Kristy works exclusively for First Nation clients in the areas of governance, economic development, consultation and accommodation, treaty implementation and regulating processes. Her practice includes assisting First Nations with:

• Development, implementation and enforcement of law, bylaws, codes and policies, including financial administration laws, property tax laws, election codes, citizenship codes, land codes and housing policies;
• Development and implementation of corporate and governance structures for the pursuit of economic development opportunities;
• Negotiation of impact benefit agreements;
• Regulatory processes, including National Energy Board and CEAA hearings; and
• Various other corporate commercial matters, including commercial leases, construction contracts, and land transfers.

Kristy joined Ratcliff LLP in 2007 after having clerked at the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal.

Notable Experience

• Part of a team of lawyers that advised Maa-nulth First Nations on treaty closing and implementation
• Represented Lil’wat Nation in negotiations between BC Hydro, the Province and all 11 St’at’imc First Nations which concluded in a series of agreements addressing historic impacts from BC Hydro’s facilities

News, Publications & Presentations

• Presenter, Legislative Drafting as Law-Making for Indigenous Self-Government, CBA Aboriginal Law Symposium, June 2022