Aboriginal Law

Canadian natural resource and infrastructure projects become all-the-more complex when aboriginal and treaty rights or claims are involved, and successful consultation with First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) communities can be the difference between a project coming to fruition on schedule or being halted entirely.

Tapping the knowledge and experience of a law firm proficient in aboriginal affairs is the prudent choice of natural resource and infrastructure leaders. McMillan LLP has an intrinsic comprehension of aboriginal rights and has established constructive relationships with aboriginal groups across Canada and stands ready to assist in the consultation process required by the Canadian government and directly negotiate economic benefits arrangements.

McMillan LLP’s lawyers that serve on the aboriginal portfolio have extensive experience securing mutually beneficial agreements through FNMI consultations. We also have a successful track record of ensuring that timely and defensible permits can be issued irrespective of whether or when an economic benefits agreement is reached.

In a niche industry like Canadian aboriginal law, the importance of fostering respectful relationships with decision-makers within the FNMI community and government bodies cannot be understated. Being the only Canadian law firm with a partnering government relations firm (McMillan Vantage Policy Group), we have done just that. Our team members have served as legal advisor to the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, chief treaty negotiator, head of the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office, deputy minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, and chief of staff to a former Prime Minister.

McMillan empowers our clients to lead by:

• Advising and representing aboriginal groups invested as partners in major projects;
• Counselling on commercial deals involving Indian Act bands and aboriginal corporations;
• Negotiating engagement agreements, exploration agreements and impact benefit agreements with aboriginal groups;
• Advising on working with federal and provincial governments concerning aboriginal consultation;
• Advising on the impact of Canada’s anti-corruption laws.

Our Government and Public Policy Group works closely with our environmental, energy, real estate, capital markets and tax lawyers to successfully represent clients on court matters involving Canadian aboriginal law. We’re proud of our earned reputation for success at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada.