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Rethinking Federalism: An Indigenous Perspective on Constitutional Reconciliation
What would it mean to rethink Canadian federalism through an Indigenous lens?

Drawing on his experience negotiating the inclusion of section 35 in the Constitution Act, 1982, and his ongoing involvement in Modern Treaty negotiations between the Innu of Labrador, Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador, our speaker, John A. Othius will explore how federalism can support a new approach to reconciliation.

The discussion will examine the relationship between Indigenous section 35 rights and federal and provincial powers under sections 91 and 92, and the importance of moving beyond reconciliation to Crown sovereignty toward Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that brings constitutional theory and real-world negotiation experience together, with plenty of time for questions and discussion.

Faculty, staff, and students are warmly invited to attend.

John Olthuis is one of the founding partners at OKT. In his Aboriginal rights practice, John represents First Nations across Canada in litigation matters and in major negotiations. This includes negotiating for comprehensive and specific land rights, self-government, and impacts and benefits agreements with project proponents.

John was legal counsel to Chiefs of Ontario and table negotiator at the Aboriginal Government table for the Assembly of First Nations in the Charlottetown Accord Constitutional negotiations. He has also appeared as counsel in environment cases and before various federal boards, commissions and agencies across Canada, including the National Energy Board, the Berger Commission and federal and provincial environmental assessment panels.

John has been selected annually since 2006 by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in Canada© and in The Best Lawyers in America© 2008 (Copyright 2007 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.) in the field of Aboriginal Law. He is listed as “most frequently recommended” by Lexpert Directory. John is a member of the Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador Bars. John was awarded the Order of Canada in 2023.