Dentons combines Aboriginal law expertise with recognized environmental law and regulatory law experience, each of which are essential and interrelated elements of project planning in natural resource development and transportation.

With regard to large-scale projects, we provide strategic advice on the Crown's duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous people as part of the regulatory approval process and in other matters. We also act on cutting-edge litigation issues in this continually evolving area of the law. Our experience includes matters involving Indigenous rights and title; consultation and accommodation; government fiduciary duty; land surrender; "North of 60"; land claim agreements; and governance and custom.

We assist clients with building sound, respectful working relationships while partnering with Indigenous groups in the negotiation of mutually beneficial agreements. These agreements aim to reconcile the interests of the project proponent or developer and those of Indigenous groups by addressing the environmental, socio-economic and cultural impacts on Indigenous groups located nearby or affected by a project.

Our experience includes the development of memorandums of understanding, pre‑development agreements, impacts and benefits agreements and cooperation agreements in relation to the development and implementation of infrastructure projects in Canada - including energy, mining and forestry developments, pipelines and railroads.

For the latest information and developments in regulatory law across Canada, including matters involving Indigenous peoples, see our Canada Regulatory Review blog and sign up for future alerts here.

Recognition

Dentons achieves top rankings in this year’s Chambers Canada guide

September 19, 2019

Dentons is pleased to announce that the Firm was recognized 97 times in the Chambers Canada 2020 client guide, 25 of which achieved the highest ranking level possible (Bands 1 and 2).

Dentons Canada LLP Aboriginal Law Group recognized by the 2013 edition of Chambers Global

April 18, 2013

The Dentons Canada Aboriginal Law Group is recognized in The 2013 edition of Chambers Global – The World’s Leading Lawyers for Business.

Insights

Trends to watch in tort liability for 2022:
BC Supreme Court confirms private entities can rely on statutory authority as a shield to tort claims brought by Aboriginal rights holders

February 8, 2022

The BC Supreme Court recently confirmed that third-party proponents can be held liable for torts affecting a First Nations’ established or claimed Aboriginal rights and title. However, the Court confirmed the defence of statutory authority can apply to relieve the third party from liability if the third party acts within the bounds of its statutory authorization.

Indigenous communities' active participation in projects by way of equity ownership

March 10, 2021

Canada: Join Leanne as she discusses the growth of Indigenous communities’ participation in project development and financing by way of equity ownership.

Historic deal closes: Premium Brands, Indigenous Group complete bid to buy Clearwater Seafoods Incorporated

March 2, 2021

Canada: In the single largest investment in the seafood industry by an Indigenous group in Canada, Clearwater Seafoods (CLR), previously a TSX-listed company, was sold on January 25, 2021. 

View all insights for Indigenous (Canada)

News and Events

Recent Press Releases

Chambers and Partners recognizes Dentons in the 2025 Canada Guide

September 25, 2024

Chambers and Partners has once again recognized Dentons in Chambers Canada: Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2025. As Canada’s Global Law Firm, we capitalize on our expansive geographic reach and national strength to provide a tailored experience for our clients to help them grow, protect, operate and finance their business.

Alexandre-Philippe Avard rejoins Dentons as a partner in the Montréal Litigation and Dispute Resolution group

July 15, 2024

Dentons, Canada’s Global Law Firm, is pleased to announce that Alexandre-Philippe Avard has rejoined the Firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution group. Alexandre-Philippe is a highly skilled litigator with significant expertise in energy, natural resources, mining and Indigenous law.

Chambers Canada 2024 rankings demonstrate Dentons’ continued growth and depth of talent across all areas

September 28, 2023

We are pleased to share that Dentons has achieved a record number of rankings in Chambers Canada: Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2024.

View all press releases for Indigenous (Canada)