MLT Lawyers Practicing
in this Area Include:

Regina
Brian Barrington-Foote, Q.C.
Len Andrychuk, Q.C.
Randy Brunet
Jordan Hardy
Bonnie Reid
James Camplin
Christy Stockdale
Angela Cousins

Calgary
Brian Barrington-Foote, Q.C.
James Kerby
Tom Gould
Heather Spicer
Clayton Leonard

Edmonton
Nonnie Jackson

Saskatoon
Thomas Molloy, O.C., Q.C.
Rangi Jeerakathil
Chris Woodland

MLT has, for over two decades, been at the leading edge of First Nations Law developments in Canada. During that time, our lawyers have represented and advised First Nations and governments in relation to dozens of specific, comprehensive and Treaty Land Entitlement claims negotiations.

MLT’s First Nations Law Practice Group also has extensive experience in relation to First Nation self-government and policing issues, the taxation and structuring of First Nation-owned business enterprises, and the development of constitutional accords.

At MLT we anticipate and respond to the intersection of First Nations Law with other practice areas including labour and employment law, tax law and corporate and commercial law. All of this experience also means we know and respect the different cultural approaches that parties bring with them to the negotiating table, and the importance of accommodating that diversity while achieving a mutually beneficial outcome for all participants.

Tom Molloy, O.C., Q.C. played a pivotal role as Canada's chief negotiator in the lengthy negotiations leading to the creation of Nunavut – Canada’s newest and largest territory. Mr. Molloy also acted as chief negotiator for Canada in relation to British Columbia’s first modern day Treaty - successfully settling the land claims of the Nisga’a First Nation. He has negotiated, and continues to negotiate, comprehensive land claims with many other First Nations throughout Canada, on assignments covering the widest possible range of legal issues affecting First Nations people. Mr. Molloy is also the author of the award winning book The World is Our Witness: The Historic Journey of the Nisga’a Into Canada.

Brian Barrington-Foote, Q.C. has, for many years, provided legal advice on a host of First Nations Law issues ranging from Treaty claims, constitutional negotiations, litigation for First Nations, governments and commercial clients, commercial and natural resource development on First Nation lands, First Nation gaming projects, self-government negotiations, tax-effective business structures, First Nation policing and labour and employment law issues. Brian’s experience as a Crown lawyer, and as a former Deputy Minister of the Saskatchewan Department of Justice (including responsibility for Aboriginal and human rights issues), complement the breadth of legal and business experience he has gained from his work in private practice.

Jim Kerby acted as lead counsel in relation to the settlement of outstanding Treaty Land Entitlements of 27 First Nations in the Province of Saskatchewan. The resulting Saskatchewan Treaty Land Entitlement ‘Framework Agreement’ involved cash compensation of over $455,000,000 and provided Saskatchewan First Nations with the ability to acquire up to 1.6 million acres of land. The Framework Agreement now serves as an historic precedent for the settlement of outstanding Treaty Land Entitlement claims in Canada. Jim has since negotiated a number of other Treaty Land Entitlement and specific claims. As legal advisor to First Nations and their economic development wings, financial institutions, First Nation-owned joint ventures, limited partnerships, non-profit corporations and other organizations, Jim continues to combine almost 20 years of corporate and commercial law experience with his significant background and knowledge in the area of First Nations Law.