From Local to Global: Canada’s Approach to UNDRIP Implementation

United Nations Association in Canada - Vancouver

Join an all-Indigenous panel to understand Canada’s approach on UNDRIP implementation. Ask questions and share your insights.

Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue

In collaboration with the SFU Centre for Dialogue, the <a href="https://unacvancouver.org/" title="https://unacvancouver.org/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">United Nations Association in Canada, Vancouver Branch</a>, is organizing “From Local to Global: Canada’s Approach to UNDRIP Implementation.” This event aims to explore and critically discuss Canada’s approach to implementing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples from local, provincial, and federal perspectives.The event will feature an all-Indigenous discussion, moderated by Danielle Mitchell, and will include panelists representing diverse experiences with the implementation of UNDRIP in Canada. The discussion will provide insights into their involvement with UNDRIP implementation at various levels, from local communities to national policy. Following the panel discussion, attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions.The distinguished panellists include Merle Alexander (Miller Titerle + Co), Michelle Bryant-Gravelle (City of Vancouver), Celeste Haldane (BC Treaty Commission), and Minister Patrick Harriott (Métis Nation British Columbia). The session will be moderated by Danielle Mitchell. Detailed bios of the panellists and moderator can be found below. <h4>Event Details</h4><ul><li>The event will be held at the Asia Pacific Hall, SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, Simon Fraser University, Downtown Campus. Parking information and directions to the venue can be found at the end of this page.</li><li>Light refreshments and snacks will be available starting at 6:00 PM, providing an opportunity for informal mingling and networking before the discussion. The panel discussion will begin at 6:30 PM and will last approximately one hour, followed by Q&amp;A.</li><li>Detailed bios of the panelists and the moderator are mentioned below.</li></ul> <h4>Register Now! Seats are limited, so kindly register today and be a part of this exciting event!</h4> <h4>Donate</h4>The UNAC-V is a national, volunteer-based charitable organization dedicated to advocating for and promoting the values and goals of the United Nations within Canada. This event is free, however, non-Indigenous attendees are encouraged to donate to UNAC Vancouver here: <a href="https://unacvancouver.org/donations/" title="https://unacvancouver.org/donations/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://unacvancouver.org/donations/</a>. Panelist and Moderator Information <ul><li>Moderator: Danielle Mitchell, D.A. Mitchell Consulting Inc.</li></ul>Danielle is from the unceded territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation and is a guest on the homelands of the Qayqayt Nation. Of Nehiyaw/Métis and mixed European descent, Danielle’s ancestral roots are with the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and Duck Lake, Saskatchewan.With nearly 15 years of experience as a facilitator and consultant, Danielle specializes in leadership for systems transformation. She works with communities, organizations, and all levels of governance to co-design sustainable, meaningful change, focusing on Indigenous rights, well-being, and bridging Indigenous and non-Indigenous approaches. She holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University, with specializations in Indigenous health, equine-assisted learning, human resources, and project management.Auntie, sister, daughter, and friend, Danielle is deeply committed to Indigenous self-determination and creating futures that honor past and future generations. <ul><li>Panelist: Celeste Haldane, BC Treaty Commission</li></ul>Celeste Haldane is serving her third term as Chief Commissioner, having been appointed in April 2017. She is Musqueam (Coast Salish) and Metlakatla (Tsimshian) with European ancestry. A practicing lawyer and Queen's Counsel (now King's Counsel since 2019), Celeste brings over 25 years of experience specializing in Indigenous law, corporate governance, and previously in criminal defense and civil litigation. She holds a Master of Laws in Constitutional Law from Osgoode Hall Law School and a Bachelor of Laws and Arts (Anthropology) from the University of British Columbia.Celeste is an active member of the Indigenous Bar Association and the Canadian Bar Association. She currently serves as a Director of YWCA Vancouver and volunteers on the Advisory Council on Diversity for the Commander Joint Task Force Pacific. Her previous roles include serving on the UBC Board of Governors, Hamber Foundation, Brain Canada Foundation, Legal Aid BC, Musqueam Capital Corporation, and more. Celeste is an alumna of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference. She resides on Vancouver Island with her husband, Conrad, and is the proud mother of three and grandmother of two. <ul><li>Panelist: Minister Patrick Harriott, Métis Nation British Columbia</li></ul>Patrick Harriott is the Associate Minister of Rights for Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and also serves as the Minister of Culture, Heritage and Language, Minister of Justice, Minister of Poverty Reduction and Unhoused, and MNBC Treasurer. In his second term as Regional Director for Vancouver Island and Powell River, Patrick is passionate about good governance and chairs the MNBC Governance Committee, in addition to representing MNBC Provincial Council on the Métis Nation Governing Assembly’s Electoral Act and Governance Committees.Raised in Manitoba, Patrick spent his childhood hunting and gathering with his