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Corporate News
Ratcliff Recognized by Lexpert as 2025 Best Aboriginal Law Lawyers
April 4, 2025
Corporate News
Ratcliff Proud to be Named One of Canada’s Best Law Firms of 2025
November 22, 2024
On October 23, 2024, The Globe and Mail released its selections for Canada’s Best Law Firms of 2025, and Ratcliff LLP is proud to be among the firms
listed in the “Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Law” category.
Corporate News, First Nations Business & Economic Development, Indigenous Governance, Real Estate
BC Law Reforms: First Nations Gain Direct Land Ownership Rights
June 6, 2024
The Government of British Columbia’s recent amendments to the Land Title Act and the Property Law Act, through the Land Title and Property Law Amendment Act, 2024, provide ways for all First Nations in BC to purchase and register land in BC.
Corporate News
Six Ratcliff Lawyers Recognized in Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2024
March 27, 2024
This recognition by Lexpert reflects Ratcliff LLP’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to providing quality legal services to its clients.
Aboriginal Rights & Title, Corporate News, Natural Resources & Environment
Saik’uz and Stellat’en First Nations Secure Groundbreaking Decision for Nechako River Rights
February 27, 2024
Court rules provincial and federal governments have a duty to protect Saik’uz and Stellat’en Nations’ Aboriginal rights from ongoing harm from Kenney Dam.
Aboriginal Rights & Title, Corporate News, Natural Resources & Environment
Reconciliation weighs heavily in balance of convenience in Ladysmith Maritime Society v Ladysmith (Town), 2023 BCSC 2285
January 9, 2024
Stz’uminus First Nation argued against a recent injunction application that would have delayed implementation of their Reconciliation Agreement.
Ratcliff Proud to be Named One of Canada’s Best Law Firms of 2025
On October 23, 2024, The Globe and Mail released its selections for Canada’s Best Law Firms of 2025, and Ratcliff LLP is proud to be among the firms
listed in the “Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Law” category.
BC Law Reforms: First Nations Gain Direct Land Ownership Rights
The Government of British Columbia’s recent amendments to the Land Title Act and the Property Law Act, through the Land Title and Property Law Amendment Act, 2024, provide ways for all First Nations in BC to purchase and register land in BC.
Six Ratcliff Lawyers Recognized in Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2024
This recognition by Lexpert reflects Ratcliff LLP’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to providing quality legal services to its clients.
Saik’uz and Stellat’en First Nations Secure Groundbreaking Decision for Nechako River Rights
Court rules provincial and federal governments have a duty to protect Saik’uz and Stellat’en Nations’ Aboriginal rights from ongoing harm from Kenney Dam.
Reconciliation weighs heavily in balance of convenience in Ladysmith Maritime Society v Ladysmith (Town), 2023 BCSC 2285
Stz'uminus First Nation argued against a recent injunction application that would have delayed implementation of their Reconciliation Agreement.
Ratcliff LLP Honored as Elite Boutique in Indigenous Law by The Legal 500
Ratcliff recognized in the 2024 edition of The Legal 500 as an Elite Boutique in the area of Aboriginal Law. The accolade reflects our commitment to excellence in Indigenous law.
Enhancing our Client Service in Yukon
Ratcliff’s Yukon team expands to a total of nine lawyers, strengthening our firm’s history of serving Indigenous communities in Yukon.
Tiičma Enterprises, a Leader in Indigenous Economic Development, Recognized for Remarkable Growth
Tiičma Enterprises, a wholly-owned economic development corporation of the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’les7et’h’ First Nations (KCFN), has earned acclaim as Community-Owned Business of the Year for fostering self-reliance within its community.
Eight Ratcliff lawyers have been recognized in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada
Best Lawyers recognized Ratcliff lawyers that demonstrate exceptional skill and knowledge across a range of practice areas, including Aboriginal Law and Trusts & Estates.
Five BC First Nations settle 20-year Treaty Land Entitlement claims with BC and Canada
Five First Nations in the Peace River region of northeastern British Columbia announced they have reached a significant agreement with the federal and provincial governments on their Treaty Land Entitlement claims.
Blueberry River First Nations signs momentous land management agreement with Province of B.C.
