Additions to Reserve (ATR): Exploring New Approaches
April 22 & 23, 2026 at 9:00AM PDT
Downtown Vancouver and Live Webinar
In-person is now FULL
Additions to Reserve (ATR): Exploring New Approaches
April 22 & 23, 2026
Overview
First Nations have voiced frustrations over delays in making decisions on their proposed “additions to reserve”. Some additions to reserve have taken decades to complete, harming opportunities for reconciliation, protection of culturally important First Nation lands, and economic development of First Nations. Particularly as Canada is facing international economic headwinds, there is a need for a fast and efficient additions to reserve process, capable of making decisions at the speed of business.
Canada is aware of the frustrations and the potential value of a faster process not just for First Nation economies but for the entire Canadian economy and has invited recommendations improvement of the additions to reserve policy and process.
Join us for an exploration of the bold changes which would be needed to create a different future for First Nation lands … and be part of the change.
In-person is now FULL!
Key Areas Addressed:
The background and history of reserves in Canada
First Nation experience with Additions to Reserve Lands
Major projects and Canada’s new economy – economic development
Relationships with neighbouring governments and other partnerships
The need for change – First Nation experiences under the current ATR process
Why we need a fast track ATR process
Canada’s perspective on Addition to Reserve (ATR) reforms
The Lands Advisory Board proposal for a fast track ATR process
Consultations and engagement – a First Nation led approach
Boundaries, surveys and mapping of ATRs
First Nation and local government relationships
Legal considerations – new fast track ATR process
The way forward
This Forum is Designed For:
First Nations leaders and officials
First Nations development companies
Municipal officials, managers, planners and lawyers
Federal and provincial officials involved in the development of reserve lands
Real estate developers and resource companies
Lawyers and in-house resource company counsel
Professionals in the utilities, banking, and real estate development industries
Consultation and treaty negotiators
Lawyers, accountants and other advisors acting for First Nations and/or developers
Agenda
Day One - April 22, 2026
9:00 - Elder’s Welcome
9:05 - Welcome and Introduction by PBLI
9:10 - Chairs’ Welcome and Introduction
Chief Derek Epp
Ch’íyáqtel First Nation
Andrew Beynon
Director, Land Code Governance, First Nations Land Management Resource Centre
9:15 - The Background and History of Reserves in Canada
Andrew Beynon
Director, Land Code Governance, First Nations Land Management Resource Centre
Background on “reserves” – The history of reserve lands, treaty entitlement land and additions to reserve in Canada
Broader context of “First Nations Lands” in Canada
Land claims agreements
Self-government agreements
First Nation Lands under Land Codes
Lands governed under the Indian Act
10:05 - Questions and Discussion
10:20 - Refreshment Adjournment
10:35 - First Nation Experience with Additions to Reserve Lands
Chief Derek Epp
Ch’íyáqtel First Nation
Overview of First Nations’ experience
Historical perspective
Our story – History of the Ch’íyáqtel First Nation
Lands identified as First Nation Lands
11:20 - Questions and Discussion
11:30 - Major Projects and Canada’s New Economy – Economic Development
Andre LeDressay
Economist, Fiscal Realities, BC
The cost of missed opportunities
12:00 - Questions and Discussion
12:15 - Networking Lunch
1:15 - Relationships with Neighbouring Governments and Other Partnerships
Chief Derek Epp
Ch’íyáqtel First Nation
Dennis Meeches
President, Tribal Councils Investment Group of Manitoba
The political relationship
Evolving economic development/expert staff relationship
Efficiency objectives for First Nations, municipal and regional governments
2:15 - Questions and Discussion
2:25 - Refreshment Adjournment
2:40 - The Need For Change – First Nation Experiences Under the Current ATR Process
Owen Bloor
Doig River First Nation, BC
First nation led approach
Economic impacts of ATRs and an accelerated process
Loss of business opportunities
Emotional impact on communities
3:30 - Questions and Discussion
3:40 - Faculty Roundtable: Why We Need a Fast Track ATR Process
Speed and efficiency have their own merits but what else drives the need for change?