grandfather on the family’s Métis scrip lands before moving to Victoria, where he ran a successful landscaping business for 15 years. A deep love for Métis culture and community led him to volunteer with Métis Nation Greater Victoria, where he served 9 years on the Board of Directors, 4 as President. He also served on several advisory councils, including the School District 61 Indigenous Advisory Council, University of Victoria Indigenous Advisory, and The Victoria Urban Reconciliation Dialogue.Patrick is currently a founding member of the Victoria Indigenous Community Advisory Board for the Indigenous stream of Reaching Home funding, and he served on the BC Government’s “In Plain Sight” Racism in Healthcare Task Team. He also sits on the BC Minister’s Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee. Regionally, Patrick helped establish the annual Vancouver Island Métis Rendezvous and co-created the Amelia Douglas Institute for Métis Culture and Language to support the revitalization of Métis culture, history, and language. <ul><li>Panelist: Michelle Bryant-Gravelle, City of Vancouver</li></ul>Michelle is a trailblazing leader who has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between businesses, industry and Indigenous communities. With a wealth of experience as a consultant, corporate professional, coach and educator, she brings a unique perspective and unwavering commitment to fostering meaningful connections and driving positive change. Now serving as the Senior Director of Indigenous Relations for the City of Vancouver, she is leading the City as the first municipality in Canada to implement UNDRIP. Michelle continues to blaze a path forward, empowering others and leaving an indelible mark on the communities she serves. Her impressive academic credentials, including a Master of Education and specialized coaching certifications, are a testament to her passion for growth and innovation, inspiring all who cross her path to dream bigger and achieve more. Michelle is Tsimshian, from the community of Lax Kw’alaams. <ul><li>Panelist: Merle Alexander, Miller Titerle + Company</li></ul>Merle is a ‘life of project’ lawyer at Miller Titerle + Company, specializing in impact benefit agreements, joint ventures, regulatory engagement, traditional knowledge collection, and corporate and tax-related advice. He supports government-to-government negotiations across resource sectors like mining, oil and gas, forestry, and hydro projects. Merle is part of the co-development team for BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and is deeply involved in implementing UNDRIP in the province. He continually adapts his legal expertise to meet the evolving needs of Indigenous clients.Recognized in 2021 and 2022 by Business in Vancouver’s BC500 as a Leader in Law, Merle was appointed King’s Counsel in 2020 and received a UVic Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018, as well as a Top 40 under 40 award in 2009. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Victoria. <h4>Parking Information</h4>There are no designated SFU parking facilities at the Vancouver campus, but there are many public parking garages in the area. Two of the closest garages are the Impark garage at 450 West Cordova Street and the Diamond Parking garage at 443 Seymour Street. Both have hourly and monthly parking available. You can also consult Parkopedia or the hangTag app.Otherwise, you can reach the SFU Centre for Dialogue by a brief walk from Waterfront station and numerous bus stops. Bike racks are available outside the Hastings entrance of SFU Harbour Centre (located across the street). Nearby parking is available at 500 &amp; 400 W. Cordova St. <h4>Directions (In-Person)</h4>The SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue is located at 580 W. Hastings St (enter by Seymour Street at Joe Segal Way), and is a brief walk from Waterfront station and numerous bus stops. Bike racks are available outside the Hastings entrance of SFU Harbour Centre (located across the street). Nearby parking is available at 500 &amp; 400 W. Cordova St. <h4>Photography &amp; Video Notice</h4>This event is being photographed and video-recorded by SFU for archival, education, and related promotional purposes. By attending or participating in this event, you are giving your consent to be photographed and/or video-recorded. If you do not wish to be photographed and/or video-recorded, please email <a href="mailto:info@unacvancouver.org" title="mailto:info@unacvancouver.org" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">info@unacvancouver.org</a> <h4>Code of Conduct and Inclusion Expectation</h4>This is an inclusive event. By submitting your registration, you are agreeing to engage with organizers and other guests at the event in a respectful manner. Offensive or discriminatory behaviour and/or language toward event organizers and other guests will not be tolerated. Photo Credits: “Recognizing and Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples”, by Province of British Columbia, published on October 24, 2019, licensed under flickr. No changes were made.For more information about UNAC Vancouver, please visit - <a href="http://www.unacvancouver.org/" title="http://www.unacvancouver.org/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">www.unacvancouver.org</a>For all questions regarding registrations, please contact <a href="mailto:info@unacvancouver.org" title="mailto:info@unacvancouver.org" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">info@unacvancouver.org</a>.

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From Local to Global: Canada’s Approach to UNDRIP Implementation

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From Local to Global: Canada’s Approach to UNDRIP Implementation

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