Enforcement Forum (February 17, 2021)

A one-day virtual forum co-hosted by the BC Treaty Commission and K’ómoks First Nation.

Fundamental to any self-governing society is the ability to enforce laws. While treaties / agreements may recognize a broad range of self-governing authorities, the resources, capacity, infrastructure and inter-governmental systems and relationships for meaningful enforcement are lacking.  Without enforcement, Indigenous self-government is an empty promise.

The purpose of this engagement forum was to discuss the struggles around enforcing, prosecuting, and adjudicating Indigenous laws, and explore new mechanisms needed to address these issues in order for Indigenous self-government and reconciliation to be meaningful.

Introduction, Opening Remarks and Welcome

• Introduction by Hegus Nicole Rempel
• Opening Remarks by Chief Commissioner Celeste Haldane
• Welcome by Fran Prince, K’ómoks Elder

Presentations and Statements

• K’ómoks First Nation (John Burns / Amy Jo / Hegus Nicole Rempel)
  • Enforcement Powers under First Nations Lands Management Act – Part I
  • Enforcement Powers under First Nations Lands Management Act – Part II
• Tla’amin Nation (Murray Browne & Roy Francis)
  • Empowering and Reclaiming First Nation-Centered Enforcement
• Maa-nulth First Nations (Brent Lehmann)
  • Enforcement under Treaty: Reconciliation in (in)Action
• Tsawwassen First Nation (Mary Childs)
• UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Belkacem Lounes)
  • Nation-to-Nation Engagement

Closing Remarks

• Closing remarks by Mark Stevenson & Hegus Nicole Rempel