4:20 - Questions and Discussion
4:30 - Chairs’ Closing Remarks
4:40 - Forum Concludes for Day One
Day Two - April 23, 2026
9:00 - Welcome and Reflections on Day One
Chief Derek Epp
Ch’íyáqtel First Nation
Andrew Beynon
Director, Land Code Governance, First Nations Land Management Resource Centre
9:10 - Canada’s Perspective on Addition to Reserve (ATR) Reforms
The Honourable Rebecca Alty
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Canada
9:30 - Questions and Discussion
9:40 - The Lands Advisory Board Proposal for a Fast Track ATR Process
Andrew Beynon
Director, Land Code Governance, First Nations Land Management Resource Centre
Angie Derrickson
First Nations Land Governance Registry
Moving at the speed of business
What changes do land code First Nations want?
Can we cut out “front end” process delays?
Design and development
10:30 - Questions and Discussion
10:40 - Refreshment Adjournment
10:55 - Consultations and Engagement – A First Nation Led Approach
Patti Wight
Manager, First Nation Support Services, BC & Yukon, First Nations Land Management Resource Centre
11:25 - Questions and Discussion
11:35 - Boundaries, Surveys and Mapping of ATRs
Rob Pinkerton
Canada Land Surveyor
12:05 - Questions and Discussion
12:15 - Networking Lunch
1:15 - First Nation and Local Government Relationships
Chief Robert Louie
Westbank First Nation and Chair First Nation Lands Advisory Board
Options and considerations for key issues
Legal obligations
Reconciliation and relationship building
Service agreements
Other concerns and opportunities
1:55 - Questions and Discussion
2:05 - Legal Considerations – New Fast Track ATR Process
Andrew Beynon
Director, Land Code Governance, First Nations Land Management Resource Centre
Patricia MacIver
Rana Law, Calgary
An accelerated land acquisition approach and an accelerated decision-making procedure
2:45 - Refreshment Adjournment
2:55 - Legal Considerations – Continued
3:25 - Questions and Discussion
3:35 - Faculty Roundtable – The Way Forward
Moderator: Chief Robert Louie
Westbank First Nation and Chair First Nation Lands Advisory Board
4:15 - Questions and Discussion
4:25 - Chairs’ Closing Remarks for Day Two
4:35 - Forum Concludes
Meet the Co-Chairs
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Director, Land Code Governance, First Nations Land Management Resource Centre
Andrew Beynon has over thirty-five years experience working on First Nation lands and self-government. Andrew has worked on land development, environmental protection, environmental assessments, additions to reserve and treaty land entitlement, economic development, specific claims, federal-provincial agreements, optional self-government legislation, taxation, infrastructure projects, reform of federal funding agreements, work with First Nations drafting laws and many other areas.
Andrew was Canada’s lead lawyer on the Nisga’a treaty and has considerable experience with negotiations as well as drafting and has appeared on numerous occasions before Parliamentary Committees. Andrew is one of the authors of “Modern First Nations Legislation Annotated”, a legal publication which includes a chapter dealing with the Framework Agreement and the federal legislation which ratifies the Framework Agreement.
Andrew is married with two “kids” in post secondary studies. Andrew has no time for his wide range of hobbies and interests which range from eternal home renovations to collecting vintage JBL studio monitors originally used by Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones, to studying the history of the Nixon administration, as well as to international soccer and playing golf rarely, but always badly.
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Chief of Ch’íyáqtel (Tzeachten) First Nation and a nationally recognized leader in Indigenous economic development
Derek has led transformative initiatives in governance, infrastructure, and finance, including securing over $4 billion in capital through the First Nations Finance Authority, where he serves as Chair. Under his leadership, Tzeachten successfully expanded its land base through the Additions to Reserve process — completed in record time — while advocating for policy reform to support Indigenous land and taxation jurisdiction. Derek was also part of the transaction committee and subsequent Stonlasec8 Board member, who negotiated the 12.5% equity ownership of the Enbridge Westcoast natural gas pipeline.
Derek is a driving force behind national institutions such as the First Nations Tax Commission, First Nations Finance Authority, and Lands Advisory Board, helping First Nations across Canada build strong, self-determining economies. His contributions have earned him international and national honors, including the Freedom of the City of London and King Charles III’s Coronation Medal.
With deep expertise in strategic planning, financial literacy, and intergovernmental relations, Derek brings a bold and solution-oriented voice to the future of Indigenous economic empowerment.