The Blueberry River First Nations Implementation Agreement lays the foundation for jointly managed land, water and resource development.
Ratcliff Partners Co-Chair PBLI Specific Claims 2023 Conference
On February 8 and 9, 2023, Indigenous leaders and administrators, government officials and policy advisors, legal professionals, researchers, and consultants will gather in Vancouver for the Pacific Business & Law Institute Specific Claims 2023 conference.
Ratcliff Selected as Indigenous Law Elite Boutique by The Legal 500
In the category of Indigenous Law, Ratcliff LLP was recognized for continued, top-tier legal service and ranked as Elite Boutique.
Sc’ ianew First Nation wins Community-Owned Business of the Year Award for M’i nuw’ilum Marina Inc.
Sc’ianew First Nation (Beecher Bay) awarded the BC Achievement Foundation Community-Owned Business of the Year Award for M'i nuw'ilum Marina Inc.
Ratcliff Ranked Among Top Law Firms Serving Indigenous Peoples
2023 edition of Chambers Canada recognizes Ratcliff in top tier of Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples
Blueberry River First Nations Membership Votes Overwhelmingly in Favour of Treaty Land Entitlement Settlement
Blueberry River First Nations membership voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Nations’ negotiated Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) settlement.
Tsawwassen First Nation reaches settlement agreement in English Bluffs Specific Claim
As part of the settlement, the Tsawwassen First Nation will receive $7.7 million as recognition that Canada failed in its obligation to protect the Nation from an exploitative sale of land.
Ratcliff Joins Forces with Experienced Yukon Lawyer, Victoria Fred
Victoria Fred will strengthen our ability to provide leading legal advice to our existing Yukon clients as well as meet and collaborate with new communities in the north.
Next Step in Fight to Protect Nechako Fisheries and Aboriginal rights
First Nations will appeal BC Supreme Court ruling to hold mining company responsible for harm to Nechako River and fisheries.
Court finds Rio Tinto Alcan harming Nechako fisheries and infringing Aboriginal rights
Court decision finds that the Saik’uz and Stellat’en First Nations have proven that Alcan’s operation of the Kenney Dam has caused significant historic and ongoing harm to the Nechako River.
Register Now! Free Ratcliff Webinar – 2021 In Review: Major Cases & Legal Updates
It’s been a year of significant achievements for Ratcliff’s clients – in and outside of court. On Friday, December 10, 2021.
Ratcliff LLP Recognized in The Globe and Mail’s Best Law Firms 2022
Ratcliff LLP was recognized in The Globe and Mail's Best Law Firms 2022 for outstanding work in the Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Law category.
LOTA Notice to clients
The Land Owner Transparency Act (“LOTA”) came into force in B.C. effective November 30, 2020, This legislation will impact almost everyone who acquires or currently holds an interest in land through a corporation, partnership, or trust (including a bare trust).
The LOTA imposes disclosure obligations that impact anyone who already holds an interest in land as of November 30, 2020, or who acquires an interest in land after November 30, 2020.
If you currently hold a registered interest in land in British Columbia through a corporation or society, as a trustee (including through a bare trustee), or through a partnership, you may be required to file LOTA disclosures before November 30, 2021.
Blueberry River First Nation Wins Landmark Treaty Rights Case
The BC Supreme Court ruled that the province failed to adhere to its obligations to the Blueberry River First Nation under Treaty 8. The Treaty mandates that all signatory Nations be allowed to practice their traditional modes of hunting, trapping, and fishing.
Supreme Court Upholds Constitutionality of Federal Carbon Pricing
The Supreme Court acknowledged that climate change is a “threat to the future of humanity” in a judgment that supports a uniform, national (and international) response to the climate crisis.
B.C. First Nations’ lawyers say Ottawa failed to consult on Trans Mountain expansion
The federal government failed to share information, imposed unrealistic deadlines and refused to consider changes proposed by First Nations that would be affected by the proposed Trans Mountain expansion project.
Court allows Saik’uz and Stellat’en First Nations to seek new declaratory relief in Alcan Claim
The BC Supreme Court Justice granted Saik'uz and Stellat'en First Nations permission to amend their court claim to seek declaratory relief should they prove their allegations against Rio Tinto Alcan.
