Governance & Law Making
We recognize that governance and law-making are at the core of First Nation self-determination, as protected by the s. 35 Constitution Act, 1982 Inherent Right to Self-Government and Article 3 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples guaranteeing the right to freely determine political status and pursue economic, social, and cultural development.
Our Approach
Constitutions and Codes: Development, drafting and implementation of First Nation Constitutions, Membership Codes, and Election Codes
Resolutions, By-Laws & Voting: Advice, facilitation and legal instrument drafting related to Band governance, including Council Resolutions, By-Laws, Elections, and Referenda votes.
Indian Act: Advice and negotiation on all aspects of the Indian Act, including Additions to Reserves (ATR), Indian Status, Band Membership, Certificates of Possession as well as First Nation asset, land and resource management.
Policing & Justice: Advice, agreement drafting & implementation of First Nation police services and justice systems.
Trusts: Securing wealth for future generations, we draft trust agreements that are responsive to First Nation needs, including advising on the necessity of a trust, the trustees’ relationship with the Nation government, and making the trust tax efficient.