2023 National Claims Research Workshop

Research and Transformative Change:

Principles, Practices, and Possibilities

October 24-26, 2023

səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) Territory

North Vancouver, B.C.

You are invited to attend the 33rd annual National Claims Research Workshop, taking place October 24^th, 25^th and 26^th, 2023. This year the event will be held on səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) Traditional Territory in North Vancouver and hosted by the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC).

The annual workshop assembles experts from all regions of Canada to share information regarding recent developments in information management, oral history, legislative initiatives, and case law that directly impact the research, development and resolution of specific claims. The workshop features specialized sessions delivered by invited speakers who are experts in their respective fields. We are exploring topics that include looking at the relationship between expanded remedies for claims and research/evidence, the role of technology in claims research, oral history, Indigenous Laws, genealogy, resourcing for claims, innovations and challenges related to accessing records, and much more. It is a wonderful opportunity for professional development, networking, sharing information, and staying informed. Typically, over 100 First Nations researchers from across the country attend.

The focus of this year’s workshop, Research and Transformative Change: Principles, Practices, and Possibilities, takes as its starting point the federal government’s work with the Assembly of First Nations to co-develop an Independent Centre for the Resolution of Specific Claims. The new Centre is supposed to eliminate Canada’s longstanding conflict of interest from all parts of the specific claims process, integrate Indigenous laws, and uphold Canada’s legal obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the honour of the Crown. The claims research community has a vital role to play in articulating how the components envisioned as part of the new Centre – registrar, funding division, resource hub, commission, and adjudication – will impact the research and development of First Nations’ claims and how the Centre can support First Nations’ needs and priorities in resolving their claims. This is a crucial opportunity to pool expertise and knowledge to create a just and fair process for First Nations. 

About your hosts

The UBCIC was founded in 1969 by First Nations in BC to advance the recognition, protection, and implementation of Indigenous Title, Rights, and Treaty Rights; to unite First Nations of British Columbia for the purposes of settling land claims; and to build trust, honour, and respect amongst our Nations. Currently UBCIC represents over 120 First Nations from across the province.

Our mandate is to work towards the implementation, exercise, and recognition of our inherent Title, Rights, and Treaty Rights, as well as our right of self-determination, and to protect our lands and waters through the exercise and implementation of our own laws and jurisdiction. The UBCIC works collectively as an advocacy body to facilitate information sharing and to provide a cohesive voice (regionally, nationally, and internationally) in support of First Nations and communities. We also work to promote and protect each Nation’s exercise of sovereignty within their traditional territories.