Meet the Faculty
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Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Canada
The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories in April 2025.
A lifelong resident of Yellowknife, Minister Alty began her career in politics as a City Councillor, serving for six years. In 2018, she became the second woman to be elected Mayor of Yellowknife, a post she served in until 2025.
Throughout her more than twelve years on the Yellowknife city council, Minister Alty was known for her open collaboration and passionate advocacy on issues such as reconciliation, housing affordability, and sustainable development.
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Doig River First Nation, BC
I was born and raised in British Columbia’s Peace Country, beginning my journey in Goodlow before moving to Fort St. John. Growing up in the North instilled in me a deep respect for land, community, and resilience—values that have shaped both my personal and professional life.
In 2004, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Planning with an Energy Specialization from the University of Northern British Columbia. Shortly thereafter, I joined the Peace River Regional District, where I worked in a variety of roles that strengthened my understanding of land use governance, regional development, and public service.
In 2012, my life changed abruptly following a serious motor vehicle accident that resulted in significant spinal injury. The physical trauma was profound, but the aftermath proved equally challenging. Like many who suffer catastrophic injuries, I struggled with the effects of long-term pain management and eventually lost my way. Addiction cost me deeply—my career, my home, my relationships, and most painfully, the respect of those I loved most.
Yet that chapter does not define me—what defines me is what followed.
A decade ago, I made the decision to reclaim my life. I committed to recovery, completed treatment, and have now been clean for ten years. Recovery restored not only my health, but my clarity of purpose: to contribute meaningfully, to serve others, and to leave the world better than I found it.
With renewed focus, I returned to academia and in 2021 earned my master’s in planning—an achievement that represents perseverance, discipline, and redemption.
Today, I am proud to serve the people of Doig River First Nation. Working in support of Indigenous land governance, environmental stewardship, and community development is more than employment—it is purpose-driven work that aligns with my values and lived experience.
My journey has been marked by both hardship and renewal. It has taught me resilience, humility, and the power of second chances. I carry those lessons into every professional and personal endeavor, grounded in the belief that transformation is possible and that service to community is the highest calling.
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Registrar, First Nation Land Governance Registry
Angie Derrickson is a proud member of Westbank First Nation, located in the Syilx Okanagan territory in southern British Columbia.
After graduating in 1992, she started her career at Westbank First Nation working in Administration, Intergovernmental Affairs and then Senior Lands Officer from 2000 to 2010. In 2013, Angie joined the First Nations Land Management Resource Centre and supports strategic approaches for training, mentorship, and professional development for Land Governance across Canada.
Driven by her dedication to her community, Angie has actively participated in various governance initiatives and the implementation of the WFN Self‐Government Agreement. In 2022, she was elected to WFN Council and contributes to strategic priorities under WFN’s unique land base, cultural values, and governance structure.
Angie has also achieved her Professional Lands Management Certification at the University of Saskatchewan, Associate Certificate in Training and Facilitation from the Justice Institute of British Columbia and a Professional Certificate in Management & Leadership from Royal Roads University.
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Economist, Fiscal Realities, BC
Andre has almost three decades of experience working with indigenous communities, organizations, and institutions and local governments.
He has written numerous academic and consulting reports in his areas of expertise: building the legal, administrative, fiscal and institutional framework to support economic growth. He is the Director of Fiscal Realities Economists, the Director of the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics and a professor at Thompson Rivers University. He co-authored a book which was nominated for the Donner Book Prize in 2010. He was the principal author of the Tulo Centre online textbook – Building a Competitive First Nation Investment Climate (2015). He has also authored the final chapter, Unlocking First Nation Wealth: Past Efforts & Future Opportunities, in a compilation entitled, Unlocking the Wealth of Indian Nations (2016) edited by Terry L. Anderson at Stanford University. He has received a distinguished alumni award from Thompson Rivers University and a lifetime achievement award from the First Nations Tax Administrators Association. He has helped facilitate over 20 service agreements between First Nations and local governments. He has developed the curriculum for 14 original courses in First Nation Tax Administration, First Nations Applied Land Management and First Nation Applied Economics including the only accredited course in Canada on Negotiating First Nation-Local Government service agreement. André holds a PhD in Economics from Simon Fraser University, a Masters of Applied Economics from the University of Victoria and an Honors degree in Math and Economics from the University of Regina.
