The June 4, 2024 PBLI conference will explore holistic practices and legal frameworks in Indigenous healthcare and family services
We are proud to announce that two of our firm’s lawyers, Hannah McDonald and Natalia Sudeyko, will co-chair the upcoming Pacific Business and Law Institute Indigenous Healthcare & Youth Conference on June 4, 2024. This conference will bring together a distinguished faulty of diverse voices to discuss critical issues in Indigenous healthcare and child and family services in Canada.
Focus on Indigenous Healthcare and Youth
The conference will delve into the persistent disparities in healthcare access and outcomes faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. Rooted in historical and systemic factors such as colonization, intergenerational trauma, socio-economic inequities, and discrimination, these disparities continue to pose significant challenges. Additionally, the event will highlight the overrepresentation of Indigenous children in the child welfare system and explore efforts by Indigenous nations to reclaim jurisdiction over child and family services.
Diverse and Esteemed Faculty
The event features an impressive lineup of speakers and panelists, including Indigenous leaders, healthcare professionals, and legal experts. Notable participants include:
- Wenecwtsin (Wayne M. Christian), former Chief of Splatsin, Splatsin, Secwepemcul’ecw
- Willie Charlie of Sts’ailes First Nation
- Edward Johnson of Huu-ay-aht First Nations
- Ellen Blais, Executive Director, National Council of Indigenous Midwives
- Kathy Waddell, Consultant, Kaniikaniit Consulting
- Clare Mochrie, Director, Intergovernmental, First Nations Health Authority
Comprehensive Agenda
The conference will cover a range of topics critical to improving Indigenous healthcare and child and family services:
- Child & Family Services: Insights into recently enacted laws, coordination agreements, and strategies for exercising greater control over child and family services.
- Youth in Care: Discussions with youth who have lived experience in the foster care system, focusing on their legal rights and the importance of cultural connections.
- Indigenous Birthing Practices: Exploration of the revitalization of traditional birthing practices.
- Holistic Health Perspectives: Embracing holistic health practices and addressing social determinants of health, including public policy barriers and racism.
- Legislative Initiatives: Examination of current approaches and legislative efforts aimed at bridging health disparities and implementing a 10-year strategy on social determinants of health.
Significance of the Conference
This conference provides a vital platform for meaningful dialogue and the exchange of innovative ideas aimed at addressing the systemic challenges faced by Indigenous communities. By bringing together experts from various fields, the event seeks to foster actionable solutions that bridge cultural gaps in healthcare and enhance the development of child and family services laws.
For more information about the conference and the full agenda, please visit