Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.

Robert Morales, Tl’ul’thut, is a distinguished member of the Cowichan Tribes and one of UVic Law’s early Indigenous graduates, earning his degree in 1986.

He is widely recognized for his leadership in reconciliation, redress and the restitution of Indigenous land rights. He continues to support the revitalization of Indigenous laws through guest participation in UVic Law field schools.

Morales began his career defending Indigenous clients affected by the legacies of residential schools and colonialism. By the late 1990s, he was leading treaty negotiations between the Cowichan Tribes and the provincial and federal governments as Chief Negotiator for the Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group—work he continues today.

He served as elected Chair of the Chief Negotiators of the First Nations Summit, representing 67 First Nations, and helped establish the Common Table to address critical issues. Internationally, Morales advocated for Indigenous rights at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

Morales has worked with policymakers and the public to advance understanding of Indigenous issues, including land claims and treaty negotiations. Recently, he led the Cowichan Tribes team in developing a new law for children and families.

Morales’s legacy reflects a lifelong dedication to his Nation’s well-being, the advancement of Indigenous rights, and transformative societal change.