Meaghan Conroy (Partner, MLT Aikins LLP) discusses the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and An Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Bill C-15). She explores what impact UNDRIP and Bill C-15 may have on Canadian Aboriginal Law – particularly the duty to consult.

Meaghan Conroy is a Partner with MLT Aikins and works with First Nation and Métis individuals, communities, governments, and organizations.

References & Further Reading

• Nigel Bankes, Martin Olszynski and David Wright, “Federal Court of Appeal Provides Reasons in TMX Leave Applications” (September 11, 2019), online: ABLawg,
• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, GA Res 61/295 (Annex), UN GAOR, 61st Sess, Supp No 49, Vol III, UN Doc A/61/49 (2008) 15.

Podcast Creators: Tesia Doblanko, Liz England, and Zachary Gee

Student Researchers

Editing by: Richard Mailey, Research Associate and Mike Contos

Music by: Richard Mailey, Research Associate

Sara Mainville (Partner, Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP) discusses what the duty to consult means from an Anishinaabe perspective. She explains how Indigenous Law relates to the duty to consult, treaty-making, and reconciliation. We also touch upon the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Sara Mainville is a Partner at Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP and works with First Nations, not only as a lawyer, but as a negotiator and advisor. She was elected Chief of Couchiching First Nation in 2014.

References & Further Reading

• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, GA Res 61/295 (Annex), UN GAOR, 61st Sess, Supp No 49, Vol III, UN Doc A/61/49 (2008) 15.
• Sara Mainville, “Hunting Down a Lasting Relationship with Canada — Will UNDRIP Help?” (2020) 57:1 Osgoode Hall LJ 98, online: Journals at Osgoode Digital Commons https://digitalcommons.osgoode.yorku.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3583&context=ohlj
• Haida Nation v British Columbia (Minister of Forests), 2004 SCC 73

Podcast Creators: Tesia Doblanko, Liz England, and Zachary Gee

Student Researchers

Editing by: Richard Mailey, Research Associate and Mike Contos

Music by: Richard Mailey, Research Associate

Professor John Borrows discusses what Indigenous Law and Aboriginal Law are, and how Indigenous Law relates to the duty to consult.

John Borrows is a Professor and the Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Law at the University of Victoria’s Faculty of Law. He was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2020, and is a member of the Chippewa of the Nawash First Nation in Ontario. Professor Borrows has researched, published, taught, and presented extensively on Indigenous Law and the Canadian Constitution.

References & Further Reading

• John Borrows, Law’s Indigenous Ethics (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2019).
• John Borrows, Canada’s Indigenous Constitution (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2010).
• Chippewas of the Thames First Nation v Enbridge Pipelines Inc., 2017 SCC 41.
• Harold Johnson, Two Families: Treaties and Government (Saskatoon: Purich Publishing, Limited, 2007).
• Mikisew Cree First Nation v Canada (Governor General in Council), 2018 SCC 40.

• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, “Reports”, online: National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation < https://nctr.ca/records/reports/ >.

• R v Marshall, [1999] 3 SCR 456.

• R v Van der Peet, [1996] 2 SCR 507.

• Tsilhqot’in Nation v British Columbia, [2014] 2 SCR 257.

• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, GA Res 61/295 (Annex), UN GAOR, 61st Sess, Supp No 49, Vol III, UN Doc A/61/49 (2008) 15.

Podcast Creators: Tesia Doblanko, Liz England, and Zachary Gee

Student Researchers

Editing by: Richard Mailey, Research Associate and Mike Contos

Music by: Richard Mailey, Research Associate

Episode 1: Interview with Professor Eric M. Adams

Vice Dean and Professor Eric M. Adams (University of Alberta) walks us through the duty to consult doctrine’s background, context, purpose, and basics. He also discusses some key cases concerning the duty to consult.

Eric M. Adams is Vice Dean and Professor at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Law. He has won numerous teaching and research awards and his areas of expertise include constitutional law and theory.

References & Further Reading

• Clyde River (Hamlet) v Petroleum Geo-Services Inc, 2017 SCC 40.

• Coldwater First Nation v Canada (Attorney General), 2020 FCA 34.

• Haida Nation v British Columbia (Minister of Forests), 2004 SCC 73.

• Mikisew Cree First Nation v Canada (Governor General in Council), 2018 SCC 40.

• R v Sparrow, [1990] 1 SCR 1075, 1990 CanLII 104.

• Rio Tinto Alcan Inc v Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, 2010 SCC 43.

Podcast Creators: Tesia Doblanko, Liz England, and Zachary Gee

Student Researchers

Editing by: Richard Mailey, Research Associate and Mike Contos

Music by: Richard Mailey, Research Associate