BearPaw Legal Education & Resource Centre

For groups interested in the legal consultation responsibilities of industry and government

Duty to Consult is an intense workshop associated with constitutional law, regarding decisions that impact Aboriginal or treaty rights.The duty to consult law stems from several historical court cases heard only within the last 20 years. A famous example involves the Haida First Nation in 2002. The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that there was no consultation with the Haida regarding a forestry road deal. It was determined that the government has a duty to consult and, if appropriate, accommodate Aboriginal peoples where Aboriginal interests may be affected. In practice the duty to consult remains poorly understood. This workshop explains what the duty means in real terms, how the process works and how to identify a case where the law regarding consultation may apply.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES 
Publication - Duty to Consult
Publication - Aboriginal Identity-Terms and Definitions
Publication - Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Guide