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Home / Events / APEBC Webinar: What Comes After DRIPA? Modern Treaties, Economic Certainty, and the Future of BC’s Public Lands

Nov 27 2026

APEBC Webinar: What Comes After DRIPA? Modern Treaties, Economic Certainty, and the Future of BC’s Public Lands

 

This presentation examines the economic uncertainty surrounding Aboriginal title, land ownership, and governing authority in BC. After more than 30 years of treaty negotiations, unresolved claims and overlapping territories continue to affect investment confidence. Meanwhile, the proliferation of foundation, revenue-sharing, and shared decision-making agreements has created additional regulatory complexity without necessarily resolving the underlying disputes.

The presentation explores why modern treaties should become the preferred pathway for resolving Aboriginal rights, title, and jurisdiction, with courts available where negotiations fail. It considers reforms to accelerate treaty negotiations, including constitutionally protected core treaties, phased settlements, dedicated processes for overlapping claims, and flexible approaches for smaller Indigenous communities. Particular attention will be given to whether modern treaties provide the legal certainty and finality needed to support long-term investment.

Finally, the presentation considers what economic certainty requires in a post-DRIPA environment, including reviewing existing agreements, clarifying statutory decision-making authority, protecting established rights and tenures, and reforming BC’s treaty negotiation framework. The central question is how BC can move beyond managing uncertainty toward durable settlements that strengthen investor confidence, support Indigenous peoples’ economic development, and provide predictable governance of public lands and resources.

Mirko Warren Mirko Executive Director, Public Land Use Society

Warren Mirko is the Excutive Director of the Public Land Use Society. PLUS is dedicated to ensuring Crown land remains accessible for recreation, resource development, and economic growth, while promoting responsible stewardship. We recognize the importance of protecting the rights and privilege of access to Crown land for all British Columbians and safeguarding our shared lands for future generations.

Warren has more than 15 years of experience in public relations, crisis response, and risk management, having supported public protection mandates at BC Financial Services Authority, Engineers and Geoscientists BC, Transport Canada, and other regulatory authorities. His work has included regulatory reform, public safety issues, stakeholder disputes, and high-profile matters requiring coordination between government, industry, professionals, and affected communities. He holds a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.

Warren’s work spans both the public and private sectors, where clear communication and public disclosure are critical to maintaining public trust. He is a Councillor in the Village of Warfield and a public affairs consultant who helps clients navigate government relations and align with regulatory and community expectations.

Warren contributes to media on issues of economics, governance, and accountability, bringing a candid perspective to land use and public policy in BC. He enjoys traveling throughout BC with his family and spending time outdoors. He also speaks Japanese and has practised Okinawan karate for more than 15 years.

Event Details

Virtual (Microsoft Teams)
Nov 27, 2026 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EST

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  • Natasha Apollonova