Indigenous law and the exercise of inherent rights by Indigenous governments is complex, dynamic and evolving. It is crucial to have trusted legal advisors who are respectful of and thoroughly versed in issues relating to First Nation, Inuit and Métis governments, nations and organizations in Canada.
As Canada’s largest full-service law firm, we have a dedicated national indigenous group with lawyers across the country, which includes partners of Indigenous descent.
We assist our clients in navigating complex legal questions in Indigenous law and building relationships with Indigenous peoples. We advise project proponents, key stakeholders, Indigenous groups and the Crown on permitting and approval issues when proposed projects may affect Aboriginal and/or Treaty rights, or where government-to-government relationships need development in order to further reconciliation objectives.
As a collaborative, multidisciplinary firm, we offer a range of services to federal, provincial, territorial and Indigenous governments, agencies, organizations and private entities. These services can include:
- Navigating environmental assessments, consultation & accommodation processes, impact benefit agreements and related matters associated with major projects;
- Creating or advising on business entities, including partnerships and trusts, procurement opportunities, equity participation, and related matters associated with Indigenous participation in major and minor projects;
- Financing projects with Indigenous groups or on Indigenous lands;
- Acquiring or managing tenures on Indigenous lands; and
- Advising on the exercise of jurisdiction by Indigenous groups.
We have a growing practice providing commercial and transactional advice to Indigenous-owned businesses across all industry sectors – natural resource development, oil and gas, energy and transmission, infrastructure and construction, franchising, banking, and cannabis. Industry partners rely on us to assist in establishing strategic partnerships with Indigenous-owned businesses.
We are called on frequently to give legal advice to clients with interests in the northern and remote regions of Canada and have extensive experience with Northern Land Claims Agreements.
Our team includes active members and directors of various Indigenous organizations, such as the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business, Indigenous Bar Association, National Indigenous Trust Officers Association, Anishnawbe Health Foundation, Northwest Territories and Nunavut Chamber of Mines, the Tungasuvvingat Inuit Board and the Akitsiraq Law Society.
Our lawyers have well-established relationships and a reputation for excellence at federal, provincial and territorial ministries and agencies for Indigenous affairs, natural resources and energy. We offer government experience and close access for national organizations working with provincial and federal Crown entities.
