John R. Rich

John has been with Ratcliff LLP for over 25 years. He represents First Nation Governments as general counsel and in litigation. He has conducted several major trials respecting Aboriginal rights and historic claims and has appeared at all levels of Provincial and Federal Courts and the Supreme Court of Canada, as well as numerous administrative tribunals.

John has conducted independent investigations into allegations of breach of fiduciary duty for First Nations.

Major Trials:

• Mathias v. The Queen, 2001 FCT 480; Kitsilano Reserve Litigation; 200-day trial in Federal Court
• Lax Kw’alaams Indian Band v. Canada, 2008 BCSC 447; Commercial Fishing Rights; 125-day trial in BC Supreme Court
• Ahousaht, et al v. Canada, 2009 BCSC 1494; Commercial Fishing Rights; 120-day trial in BC Supreme Court

• Commercial fisheries: Should commercial fishing rights be included in modern treaties – pros, cons and alternatives
• Band councils, band moneys and fiduciary duties

• Blueberry River First Nations file claim challenging development in Northeast B.C.
• Ratcliff lawyers succeed before Specific Claims Tribunal with finding that Canada breached its fiduciary duty to the Huu-ay-aht First Nations