Forum Registration open

scheduleConcurrent Activity

Hot Breakfast

scheduleConcurrent Activity

Opening Ceremony and Welcoming Remarks

• Prayer by Knowledge Keeper Dr. Gwendolyn Point
• Opening Song – Knowledge Keeper Sempúlyan Stewart Gonzales)
• Alec Dan, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Musqueam Nation
• Welcome to the Territory - Councilor Syexwáliya (Samantha Falk), Squamish Nation

Setting the Context for the Forum

Video Message from The Honourable Minister Arif Virani, Minister of Justice

Health Break

Setting the Context - The History of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

AFN Presentation on UNDA

Introduction to UNDA Concurrent Sessions

Concurrent Sessions

scheduleConcurrent Activity

Session #1a - 2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m - Navigating Indigenous Rights and Case Law: Duty to Consult, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent and the UN Declaration

This session offers a comprehensive overview of key legal principles and developing case law related to the Duty to Consult, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent. Participants will begin with an introduction to the Duty to Consult, examining its scope and the implications when engaging with First Nations. The session will explore relevant case law to demonstrate how the Duty to Consult has evolved and been applied in practice. The focus will then shift to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA). Participants will gain a deep understanding of how the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Canada’s United Nations Declaration Act (UNDA) provide a framework for recognizing and protecting Indigenous rights, with an emphasis on the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). Through an exploration of key legal cases and the latest developments surrounding FPIC and the UNDA this session will equip participants with the tools to understand how these frameworks shape the future of First Nations rights and governance. Participants will leave the session with practical insights into ensuring meaningful engagement with First Nations and upholding their rights in governance and decision-making.

scheduleConcurrent Activity

Session #1b - 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Gender, Sexuality, and Sovereignty: The Role of 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples in International Advocacy and Policy

his session explores the transformative potential of advancing First Nations citizenship beyond the constraints of the Indian Act, guided by the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration). Participants will examine how the right to define citizenship strengthens nationhood, supports selfdetermination, ends sex-based discrimination, and revitalizes Indigenous governance systems. Through discussions on legislative frameworks, policy opportunities, and practical steps, this session will provide insight into how First Nations can assert their inherent rights and how governments can support these efforts in alignment with UNDA commitments.

scheduleConcurrent Activity

Session #2 - Gender, Sexuality, and Sovereignty: Empowering 2SLGBTQQIA+ Indigenous People Through UNDRIP

scheduleConcurrent Activity

Session #3 - Land Restitution and the UN Declaration: Historic Opportunities and Enduring Challenges

scheduleConcurrent Activity

Session #4 - 2:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Implementing the UN Declaration: Protecting and Revitalizing Pacific Salmon and their Habitats

This session explores different approaches to UNDA Action Plan Measure 41 (protecting and revitalizing salmon populations and their habitats). Panelists and guests will have the opportunity to share their lived experiences, discuss progress made in protecting salmon populations, and identify additional ways to achieve this Action Plan Measure.

scheduleConcurrent Activity

Health Break

Panel Presentation on Self-Determination and Nation-Building

Closing of Day One

Forum Registration (open until 12:00 p.m.)

Hot Breakfast

Recap of Day 1 & Overview of Day 2

Keynote Address: National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak

Panel Presentation: Advancing Indigenous Laws through the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

Health Break

Introduction to UNDA Concurrent Sessions

Concurrent Sessions

scheduleConcurrent Activity

Session #5 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. -Enhancing Participation of First Nations at the United Nations – Ongoing Opportunities and Challenges

Since the first journey of Cayuga Chief Deshakeh to the League of Nations in 1923, First Nations have been key players in pushing for enhanced participation of Indigenous Peoples at the United Nations. Grounded in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, First Nations have been working to push for the enhanced participation of Indigenous Peoples in the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council. Join us as panel participants discuss updates on the parallel negotiations at the HRC and UNGA, their relevance for enhanced participation of Indigenous Peoples within the broader UN-system, and opportunities for First Nations to engage in global advocacy to advance self-determination, treaty implementation, and rights recognition.

scheduleConcurrent Activity

Session #6 - 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - Building Economic Pathways: Advancing First Nations Rights through UNDRIP