Teslin Tlingit Council v. Canada
On January 15, 2019, Chief Justice Veale of the Yukon Supreme Court declared that Canada has a legal obligation to negotiate a self-government Financial Transfer Agreement with Teslin Tlingit Council.
Odds stacked against parents fighting Ministry
Ratcliff won two cases this year on behalf of a mother whose baby was taken away from her three days after birth. Few parents receive such representation when dealing with the children’s ministry, making it harder for them to get their kids back.
Squamish Nation and Coldwater Indian band celebrate victory against Trans Mountain expansion project
The Federal Court of Appeal quashed the approval for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project on the basis that Canada failed to fulfill its duty to consult First Nations, including the Squamish Nation and Coldwater Indian Band.
B.C. promotes breastfeeding for infants in government care after court ruling
The Ministry of Children and Family development has committed to an action plan in response to court rulings in favour of Huu-ay-aht First Nations represented by Ratcliff LLP.
Huu-ay-aht First Nations to receive $4.2 million in funding
The federal government will be providing $4.2 million in funding to support the Huu-ay-aht First Nations Social Services Project.
Vaughn Palmer: New model for land management takes shape with northern First Nation
Blueberry River First Nations and the B.C. government try mediation as an alternative to the courtroom to negotiate Blueberry's claim of treaty right infringement.
Court orders Huu-ay-aht child returned to mother’s care
Provincial Court ruled in favour of a Huu-ay-aht mother, ordering that her baby must be returned to the custody of her mother no later within days.
B.C. watchdog lambastes province’s ‘awful’ child welfare strategy
Just three weeks after obtaining an order in BC Supreme Court to allow a young indigenous mother sufficient access to her newborn to allow for breastfeeding and to foster a maternal bond.
B.C. Supreme Court order providing Indigenous mother daily access to newborn could set national precedent
A BC Supreme Court ruling that orders the provincial government to ensure an Indigenous mother has daily access to her newborn child so she does not lose her maternal bond.
B.C. Supreme Court overturns B.C. Oil and Gas Commission pipeline approval
The B.C. Supreme Court overturned a B.C. Oil Commission pipeline approval due to failure to consult with Fort Nelson First Nation and address their concerns about the impact of a natural gas pipeline on caribou.
Coldwater Indian Band successful against Kinder Morgan in Federal Court of Appeal
The Federal Court of Appeal has ordered Ottawa to renegotiate the terms under which the Trans Mountain pipeline crosses a Coldwater Band reserve, raising new questions about the fate of Kinder Morgan Inc.’s federally approved plan to expand the pipeline.
Specific Claims Tribunal decision stands for Huu-ay-aht First Nation as Canada discontinues review
Canada withdrew its application for a judicial review of a Specific Claims Tribunal decision in Attorney General of Canada v Huu-ay-aht First Nation. The Specific Claims Tribunal decision awarding the Nation $13.8 million in compensation for breaches of duty will stand.
Collision between Indigenous hunting and oil development rights set for legal showdown in B.C. court
Ratcliff represents the Blueberry River First Nation who are fighting to stop the incremental erosion of its land and treaty rights.
Coldwater Indian Band and Squamish Nation challenge Trans Mountain pipeline
Three First Nations have announced they're taking legal action challenging the federal government's approval of the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project.
Specific Claims Tribunal awards $13.8 million to Huu-ay-aht First Nations
The Specific Claims Tribunal released a decision--its first addressing the issue of compensation--awarding more than $13.8 million to Huu-ay-aht First Nations for breaches of fiduciary duty committed by Canada between 1948 and 1969.
Ratcliff lawyers put First Nations Consultation at centre stage before NEB
In a heated final argument Thursday, Squamish First Nation lawyer Aaron Bruce told the NEB that it cannot recommend the Trans Mountain expansion project’s approval because the federal government “recognizes the current process is deficient to address First Nations concerns.”
Ratcliff represents city of Burnaby at NEB Trans Mountain hearings
The National Energy Board (NEB) should suspend its review of the Trans Mountain pipeline until Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reforms the national regulator, said Ratcliff lawyer Gregory McDade on behalf of the City of Burnaby.
