Led by Jason Madden and Alexandria Winterburn in Toronto, the Indigenous law group at Aird & Berlis LLP focuses on advocacy and litigation on Indigenous and treaty rights, negotiating and implementing reconciliation-based agreements and supporting Indigenous businesses.

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is regularly sought out by natural resources and consumer goods clients for advice on litigation, M&A transactions and commercial ventures in the context of Indigenous law. Leading the team, Roy Millen is a seasoned litigator with expertise in Indigenous law, particularly in the development of major projects. Practice co-head Sam Adkins regularly handles matters in the mining and renewable energy sectors that impact Indigenous land rights, whilst Terri-Lee Oleniuk’s broad practice covers energy regulation, environment and Indigenous law. Following her promotion to partner in January 2025, Rochelle Collette assists clients in building relationships, resolving disputes and negotiating agreements with Indigenous communities.

Preeminent in Indigenous law matters, Fasken advises clients from a range of industries including energy, mining and real estate, in addition to all levels of government. Practice head Kevin O’Callaghan has a proven track record managing projects through consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment, and experience before courts. Kai Alderson negotiates Impact Benefit Agreements and other commercial agreements with Indigenous nations, whilst Dani Bryant focuses on litigation. Bridget Gilbride comfortably handles large project proponents including Aboriginal consultation, and counsel Pierre-Christian Labeau advises on matters related to the special legal status of Aboriginal peoples. David Lametti KC has since departed the firm to become Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP is home to an Indigenous law team with in-depth knowledge of acquiring and managing tenures on Indigenous lands, infrastructure and construction matters. Spearheading the practice, Cherie Brant is a key advisor to a number of Indigenous clients, she advises on business and strategic opportunities. Chris Roine has a wealth of experience acting for First Nations organizations in partnerships, commercial arrangement and governance matters. At an associate level, Joshua Favel is a name to note, whilst Nadir André left the group in May 2025.

The Indigenous Law team at Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP stands out for its work on project-related transactions, governance and litigation across a variety of sectors such as forestry, fishing and agriculture. Thomas Isaac leads the team from Vancouver, advising energy, mining and transportation companies on Aboriginal, regulatory and constitutional matters. In Toronto, Sandra Gogal advises resource developers, investors and governments on Indigenous law, whilst Calgary-based Jeremy Barretto negotiates agreements for energy and natural resources projects across Canada. Emilie Lahaie left the firm in December 2024 to become Counsel at the BC Ministry of Attorney General.

The Indigenous Law team at Lawson Lundell LLP maintains a strong position in the market for major resource development projects such as mining, transport and shipping infrastructure projects. The group also stands out for its work advising governments and Indigenous organisations. At the helm of the practice, Keith Bergner co-leads the group and advises both private and public sector and government clients on Indigenous law and regulatory matters. Practice co-head John Olynyk excels in negotiating impact-benefit agreements and advising on consultation and accommodation processes, and Lana Shipley assists energy and mining industry clients on agreements with Indigenous groups.

McCarthy Tétrault stands out for its expertise in Indigenous law and policy matters, in addition to litigating and resolving Indigenous disputes. Bryn Gray KC and Daniel Bornstein share leadership of the group from the Toronto office. Gray advises clients on disputes and building positive relationships with Indigenous groups, particularly within energy, mining and infrastructure projects. Bornstein focuses his practice on impact assessments and negotiating agreements between project proponents and Indigenous communities, especially in the mining and energy industries. Selina Lee-Andersen joined the team from Miller Thomson LLP in June 2024.

Bennett Jones LLP Indigenous Law group particularly stands out for its expertise in government and policy work, dispute resolution and advice in energy, mining and transport projects. At the helm of the practice, David Bursey displays notable expertise in industry and Crown consultation, treaty negotiations and commercial enterprises with Indigenous components. Steve Major works with Indigenous communities on energy projects, and Jessica Kennedy negotiates agreements with Indigenous groups and affected stakeholders. Sharon Singh and Radha Curpen left the firm in 2024.

Dentons is home to an experienced Indigenous law team, that are regularly sought out for advice on land claims and treaty rights, in addition to negotiating agreements. The group is co-led by Calgary-based Laura Estep and Montreal-based Alexandre-Philippe Avard, who joined the group from Hydro-Québec in June 2024. Estep frequently advises clients on Indigenous law matters related to energy and natural resources projects, and Avard has in-depth knowledge of duty to consult, Indigenous land claims and treaty rights.

The Indigenous practice at Torys has a notable emphasis on transactions involving Indigenous communities, strategic advice on standalone mandates and large, multi-faceted projects. Co-leading the team, Valerie Helbronner has a niche focus on Indigenous matters involving First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada, whilst litigator John Terry has established experience in public law cases involving Indigenous issues, constitutional and treaty rights, and the duty to consult. The group also benefits from Frank Iacobucci KC, who excels in disputes.