Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 2
Contact number
+1 416 862 7525About
Provided by Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
Gowling WLG is home to one of the largest and most respected Indigenous law practices in Canada.
Since the 1950s, we have been at the forefront of Indigenous law in Canada. We've worked alongside First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in landmark self-government agreements, resource development projects and Supreme Court cases. We've also acted for project proponents and governments at every level.
This singular legacy enables us to provide you with sophisticated legal advice in every aspect of Indigenous law – delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that help you advance your vision and achieve your goals.
As a full-service law firm, Gowling WLG is equipped to meet your diverse legal needs – from treaty rights and inherent rights, land claims, self-government, taxes and trusts to energy, mining, economic development and environmental matters.
We actively recruit lawyers of Indigenous ancestry and support numerous initiatives that promote their advancement in the legal profession.
In addition, Gowling WLG is one of the only full-service law firms in Canada that acts for Indigenous clients, as well as private industry, project proponents and all levels of government. Our clients benefit from our in-depth insight into the views of parties on all sides of the table, and the national scope of our practice gives you the benefit of best practices and strategies from across the country.
Chambers Review
Gowling WLG houses an impressive Aboriginal law team that offers assistance to clients including several First Nations from its offices across Canada, most notably from Ottawa and Vancouver. The group's counsel spans a range of areas including treaty and inherent rights, duty to consult and impact benefit agreements, self-government and economic development. Working collaboratively with colleagues in the energy, infrastructure and mining fields, the group also has substantial experience representing private industry and project proponents in their dealings with Aboriginal communities. The firm's work has also involved matters concerning Aboriginal rights and title in Newfoundland and Labrador. The team is active assisting First Nations organisations as project proponents in the renewable energy space.
Work Highlights
- Gowling WLG continued to advise Lax Kw'alaams and Metlakatla First Nation on an ongoing dispute with the Province of British Columbia concerning a proposed decision to transfer approximately 22,000 hectares of land to the Nisga’a Nation.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Gowling offers a very high level of competency, knowledge and focus on issues. The firm always has good suggestions and provides options to consider."
"Gowling handles matters quickly and its responses are easy to understand, even for those who are not legalese-savvy."
"They demonstrate vast knowledge and expertise."
"Gowling offers a very high level of competency, knowledge and focus on issues. The firm always has good suggestions and provides options to consider."
"Gowling handles matters quickly and its responses are easy to understand, even for those who are not legalese-savvy."
"They demonstrate vast knowledge and expertise."
Notable Practitioners
Brian Crane KC is a seasoned and highly regarded Aboriginal law lawyer who is well known for his representation of Indigenous clients in disputes, as well as advising on arbitration. Based in Ottawa, his practice also includes the negotiation of native land claims.
Maya Stano is a well-regarded lawyer at Gowling who is best known for representing First Nations and other Indigenous groups in the negotiation and implementation of agreements relating to energy and mining projects.
"Maya is an incredible asset; her knowledge and experience excellent. She is quick to reply to the needs we have and is precise with her answers and suggestions."
Vancouver-based Paul Seaman heads Gowling's indigenous law practice group. He advises a broad range of clients on drafting legislation, as well as consultations and commercial matters involving indigenous groups. He also acts for indigenous clients on administrative and commercial litigation.
Ranked Lawyers at
Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
Nationwide - Canada