The British Columbia Supreme Court released a landmark ruling in a case brought by Ehattesaht First Nation and Gitxaala First Nation, challenging the provincial regime that allows for granting mineral tenures without any prior consultation regarding their section 35(1) Aboriginal rights and title.
A recent decision from the Ontario Court of Appeal considered two claims brought by the Saugeen First Nation and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. This is the first time an appeal court has considered the application of the Aboriginal title test to claims to title over waterbodies.
Canada Labour Code Update for Federally Regulated Employers. A review of changes made over the last few months including federal minimum wage increases, sick leave changes, and unpaid medical leave extensions.
The Province’s “new approach to litigation” seeks to transform the government’s relationship with Indigenous peoples by prioritizing alternative dispute resolution and negotiated settlement over adversarial, courtroom litigation that presents challenges to achieving reconciliation.
As a law firm that works with individuals and organizations from various backgrounds and cultures, often with reduced political agency, Ratcliff champions equality, diversity, and inclusion. Each day, we are fortunate to represent First Nations with female leadership, businesses with female founders, and families with women at their heart.
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.
An overview of legal matters to be considered in connection with a for-market development of First Nation reserve lands. For-market development of reserve lands involves many complex legal matters, the number and complexity of which may vary significantly between developments, depending on a wide range of variables.
More and more Indigenous governments are investing, and are directly involved, in for profit business ventures. Brent Lehmann outlines considerations for First Nation governments for participating in mainstream economic development.
Once a treaty has been negotiated, there are numerous activities that must be completed in order to “close” and then “implement” the treaty. Brent Lehmann provides insights on activities required of a first nation relating to the closing and implementation of their treaty.
Our lawyers offer a broad range of experience and expertise, with a client-first philosophy to help with whatever you need.
Our lawyers offer a broad range of experience and expertise, with a client-first philosophy to help you achieve your goals.
