Workshop | Understanding Aboriginal Title in BC

May 27, 2026 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (PDT)

Description

The Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Four Directions Management Services (FDMS), invites business owners, executives, managers, and staff to participate in a practical and thought-provoking workshop on Wednesday, May 27th from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM. Focused on understanding Aboriginal Title in BC and what it means for organizations operating in the province today. 

Led by Dan George, President & CEO of FDMS, and Kelly Mortimer, Vice President of FDMS, this session will explore the historical, legal, and contemporary realities shaping land governance and reconciliation across BC. As court decisions and negotiated agreements increasingly recognize Indigenous land rights, businesses are seeking to better understand how these developments affect their responsibilities, relationships, and role within the communities where they operate. 

Drawing from FDMS’s research and discussion paper on Understanding Aboriginal Title in British Columbia, the workshop will provide participants with foundational knowledge about how Aboriginal Title emerged, why it matters today, and how it relates to land acknowledgements and reconciliation efforts in the province. 

Aboriginal Title is not a new concept created by modern courts; it is a legal recognition of Indigenous peoples’ longstanding relationship with the land that predates colonization and continues to shape land governance in BC. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of the legal and historical context behind the statement that much of British Columbia remains unceded territory, and why many organizations are now seeking guidance on how to engage respectfully and responsibly with First Nations. 

Through practical discussion and Indigenous-led insight, the workshop will help organizations move beyond surface-level awareness toward a deeper understanding of reconciliation and the role businesses can play in building respectful, long-term relationships with First Nations. 

Key Takeaways for Participants 
Participants will leave the workshop with: 

1. A clear understanding of Aboriginal Title in BC and why it matters for communities, governments, and businesses today.
   2. Insight into why much of British Columbia is considered unceded territory and how that history shapes reconciliation today.
   3. Context behind recent court decisions and public debate about land, title, and property rights in BC.
   4. An opportunity to ask questions and engage directly in an open discussion on Aboriginal Title and reconciliation

DAN GEORGE, MA
President & CEO

Dan George has been assisting communities, organizations, governments, and companies through negotiation and strategic facilitation for the past thirty years. Dan brings his vast experience, a M.A. in Conflict Analysis and Management, certification as a Professional Facilitator and Director Certification through the Institute of Corporate Directors to each project he manages. In addition to his industry and Crown government work, Dan has an extensive roster of First Nation clients to whom he provides services to in the areas of organizational development, strategic planning and facilitation, governance/leadership training, negotiations and communications. A tireless advocate for reconciling the competing values and viewpoints of Aboriginal people, Industry and the Crown, Dan centers his efforts on the need to strengthen these valuable and transformational relationships. 

Mr. George resides in Kamloops, BC on Secwépemc Territory. He is a proud member of the Gilseyhu Clan (Big Frog – Thin House) of the Wet’suwet’en people, his family originating from Hagwilget Village, BC. He has been married for 31 years to his wife Teresa, and together they have two daughters, Amanda and Brittany, two granddaughters, Kiana & Alia, and one grandson, Daniel.

Kelly Mortimer, MA
Vice President

Kelly Mortimer has worked in the fields of aboriginal title and rights, research, communications, and public policy since 2010. Kelly obtained her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree with a double major in psychology and sociology from Thompson Rivers University and her Master’s degree in Intercultural and International Communication from Royal Roads University. Before joining FDMS, she worked for the Shuswap Nation Tribal Council as the Director of Research and Communications for their Aboriginal Rights & Title department where she was responsible for a wide range of projects relating to social justice advocacy, Indigenous legal traditions, governance, and policy and legislative analysis.

Kelly continues to grow and apply her skills as an intercultural communication strategist in the belief that building bridges creates opportunities for better understanding between Indigenous peoples, local communities, governments and industry which leads to greater collaboration and mutually beneficial relationships.