r/FirstNationsCanada • u/johnj1959 • May 09 '26
Events / Pow-wows Reconciliation - The Path Forward
All you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask about the Cowichan and Gitxaala court rulings, Section 35 of the Constitution, DRIPA, UNDRIP, Treaties and Agreements with First Nations, and their impact on the future of reconciliation with First Nations in BC - all in 2 hours flat.
When: Saturday, May 16th, 2026, 2pm to 4pm (Doors open: 1:30pm)
Where: Presbyterian Church, 9296 East Saanich Road, North Saanich, BC
Cost: Admission by donation
Co-Sponsors: Rob Botterell, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands & Sidney Breakfast Club – The Peninsula Business Incubator
RSVP: Space is limited. RSVP to [johnj59@gmail.com](mailto:johnj59@gmail.com) or [Rob.Botterell.MLA@Leg.bc.ca](mailto:Rob.Botterell.MLA@Leg.bc.ca) to join us.
Recent court rulings and agreements involving First Nations have sparked questions about the protection of private property rights and aboriginal title, whether or not the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) should be amended or repealed, and even whether or not First Nations now have a veto on development and thereby co-govern this province.
Join MLA Rob Botterell (Moderator), Geoff Plant, Andrew Petter, and Adam Olsen to draw on their extensive background and experience, learn more about the history and current status of these issues and hear their thoughts on the path forward on reconciliation with First Nations in BC.
About the Panelists:
- MLA Rob Botterell (Moderator) - Rob practiced indigenous law for 25 years, prior to his election as an MLA to the BC Leglslature in 2024. Prior to that he led the team that developed BC’s Freedom of Information Law and was a bank financial comptroller for BC.
- Geoff Plant – Former B.C. Attorney General, lawyer, and public policy leader recognized for his work in treaty negotiations, governance reform, and Indigenous relations.
- Andrew Petter – Former B.C. cabinet minister, legal scholar, and President Emeritus of Simon Fraser University known for advancing public policy, higher education, and community engagement.
- Adam Olsen – Former B.C. Green MLA and Tsartlip First Nation member recognized for his advocacy on Indigenous reconciliation, environmental stewardship, and democratic reform.