The Area 03 Cross Component Committee is honored to be hosting a webinar: Truth and Reconciliation in British Columbia, Past – Present – Future with Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, OC, OBC & David Paterson. The two panellists will go over a brief history of Truth and Reconciliation in B.C. How we got to where we are today, what still needs to be done and what the future holds. The panelists will answer questions for a brief period near the end of the session. We hope you can join us for this webinar.

DATE: Wednesday, October 5, 2022

TIME: 6:00pm to 8:00pm

WHERE: Via Zoom Webinar

Panellist Biography:

Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, OC, OBC. is a true peace-builder whose life and work are examples of his personal commitment. A Hereditary Chief of the Gwawaenuk First Nation, Chief Joseph has dedicated his life to bridging the differences brought about by intolerance, lack of understanding and racism at home and abroad. His insights into the destructive impacts these forces can have on peoples' lives, families and cultures were shaped by his experience with the Canadian Indian Residential School system. As one of the last few speakers of the Kwakwaka'wakw language, Chief Joseph is an eloquent and inspiring Ceremonial House Speaker. He shares his knowledge and wisdom in the Big House and as a Language Speaker with the University of British Columbia, an internationally recognized art curator and as co-author of "Down from the Shimmering Sky: Masks of the Northwest Coast". 

David Paterson is a Vancouver lawyer who has spent more than 35 years practicing in the field of Indigenous rights. He has been counsel on many significant cases including the Delgamuukw case which established the existence of Aboriginal Title in BC. From 2000 to 2004 and since 2019 he has been Chair of the Committee on Indigenous Peoples for the International Bar Association where he is also a member of the steering committee for the Goal One Initiative on the Elimination of World Poverty. He was part of the legal team which brought the class action concerning Indian Residential Schools which resulted in the settlement of residential school claims and was a member of the All-Parties Advisory Committee to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Oversight Committee for the residential school compensation process.

On behalf of the Area 03 Cross Component Committee