

Melinda J. Skeels*
Legal Assistant & Paralegal:
Raquel Handel
Education
- B.A. (with Distinction) Anthropology, University of Victoria, 2000
- J.D., University of Victoria, 2007
Year Of Call
- British Columbia, 2008
Awards & Accolades
- Recognized in the 2024 edition of the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a leading practitioner in Aboriginal law
Melinda is an accomplished and dedicated legal advisor to First Nations governments. She assists her clients with governance, litigation and regulatory matters. A key area of this practice is providing governance advice and assisting in the implementation of self-governance through all stages of the development of law and policy. She is committed to engaging closely with client communities to develop laws that reflect their cultures, practices and values.
An experienced litigator and advocate, Melinda has appeared in all three levels of court in BC and before various administrative tribunals, including the British Columbia Utilities Commission, the National Energy Board and the Huu-ay-aht First Nations Tribunal.
Melinda completed her articles at Ratcliff LLP in 2008 and has been in practice with the firm since. In her spare time, she is an avid sea kayaker, camper and traveller, usually snapping at least a few photos along the way.
- Ratcliff News – “Saik’uz and Stellat’en First Nations Secure Groundbreaking Decision for Nechako River Rights,” February 2024
- Ratcliff News – “Next step in fight to protect Nechako fisheries and Aboriginal rights,” February 2022
- Ratcliff News – “Court finds Rio Tinto Alcan harming Nechako fisheries and infringing Aboriginal rights,” January 2021
- Ratcliff News – “Court allows Saik’uz and Stellat’en First Nation to seek new declaratory relief in Alcan Claim,” Feburary 2019
- Ratcliff News – “Squamish Nation and Coldwater Indian band celebrate victory against Trans Mountain expansion project,” August 2018
- Ratcliff News – “B.C. promotes breastfeeding for infants in government care after court ruling,” August 2018
- Director, Pacific Centre for Environmental Law and Litigation: CELL
- Fellow, University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre Associate’s Program
- Past Director and Board President, Georgia Straight Alliance
- Member, Canadian Bar Association
Melinda is an accomplished and dedicated legal advisor to First Nations governments. She assists her clients with governance, litigation and regulatory matters. A key area of this practice is providing governance advice and assisting in the implementation of self-governance through all stages of the development of law and policy. She is committed to engaging closely with client communities to develop laws that reflect their cultures, practices and values.
An experienced litigator and advocate, Melinda has appeared in all three levels of court in BC and before various administrative tribunals, including the British Columbia Utilities Commission, the National Energy Board and the Huu-ay-aht First Nations Tribunal.
Melinda completed her articles at Ratcliff LLP in 2008 and has been in practice with the firm since. In her spare time, she is an avid sea kayaker, camper and traveller, usually snapping at least a few photos along the way.
- Ratcliff News – “Saik’uz and Stellat’en First Nations Secure Groundbreaking Decision for Nechako River Rights,” February 2024
- Ratcliff News – “Next step in fight to protect Nechako fisheries and Aboriginal rights,” February 2022
- Ratcliff News – “Court finds Rio Tinto Alcan harming Nechako fisheries and infringing Aboriginal rights,” January 2021
- Ratcliff News – “Court allows Saik’uz and Stellat’en First Nation to seek new declaratory relief in Alcan Claim,” Feburary 2019
- Ratcliff News – “Squamish Nation and Coldwater Indian band celebrate victory against Trans Mountain expansion project,” August 2018
- Ratcliff News – “B.C. promotes breastfeeding for infants in government care after court ruling,” August 2018
Awards & Accolades
- Recognized in the 2024 edition of the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a leading practitioner in Aboriginal law
- Director, Pacific Centre for Environmental Law and Litigation: CELL
- Fellow, University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre Associate’s Program
- Past Director and Board President, Georgia Straight Alliance
- Member, Canadian Bar Association
Year Of Call
- British Columbia, 2008
Education
- B.A. (with Distinction) Anthropology, University of Victoria, 2000
- J.D., University of Victoria, 2007