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Westbank First Nation and Chair First Nation Lands Advisory Board
Robert Louie, LL.B, OC, Hon. Dr LL.B, Hon. Fellow Okanagan College is the Chief (27 years) of the Westbank First Nation (which is Self-Governing), and has served on numerous Boards, Companies and Special Appointments with Government and private industry for over 30 years. He has extensive experience in real estate development and finance matters and has focused primarily on working for First Nations on land matters throughout Canada. Over the 27-year span as Chief at Westbank First Nation, Robert was President/Director for 30 plus corporations which included construction, forestry, commercial/retail, residential, recreational, and institutional.
Robert is the Chairman of the First Nations Lands Advisory Board (approx. 35 years) and has been instrumental in getting First Nations into incremental self-governance. Robert is also the Chairman/Director of Peace Hills Trust, which is the largest aboriginal financial institution in Canada. Robert is a Founding Director and is a shareholder in the Public Company – Decisive Dividends (DE) on TSX Venture, Trustee and Chairman of Apartment Plus REIT, and is a member of the TC Energy Indigenous Advisory Council. Robert is also the owner of Indigenous World Winery and Distillery, Kelowna West Manufacturing Home Park, real estate projects, and several other business endeavours.
Robert is a former practicing lawyer who specialized in native law and was a summer Law Instructor at the University of Saskatchewan. He has received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the Justice Institute of British Columbia. He is also a former Task Group member elected by the Chiefs in BC serving 4 years on the B.C. First Nations Summit Task Group and was actively involved in B.C. Treaty negotiations representing First Nations. Robert was awarded the prestigious Officer of the Order of Canada on October 5th, 2006 and on June 1st, 2019, Robert was honored with the recognition of Honorary Fellow of Okanagan College.
Some of the other past numerous boards and special appointments Robert has been active in include: Director of Ecora Engineering and Resource Group Ltd; Director of DAXET Development Corporation (which is owned by T’Sou-ke Nation); Panelist judge on Bears’ Lair TV program on APTN; Indigenous advisor representing Canada on the World Indigenous Business Forum, where he networked with other leaders promoting Indigenous economic development and world trade; Board Member with the BC Achievement Foundation and also sat on the Executive Committee; Board of Governor member with UBC; President’s Advisory Council member with UBC-Okanagan; Board Director on the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board; President of First Nations Finance Authority Inc.; Board Director with All Nations Trust Co; one of a nine member Premier’s Advisory Council with the Premier of B.C.; Board Director on the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce; Board Director and founding member with the Kelowna United Native Friendship Society.
Robert has been the recipient of many other awards and distinguished presentations including: Aboriginal Business Lifetime Achievement Award 2022, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business; Lifetime B.C. Achievement Award Aboriginal Business; Distinguished Alumni Business Administration, Okanagan College; Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal; Excellence in Aboriginal Leadership from Aboriginal Financial Officers Association & Xerox Canada; Business Person of the Year, Westbank Chamber of Commerce; President’s Award, Westbank Chamber of Commerce; Recipient of Commemorative Medal for 125th Anniversary of Canada and the B.C. Academic Scholarship Award.
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Survey Advisor (Consultant), Canada Land Surveyor
Rob Pinkerton is a Land Surveyor and Engineer who has spent the last 20 years working on land surveys throughout the western provinces. He attended the University of Calgary and is licensed to survey in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and on Canada Lands.
Born in North Vancouver he has lived in Moncton, Edmonton and now calls Calgary home. He has served as a Councillor for the Alberta Land Surveyors’ Association (ALSA) and as President of the Association of Canada Lands Surveyors (ACLS).
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Associate Counsel, Rana Law, Calgary
Patricia is based in Rana Law’s Calgary office. With her varied legal and policy background, a significant part of Patricia’s practice is advising First Nations on governance and administration issues. She also has experience negotiating, settling and implementing Specific Claims. Patricia has assisted First Nation governments with addition to reserve/reserve creation applications and has advocated for a more streamlined and efficient approach to Canada’s Additions to Reserve Policy. She has also worked with clients to develop Land Codes and bylaws to enhance their jurisdiction over reserve lands.