Blueberry River First Nations wins important historical claim in Specific Claims Tribunal
The Blueberry River First Nations, represented by Ratcliff have won an important historical claim at the Specific Claims Tribunal of Canada.
Supreme Court of Canada denies leave to Rio Tinto Alcan; Upholds Saik’uz and Stellat’en First Nations win at B.C. Court of Appeal
The Supreme Court of Canada denied Leave to Appeal to Rio Tinto Alcan, and dismissed Rio Tinto Alcan's Application for Leave to Appeal from the earlier BC Court of Appeal decision in favour of the Saik'uz and Stellat'en First Nations.
Ratcliff lawyers Greg Mcdade and Kate Blomfield represent Yukon First Nations in filing a constitutional challenge to Canada’s amendments to Yukon’s development assessment legislation
Three Yukon First Nations — the Teslin Tlingit Council, the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, and the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation — filed a petition in Yukon Supreme Court on Wednesday with the assistance of Ratcliff lawyers Greg McDade and Kate Blomfield.
Fort Nelson First Nation gets Nexen fracking water license overturned
The Fort Nelson First Nation, represented by Ratcliff lawyers James Tate and Nathan Hume, has won a potentially precedent-setting decision from the B.C. Environmental Appeal Board that cancels the water licence of a natural gas fracking operation in northeast B.C.
Saik’uz and Stellat’en First Nations successful in appeal against Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.
Ratcliff lawyers Greg McDade and Melinda Skeels succeeded at the BC Court of Appeal in Saik’uz First Nation and Stellat’en First Nation v. Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.
Ratcliff named one of Canada’s top firms in Aboriginal Law by Chambers
Recently, Ratcliff & Company LLP was ranked as one of Canada's top law firms in Aboriginal Law in the category of boutique law firms by legal publisher Chambers and Partners.
Blueberry River First Nations file claim challenging development in Northeast B.C.
Blueberry River First Nations, a Treaty 8 nation, filed a lawsuit challenging the cumulative impacts of the development of their traditional territory and the failure of BC to uphold promises made in Treaty 8.
Ratcliff lawyers successfully defend Burnaby’s right to enforce its bylaws
In what's considered a huge win for the City of Burnaby's legal battle to stop the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, the National Energy Board struck down the company’s application to forbid Burnaby city staff from blocking the pipeline company’s test drilling on Burnaby Mountain in a protected conservation area.
Ratcliff lawyers succeed before Specific Claims Tribunal with finding that Canada breached its fiduciary duty to the Huu-ay-aht First Nations
Ratcliff lawyers John Rich, Kate Blomfield and Emma Hume succeed in securing the Specific Claim Tribunal’s first compensation decision, successfully arguing that Canada breached its fiduciary duty to the Huu-ay-aht First Nations (“HFN”) multiple times and the HFN must be compensated.
Ratcliff gets the Supreme Court to set aside the approval of the Whistler Official Community Plan for failure to consult the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations
Ratcliff successfully applied on behalf of the Squamish Nation and the Lil’wat Nation to set aside the decision of the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development to approve the Official Community Plan (OCP) of the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
Ratcliff gets the Supreme Court to set aside the province’s timber allocation decision for failure to consult Ehattesaht First Nation
Ratcliff successfully applied on behalf of Ehattesaht First Nation to set aside the Ministry of Forests' decision to return over 1 million cubic meters of surplus timber that was available for reallocation to the control of Western Forest Products Inc.
Oral hearings quietly vanish from Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline review
Ratcliff lawyer Greg McDade speaks out on behalf of his client, the City of Burnaby, on the issue of the National Energy Board cutting all cross-examination from the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline review process.
Ratcliff lawyers get injunction to stop opening of herring fishery on west coast of Vancouver Island
Ratcliff lawyers successfully applied on behalf of five Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations for an injunction blocking the opening this year of a herring fishery on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Ratcliff represents Coldwater Indian Band bring judicial review against Kinder Morgan for “illegally operating pipeline”
Ratcliff on behalf of the Coldwater Indian Band brought a judicial review against Kinder Morgan’s plan to expand the Trans Mountain pipeline on Coldwater’s reserve.