Ratcliff’s Aboriginal law practice begins
In 1965, the Squamish Nation approached Paul Reecke, a partner in Ratcliff Reecke and Kitchen (as we were then called), to advise on the lease of some of the Nation’s reserve lands. This is one of the first times that a First Nation, on the recommendation of the government Indian agent, retained (or was allowed to retain) a law firm to protect the First Nation’s interest in the use of its lands. Paul Reecke’s detailed work on this project and his thoughtful approach to the issue established what would become a long relationship with the Squamish, providing legal services in all areas for the Nation and expanding to other First Nations. It started Ratcliff on the path to the Aboriginal law practice we have today.