This session delves into the economic dimensions of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration), highlighting First Nations’ inherent rights to participate fully in the economy and to establish and maintain their own institutions. Presenters will explore how UNDRIP provides a pathway for addressing historic injustices that exclude First Nations from Canada’s economy, while supporting nationhood and self-determination. Participants will engage with diverse perspectives from First Nations leaders and practitioners who are advancing innovative approaches to economic reconciliation. Topics will include the critical role of governance and financial management, the creation of economic opportunities through self-determined institutions, and strategies for leveraging the UN Declaration to promote equitable participation in the economy. The session will feature presentations, and discussions with participants. Attendees will gain practical insights into building sustainable First Nations economies and advancing economic rights under the principles of the UN Declaration.

scheduleConcurrent Activity

Session #7 - 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - Building Connected Futures: Indigenous Youth, Rights, and the UNDA

This session explores how the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act can serve as a foundation for empowering Indigenous youth and advancing their futures. Participants will hear how Indigenous Youth Roots’ 2024 Indigenous Youth Reconciliation Barometer highlights practical ways to support young leaders. The session will explore key findings of the research, including how youth conceptualize and access land, community, education, work, and wellness. Through discussions on past initiatives, participants will hear insights on how to bolster Indigenous youth leadership. Together, we’ll explore pathways to build connected futures that honour youth visions and drive collective action.

scheduleConcurrent Activity

Session #8 - Implementing the UN Declaration: Protecting and Revitalizing Pacific Salmon and their Habitats

scheduleConcurrent Activity

Session #8 - 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - Strengthening First Nations Leadership in Marine Conservation: Advancing UNDA Action Plan Measures 38 and 42

scheduleConcurrent Activity

Lunch

Special Keynote Address (Government of British Columbia)

Panel Presentation – DRIPA: Lessons Learned from British Columbia’s Implementation of the UN Declaration

Representatives of the First Nations Leadership Council will present on ongoing challenges and opportunities and lessons learned from the province of British Columbia’s implementation of the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Participants will hear from political and technical representatives as to how lessons learned can be applied to First Nations’ own implementation efforts with Canada.

Introduction to UNDA Concurrent Sessions

Concurrent Sessions

scheduleConcurrent Activity

Session #9 - 2:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Modern Treaty Perspectives on UNDRIP Implementation

This session will explore the unique experiences and perspectives of First Nations with Modern Treaties in Canada regarding the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the United Nations Declaration Act. Modern Treaties, such as those in the Yukon, British Columbia, and Quebec, have created innovative governance frameworks rooted in selfdetermination, co-management, and nation-to-nation relationships. Additionally, the session will critically examine how Modern Treaties align with UNDRIP articles and identify gaps and opportunities for advancing reconciliation through legal, policy, and practical measures.

scheduleConcurrent Activity

Session #10 - 2:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. - First Nations Rights to Environmental Health and Protection

This session will provide an opportunity to share information regarding federal and First Nations environmental health initiatives and facilitate dialogue to inform recommendations on how the minimum standards articulated in the UN Declaration must guide environmental protection. The intention is to identify gaps in the current UN Declaration Act Action Plan and provide recommendations for measures to be incorporated in future iterations of the Action Plan.

scheduleConcurrent Activity

Session #11 - 2:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Strengthening First Nations Data Sovereignty: Advancing Rights through the UN Declaration and the First Nations Data Governance Strategy

This interactive session will explore the critical connections between UNDRIP and data sovereignty, highlighting the First Nations Data Governance Strategy as a key pathway to empower First Nations to exercise control over their data and information.

scheduleConcurrent Activity

Session #12 - 2:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Successes, Challenges, Opportunities in Federal UNDA Implementation

How can the federal public service better reflect the intent and spirit of the Declaration in its day-to-day operations? How is the federal government ensuring consistency across departments in implementing the principles of the Declaration? Panelists will share reflections on experience working with the UN Declaration and discuss how their perception and understanding of implementation has evolved through their work with First Nations in Canada. This will include challenges faced in integrating the UN Declaration into federal processes or policies as well as opportunities that have emerged to deepen relationships with First Nations through the implementation of the UN Declaration. Participants are encouraged to share ideas and reflections on practical applications of the UN Declaration and insights on Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) including successful mechanisms that have been effective in translating FPIC into federal policy or practice.

scheduleConcurrent Activity

Health Break

Closing Plenary

Closing Ceremonies

Closing the Forum