Practice Area: Environmental Law

Landmark decision opens door to private law remedies for First Nations: A case summary of Thomas and Saik’uz First Nation v Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.

The BC Supreme Court ruled that Rio Tinto Alcan is interfering with Aboriginal fishing rights and causing harm to fish in the Nechako watershed. A team of Ratcliff lawyers worked in collaboration with the Sai’kuz and Stellat’en First Nations to advance the claim and achieve this significant step forward in Aboriginal Law in Canada.

Development of Aboriginal lands: Successes, risks and environmental concerns respecting contaminated sites

This paper provides an overview of the most common land management regimes that govern development and environmental management on First Nations lands in B.C., discusses the successes and challenges First Nations face with respect to the current policy based regime that applies to contaminated sites on most Indian reserves in B.C. and proposes strategies for moving forward as the options for development and protection of the environment on First Nations lands expand.