Aboriginal Law
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 416 863 2400About
Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blakes is among Canada’s leading advisers on Aboriginal issues. We understand Aboriginal issues, applicable laws and legal protections, tribal rights and governance concerns. We advise clients on the application of rapidly evolving international principles in Canada, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
We advise clients across Canada on Aboriginal consultation/accommodation considerations impacting business activities, develop impact and benefit agreements, and advise on consultation obligations and regulatory matters. We counsel on the Aboriginal law aspects of M&A transactions, from early due diligence to managing Aboriginal-related risks and relationships through closing and beyond.
Our litigation lawyers successfully defend clients against challenges to government permits for natural resource development.
Our corporate lawyers represent industry clients and Aboriginal groups on commercial ventures and opportunities, including the negotiation of partnerships or joint ventures for business with Aboriginal peoples, or located on Aboriginal territories.
The group has experience in project financing, including the financing and development of commercial real estate on Aboriginal lands.
Blakes is at the forefront of dealing with taxation issues; often a critical component with business structures involving Aboriginal peoples.
Chambers Review
Blake, Cassels & Graydon fields a strong Indigenous law group with a national presence and offering clients a full service. The team possesses expertise which encompasses consultation and accommodation, impact and benefit agreements, regulatory proceedings and a range of commercial transactions. It also handles treaty negotiations and litigation matters, including challenges to government actions and permitting, as well as judicial review proceedings. The lawyers act for a number of large international energy and oil companies, as well as industry associations and Aboriginal groups. The firm has a particularly strong presence in Western Canada, but frequently advises on matters in Ontario and Québec.
Work Highlights
- Blake assisted Seabridge Gold with federal and provincial environmental assessment and permitting processes for proposed gold-copper mines in Canada, including engagement with five Indigenous groups and agreements with several First Nations.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Blakes sports an impressive roster of individuals. Each of them brings a unique but experienced skill set to the table."
"The firm is very thoughtful and methodical. It provides a clear summary of the relevant context and considerations and works with us to outline options and narrow out the best solution and approach."
"They seem to always be on top of the most recent developments in relation to commercial work."
"Blakes has a strong understanding of how our business operates and the intricacies of each individual indigenous organisation."
"They are extremely detail-oriented and precise with communication, both verbal and written."
"Blakes sports an impressive roster of individuals. Each of them brings a unique but experienced skill set to the table."
"The firm is very thoughtful and methodical. It provides a clear summary of the relevant context and considerations and works with us to outline options and narrow out the best solution and approach."
"They seem to always be on top of the most recent developments in relation to commercial work."
"Blakes has a strong understanding of how our business operates and the intricacies of each individual indigenous organisation."
"They are extremely detail-oriented and precise with communication, both verbal and written."
Notable Practitioners
Vancouver-based Sam Adkins acts on environmental assessments and has experience advising on the Aboriginal law aspects of major projects, including those in the energy and natural resources sector.
"He expertly explains complex matters clearly and efficiently and he always provides relevant context."
"Sam is able to navigate negotiations with clients or parties with a very wide range of capacity. His communication style is very accessible, while staying accurate and within the scope of agreements."
"He has a broad realm of experience, which makes him very knowledgeable and an asset to work with."
Roy Millen is a well-regarded Aboriginal law practitioner who frequently advises significant natural resource and energy clients. Based in Vancouver, he provides experience in the negotiation and execution of agreements with Aboriginal groups.
"Roy is very responsive to our needs, understands our complex situation and has the vision to help us plan for multiple potential outcomes."
"He understands the commercial aspects of the challenges facing our business very well."
"Roy provides timely and practical advice on litigation related to Indigenous rights and relations."