar Association; Partner, Maurice Law, Barristers & Solicitors 
  • Dr. Tracy Bear (Montreal Lake First Nation), Assistant Professor, Faculty of Native Studies & Director, Indigenous Women’s Resilience Project, University of Alberta
  • Kevin Gover  (Pawnee Tribe of Oklahoma), Acting Under Secretary for Museums and Culture; Director, Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian

Moderator

  • Patty Ferguson-Bohnee (Pointe au Chien Tribe of Louisiana), Clinical Professor of Law, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University; Co-Chair, Native American Concerns Committee, ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice

Co-Sponsors: ABA Diversity and Inclusion Center, ABA Division for Public Education, ABA Tribal Courts CouncilCanadian Bar Association,Caroline and Ora Smith Foundation, Mitchell Museum of the American IndianNational Congress of American IndiansNational Native American Bar Association, Native American Rights FundNorthlight Theatre

Resources

Transcript: Introduction to Status, Realities, Legal Framework and Future of Indigenous Peoples in the United States and Canada

ABA Policy Related to Native American Concerns

The Path - Your Journey Through Indigenous Canada
The Canadian Bar Association is pleased to extend the CBA rate to ABA members. To register with the special rate, please email [email protected]

Canadian Bar Association The Every Lawyer Podcast

Indigenous Canada Massive Open Online Course

the trauma-informed lawyer Podcast

Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Kevin Gover Apologizes for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Misdeeds

Login to view the webinar recording. Not a member of the Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice? Join the Section today!

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