Nadir Andre
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Nadir André

Partner

Montréal
NAndre@blg.com
514.954.3152

Expertise

Samantha Fernandez

Practice Assistant

Montréal
SPfernandez@blg.com
514.954.2555

Nadir is a member of the Matimekush-Lac John First Nation and has sound experience in Indigenous law. He services many Indigenous clients, as well as corporations seeking to do business with Indigenous communities and Indigenous businesses in Québec and the rest of Canada.

Nadir is actively involved in certain comprehensive and specific land claim negotiations in Québec, Ontario and Manitoba. He also specializes in matters connected with natural resource development involving Indigenous communities and businesses.

Experience

  • Negotiations of socio-economic agreements between Indigenous people and the mining and energy industry
  • Negotiations of First Nations’ land claims with governments, leading to the conclusion of agreements and settlements
  • Advised First Nations on customary election laws and drafting chief and council election codes
  • Negotiations of socio-economic agreements between Indigenous people and the mining industry (Labrador, Iron Mines, Tata Steel, Arcelor Mittal, Alderon, etc.);
  • Negotiations of First Nations’ land claims with governments, leading to the conclusion of treaties;
  • Advised First Nations on customary election laws and drafting chief and council election codes;
  • Represented Indigenous Governments in consultation processes with Crowns and Proponents;
  • Negotiated on behalf of Indigenous Governments and drafted Consultation and Accommodation agreements with Crowns;
  • Represented Indigenous Communities in litigation against Crowns and Proponents for failure to consult or inadequate consultation processes;
  • Advised proponents in duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous groups;
  • Assessed Indigenous peoples' title and Aboriginal rights' claims;
  • Drafted Cannabis laws and advised First Nations on related matters;
  • Represented Indigenous Communities in title, Aboriginal and Treaty rights' claims;
  • Advised Indigenous Governments on self-government, drafting of Constitutions, creation of institutions and related policies regarding governance;
  • Advised Indigenous Governments on First Nations Financial and Fiscal laws and drafting such laws;
  • Represented First Nations in specific claims processes against the Crown;
  • Advised and negotiated on behalf of Indigenous Governments in Impact Benefit Agreements and other similar agreements across the Country;
  • Counsel to First Nations in commercial fisheries governance, permits attribution and Treaty related measures pertaining to fisheries;
  • Counsel to Indigenous Governments on modern treaties implementation and breach remedies by the Crowns;
  • Advised First Nations on local land and natural resources management;
  • Advised First Nations on membership laws;
  • Represented First Nations in the creation of Economical Development structures and commercial joint ventures;
  • Represented First Nations in negotiations resulting in partnerships relating to hydro electrical and wind power projects;
  • Provides support to indigenous clients seeking to exercise jurisdiction on governance matters, including issues associated with child and family services under C-92.

Beyond our Walls

Professional Involvement

  • Member, Barreau du Québec
  • Member, Indigenous Bar Association
  • Member, Canadian Bar Association

Awards & Recognitions

  • Recognized in the 2025 edition (and since 2009) of Best Lawyers in Canada® (Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice)
  • Recognized in the 2024 edition (and since 2013) of Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory (Aboriginal Law)
  • Recognized in the 2024 edition of Benchmark Canada — The Definitive Guide to Canada’s Leading Litigation Firms & Attorneys as a "Litigation Star: Dispute Resolution" and "Litigation Star: Aboriginal"
  • Recognized in the 2024 edition of Lexpert Special Edition: Energy and Mining
  • Shortlisted for “Aboriginal Litigator of the Year” at the 2023 Benchmark Litigation Canada Awards
  • Recognized in the 2023 edition (and since 2022) of Lexpert Special Edition: Infrastructure
  • Recognized in the 2023 edition (and since 2021) of Lexpert Special Edition: Energy
  • Recognized in the 2023 edition (and since 2022) of Lexpert Special Edition: Mining
  • Recognized in the 2021 edition of Chambers Canada (Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples)
  • Recognized in the 2020 edition of Lexpert Special Edition: Agribusiness and Cannabis
  • Recognized as the Aboriginal Litigator of the Year by the 2018 Benchmark Canada Awards
  • Recognized in the 2017 and 2016 edition of Benchmark Canada — The Definitive Guide to Canada’s Leading Litigation Firms & Attorneys as a “Local Litigation Star: Québec” and a “Litigation Star: Aboriginal”
  • Recognized as a leading Canadian lawyer in the 2013 Lexpert® Special Edition on Global Mining

Bar Admission & Education

  • Québec, 1998
  • LLL, University of Ottawa, 1996