Articles exploring legal issues that shape our work. Recent news and stories
From landmark court decisions to emerging legal and policy developments, on this page we share insights into the issues shaping Indigenous law, public law, as well as business and personal law in Canada. Our lawyers offer clear, thoughtful updates to help you make sense of what’s changing, and understand why it matters for your work, your community or your organization.
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Next Step in Fight to Protect Nechako Fisheries and Aboriginal rights
First Nations will appeal BC Supreme Court ruling to hold mining company responsible for harm to Nechako River and fisheries.
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Ahousaht: The Road to Recognizing Aboriginal Commercial Fishing Rights
In 2021, after nearly 20 years of litigation, the BC Court of Appeal recognized the commercial fishing rights of five Nuu-chah-nulth Nations. The case was based on the Nations’ historical and systematic exclusion from their traditional fishing territories and subsequent difficulty trading or selling fish.
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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.
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Court finds Rio Tinto Alcan harming Nechako fisheries and infringing Aboriginal rights
Court decision finds that the Saik’uz and Stellat’en First Nations have proven that Alcan’s operation of the Kenney Dam has caused significant historic and ongoing harm to the Nechako River.