Patricia’s practice also consists of advising First Nation owned companies and societies on all aspects of governance and management, with a specific focus on employment related issues. Prior to joining Rana Law, Patricia worked for a national and international law firm specializing in labour and employment law. She brings this knowledge and experience to her clients and regularly provides legal advice on hiring, managing and terminating the employment relationship.
Patricia has also developed a strong practice in child and family services, advising First Nation delegated authorities in Alberta and representing First Nations in child protection matters.
While studying law at Dalhousie University, Patricia was the recipient of the inaugural Donald Marshall Junior Memorial Award for demonstrating a commitment and involvement in raising awareness and working for Aboriginal justice. She also completed Osgoode Hall’s Intensive Program in Aboriginal Lands, Resources & Governments and interned with the Nisga’a Lisims Government in Gitlaxt’aamiks.
Before law, Patricia worked as a policy analyst conducting strategic planning for a First Nation in the Yukon and for a regional government in Ontario.
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Manager, First Nation Support Services, BC & Yukon, First Nations Land Management Resource Centre
Patti Wight is from the Squamish Nation and currently resides in the heart of Lheidli T’enneh traditional territory (Prince George, BC) where she has been working with the Resource Centre since 2012. Patti holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography with an environmental science focus from the University of Northern BC and also has a certificate in Indigenous Peoples Resource Management from the University of Saskatchewan. Prior to joining the Resource Centre, Patti was the Lheidli T’enneh Director of Lands & Natural Resources. Patti enjoys spending her free time in nature exploring and camping. She loves to travel and is always trying out new ways to prepare foods, teas and medicines.
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Long Plain First Nation, Manitoba, and President, Tribal Councils Investment Group of Manitoba
Registration Form
Program:
Additions to Reserve (ATR): Exploring New Approaches
Date:
April 22 & 23, 2026
Location:
UBC Robson Square (800 Robson Street - Classroom level), Vancouver, BC
Registration:
The registration fee is $1,665.00 plus GST of $83.25 totaling $1,748.25 for webinar and in-person attendance. Registration fee covers your attendance at the program and electronic materials. In-person attendance includes a catered lunch and refreshments throughout the day. In-person is now FULL! Webinar is still available.
Early Bird Discount:
Register by March 23, 2026 and receive a $200 discount on the registration fee ($1,465.00 plus GST). Discounts cannot be combined.
Group Discount:
Register four persons from the same organization at the same time and you are entitled to a complimentary fifth registration. Discounts cannot be combined.
If you would like to register a group, please fill out this form and email it to registrations@pbli.com:
Payment:
You may pay by VISA, Mastercard or cheque. Cheques should be made payable to the Pacific Business & Law Institute and mailed to Unit 2-2246 Spruce Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 2P3. Please do not send cheques via courier with signature required.
When and Where:
Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. The program starts at 9:00 a.m. (PDT). UBC Robson Square is located at 800 Robson Street in Vancouver, BC, and our event will take place on the classroom level. Please visit https://robsonsquare.ubc.ca/find-us/ for directions.
Materials:
The faculty will prepare papers and/or other materials explaining many of the points raised during this program. Materials will be distributed electronically. Please contact us at registrations@pbli.com if you are unable to attend the program and wish to purchase a set of materials.
Cancellations/Transfers:
Refunds will be given for cancellations (less a $60.00 administration fee) if notice is received in writing five full business days prior to the program (April 15, 2026). After that time we are unable to refund registration fees. Substitutions will be permitted. We reserve the right to cancel, change or revise the date, faculty, content, availability of webinar or venue and transfer in-person registration to webinar registration for this event.
To register by phone:
Telephone us: 604-730-2500
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We will keep all information that you provide to us in strict confidence, other than to prepare a delegate list containing your name, title, firm and city for our faculty and the program delegates. We do not share our mailing lists with any non-affiliated organization.
Course Accreditation:
Course Accreditation: Attendance at this course can be listed for up to 12.3 hours of continuing professional development credits with the Law Societies of BC and Ontario. For practitioners in other jurisdictions, please check your governing body’s CPD requirements.
If you would like to register a group, please fill out this form (DOWNLOAD FORM) and email it to registrations@pbli.com; for individual registration, please continue with form below.