First Nations

Intergovernmental Relations and Treaty and Aboriginal Rights

For decades, MLT has represented clients in Treaty and Aboriginal rights negotiations and litigation; specific, comprehensive and treaty land entitlement claims; and a wide variety of legislative, regulatory and other negotiations with the federal, provincial and municipal governments. Our lawyers have played a leading role in landmark land claims settlements, self-government negotiations, constitutional accords and the development of inter-governmental relations protocols, and have represented First Nations in Treaty and Aboriginal matters in the Courts and in Federal and provincial regulatory tribunals.

We represent many First Nations in matters arising from the duty to consult and accommodate, and we have particular depth in matters such as water and water rights, forestry, mining, oil and gas and other natural resource development, pipelines, land use policies and land development, hunting and fishing, roads and access to reserves. We have negotiated a wide variety of impact benefit and related business and consultation arrangements.

First Nations Business Law

Our lawyers have been at the forefront of First Nation economic development initiatives, successfully structuring projects and partnerships across a broad range of economic development enterprises, including hospitality, gaming, food processing, agri-business, property development and leasing, construction, transportation, and resource sectors such as forestry, mining and oil & gas. We primarily represent First Nations and First Nation-owned entities in Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia, but also act for lenders and others doing business with First Nations.

Band Governance and General Counsel

We provide advice on all aspects of band management and governance, and act as general counsel to First Nations. We have drafted First Nations’ constitutions and bylaws, negotiated agreements with other governments on a broad range of funding and program arrangements, and drafted and advised on membership, election, taxation, trespass, land use, human resources, substantce abuse and finance and administration bylaws and policies. Our litigation group has represented many First Nations in employment law, commercial, taxation, insurance and other general litigation, as well as disputes relating to elections, membership, reserve land and similar issues.

Trusts and Investments

Drafting trust agreements that meet the community's needs requires knowledge of trust law, tax law and First Nations law. Our collaborative approach brings together the skills of experienced lawyers in all relevant practice areas to provide high quality, cost-effective advice on structuring trusts and drafting trust agreements; advising trustees and on investment policies; drafting bylaws relating to major settlements and trust account administration; advising on the taxation of trusts and trust income.

Key Contacts

Our Team