Aboriginal Law
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 2
Contact number
+1 604 687 5744About
Provided by Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Indigenous law and the exercise of inherent rights by Indigenous governments is a dynamic and ever-evolving legal area. 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.
We have one of Canada’s largest and most experienced Indigenous law practices, which includes partners of Indigenous descent in each of our Québec, Toronto and Ottawa offices.
We assist our clients in navigating complex legal questions in Indigenous law and building relationships with Indigenous peoples. We advise Indigenous peoples, project proponents, key stakeholders 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.
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.
Chambers Review
Borden Ladner Gervais operates a strong national practice with a significant focus on Aboriginal law and litigation. The indigenous law team offers notable experience of title and rights and oil and gas issues, as well as economic and community development,treaty obligations and tax law. The firm represents both First Nations and industry proponents in connection with major energy and miningprojects. It also advises provincial and federal governments and their agencies on a number of issues, including land claims. It is particularly active in BC and also well placed to advise on matters throughout the North as well as in Ontario and Québec.
Work Highlights
- Borden Ladner Gervais assisted Marcel Colomb First Nationwith the negotiation and drafting of a revenue-sharing Impact Benefit Agreement with Alamos Gold, for a gold mine in Lynn Lake, Manitoba.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Borden Ladner Gervais team is always able to meet our needs."
"Their timeliness of turnaround of legal review and drafting of sophisticated documents is superb."
"Borden Ladner Gervais offers a wide variety of expertise and a palpable sense of teamwork to provide comprehensive best advice."
"The firm meets our expected needs and is also able to forecast needs that may not have been anticipated."
"We are very happy with theirknowledge and experience in this area."
"The Borden Ladner Gervais team is always able to meet our needs."
"Their timeliness of turnaround of legal review and drafting of sophisticated documents is superb."
"Borden Ladner Gervais offers a wide variety of expertise and a palpable sense of teamwork to provide comprehensive best advice."
"The firm meets our expected needs and is also able to forecast needs that may not have been anticipated."
"We are very happy with theirknowledge and experience in this area."
Notable Practitioners
Chris Roine is an adept lawyer based in Vancouver who has established himself as a go-to for representing clients in the real estate and energy sectors in their negotiations with Indigenous groups.
"He provides quality advice and support in a personable and inclusive way."
"Chris is an exceptional, calm and thoughtful voice in difficult and often contentious negotiations."
"His responsiveness, knowledge, experience and ability to navigate incredibly complex relationships are his superpowers."
Cherie Brant leads the Indigenous law practice at Borden Ladner. Her practice sees her regularly advise major energy and infrastructure clients on development projects on Indigenous land, as well as advising Indigenous groups on land use and environmental assessments.
"Cherie Brant is a real asset to the firm and adds significant experience and commercial awareness to Indigenous-led initiatives."