Stz’uminus First Nation argued against a recent injunction application that would have delayed implementation of their Reconciliation Agreement.
Continue readingNext 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.
Continue readingRegister 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 will be hosting a free webinar to review important developments in the law in 2021. Ratcliff’s longstanding work with Indigenous clients continued in 2021 with decisions in key court cases, First Nations business development advances, progress in Specific Claims, and more.
Continue readingB.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, lawyers for B.C. First Nations challenging the project’s approval told a three-judge panel in Vancouver.
Continue readingCourt 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.
Continue readingTeslin Tlingit Council v. Canada
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 pursuant to their Final Agreement and sections 16.1 and 16.3 of the Self-Government Agreement.
Continue readingOdds 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.
Continue readingSquamish 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 represented by Ratcliff & Company lawyers Matthew Kirchner, Aaron Bruce, Melinda Skeels, Michelle Bradley and Emma Hume.
Continue readingB.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
Continue readingHuu-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.
Continue readingVaughn 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 resulting from the cumulative impact of timber harvesting, natural gas extraction, roads, pipelines and other development within their traditional territory.
Continue readingCourt 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.
Continue readingB.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, Ratcliff lawyer Melinda Skeels, was back in court on the matter, where the Director of Children and Family Development was seeking to reduce access for the mother.
Continue readingB.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 could impact other First Nations throughout the country.
Continue readingB.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 new natural gas pipeline on caribou.
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