Practice

We support Indigenous peoples in asserting and protecting their inherent rights, both at the negotiating table and before the courts. Our focus is on helping clients achieve the fullest possible expression of their rights and cultures.

Indigenous peoples navigate a complex governance environment, often facing federal and provincial interference with inherent governance rights. We help Indigenous communities exercise governance over territory, resource management, child welfare and youth protection, and more. Our services include negotiating self-governance agreements, drafting legal frameworks for elections and community affairs, and supporting the daily operations of Indigenous governments, including commercial partnerships and human resource matters.

Academic and corporate interest in Indigenous knowledge continues to grow. We help Indigenous peoples and organizations maintain ownership and control, ensuring that clear rights and obligations are in place for all parties involved.

Indigenous territories are often targeted for development. We support Indigenous peoples in exercising control over their territories, whether that be opposing harmful projects, collaborating with developers or other third parties to safeguard culturally important areas, or securing fair benefits through agreements that share jobs and revenues generated by development projects.

Governments must respect fairness, constitutional boundaries, and the law. We assist groups and individuals challenging government decisions or actions that violate these principles or Indigenous constitutional rights. We also defend Indigenous governments facing such challenges.

We assist Indigenous clients with tax matters and structuring businesses and partnerships to align with their priorities and values. We also help businesses and non-profits strengthen corporate governance and establish tools for long-term success.

Modern treaties set down frameworks for the exercise of the rights and governance powers of Indigenous peoples. We assist Indigenous peoples in ensuring these agreements are upheld, promises are respected, and resources are secured to achieve their intended goals.

We help Indigenous peoples pursue justice for mistreatment by governments and public institutions. This includes filing class actions, assisting individuals in existing settlements, and ensuring that compensation and support are provided in the claims process. We are sensitive to the trauma that may resurface during the claims process.

Canada’s history includes many instances where First Nations were denied promised benefits or had protected lands taken away. We assist First Nations in preparing “specific claims,” by representing them before the Specific Claims Tribunal and other courts, and by negotiating fair compensation from the government.

The Crown’s imposition of membership rules has left a complex legacy in First Nations communities. We advise First Nations seeking to reclaim control over citizenship and membership and represent both communities and individuals who challenge the Crown’s approach to recognizing Indian status.