Indigenous Law

We help First Nations receive recognition of their rights and develop their local economies.

Across Canada, the McKenzie Lake Indigenous Affairs law team is recognized as experts in the area of Indigenous law. Our team has settled many land claims, including the largest per capita land claim in Canada. We have acted on behalf of Indigenous victims of physical and sexual assault at day and residential schools and elsewhere. We were an integral part of the Pan-Canadian settlement negotiations to redress the Indian Residential School abuse. Our team provides Indigenous Law services throughout Canada.

Our team works together with our Indigenous clients to share our expertise concerning the statutes and regulations which are unique to them, as well as counselling them on the special relationships they have with Canada, the provinces and municipalities.

Through our Indigenous law team, we continue to provide service to First Nations, and Indigenous peoples in a variety of areas, including:

Treaty and Rights Claims: We have litigated and negotiated land and treaty claims, additions to reserve (ATR), impact benefit agreements (IBA), duty to consult and accommodate agreements and self-government agreements.

General Counsel: We serve as general counsel to various First Nations and related enities to assist them with governance and day to day issues. The conduct of Council matters is often not as routine as one would wish. Controversies occur that need experienced lawyers. We assist in the drafting of Council Resolutions, and regularly advise Councils on issues they face. We have assisted Councils in the preparation of Custom Election Codes, and have advised on election issues.

Economic Development: First Nations wish to promote and have a stake in economic development for their communities. We have guided many communities to create business development corporations, sustainable jobs and community revenues from business activities.

Infrastructure: We have assisted First Nation communities through the complex processes of developing community infrastructure such as water and sewage works, and drafting and implementing First Nation community laws dealing with land use, business development and other local community initiatives.

Employment and Labour Issues: We have assisted communities and First Nation Councils with respect to workplace issues including such difficulties as workplace safety, developing policy manuals, bullying and harassment, collective bargaining with unions, and terminations.

Contact Us

For any inquiries with respect to First Nations, please contact a London lawyer directly by email or by phone at (519) 672-5666. If corresponding by email, be sure to include your name, your telephone number, and a brief message.