Rewriting the Rules
Indigenous-Led Legal Reform and Resistance at the 37th IBA Conference
The Indigenous Bar Association will be hosting their 37th annual conference from October 16–18, 2025. Indigenous legal professionals, law students, academics, judges and allies will gather at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver. This year’s theme, “Rewriting the Rules: Indigenous-Led Legal Reform and Resistance”, offers a bold and necessary focus on Indigenous self-determination in law and governance.
The agenda reflects a powerful mix of legal insight and cultural resurgence. From conversations on the implementation of Haida Title to panels exploring Indigenous sovereignty in gaming, mining and wealth funds, the conference affirms that Indigenous Nations are not just participating in the legal landscape—they are reshaping it. Professional development sessions range from ethical billing and oral advocacy to tech-forward practice management and leadership in legal institutions. Students will benefit from hands-on workshops, speed mentoring and tailored programming throughout.
For Aboriginal Lawyers Forum members, this is more than a professional gathering—it’s a space for mentorship, legal innovation, and reconnection with Indigenous legal traditions. Whether you're just starting your legal career or deeply rooted in practice, this conference offers timely and transformative dialogue about our collective future in law.
Interested in sponsoring this year’s event?
The Indigenous Bar Association is currently welcoming sponsors who are committed to reconciliation and the advancement of Indigenous legal excellence. Opportunities range from supporting the Gala or keynote speaker to investing in Indigenous students through our “Future Leaders” Student Champion tier. All sponsors benefit from high-visibility recognition, event access and alignment with the IBA’s mission to champion Indigenous legal systems and self-determination.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Racquel Fraser, Executive Director, at executive.director@indigenousbar.ca.
Registration opens in May! We hope you will join us in Vancouver—and help rewrite the rules.
