Department profile
Bennett Jones LLP

Aboriginal Law

Canada Guide 2026 : Nationwide - Canada

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Bennett Jones LLP

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About

Provided by Bennett Jones LLP

Our Aboriginal Law Group helps project developers navigate the regulatory process in securing approvals for major energy development projects, including consulting and negotiating with Aboriginal groups and other stakeholders. We draw on our top-tier, cross-departmental expertise in the energy, environmental, corporate commercial, regulatory, litigation and tax arenas in shepherding significant projects through to fruition. We structure and negotiate commercial agreements for projects involving aboriginal rights and interests, as well as debt and equity financing arrangements for projects on aboriginal lands or with aboriginal participation.

We understand the risks associated with Aboriginal issues in the context of significant energy development project approvals and work closely with our clients to devise an exposure management plan to identify and manage potential litigation and other issues both pre- and post-closing, including compensation, royalty, surface rights and land access issues. Our unparalleled experience with major development projects enables us to forecast outcomes with a high degree of accuracy.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Aboriginal Law - Nationwide - Canada

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Bennett Jones advises energy industry clients on their Aboriginal law interests, primarily in relation to large project development and regulatory matters. The firm's experience encompasses provincial and federal pipeline projects, LNG and mining work, and transportation infrastructure. Its Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto lawyers also offer considerable strength in litigation relating to Aboriginal rights. In addition, the team often represents government clients and possesses complementary expertise in environmental law.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Bennett Jones advised Kinross Gold Corporation on environmental review, regulatory permitting and Aboriginal community relations for the Great Bear Project, located in the Red Lake mining district in Ontario.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Their knowledge is very deep and nationwide.

    Aboriginal Law respondentCanada

  • The level of experience, quick and timely responses, and the relationship between us as the customer has been great.

    Aboriginal Law respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • David Bursey
    David Bursey

    David Bursey

    David Bursey has a strong reputation in Aboriginal law matters, frequently representing natural resource clients before administrative tribunals and provincial and federal courts. Based in Bennett Jones' Vancouver office, he offers expertise in the handling of negotiations for various agreements in connection with major project development.

    • David's primary quality is his deep experience, which allows him to be an incredibly steady and balanced voice and presence in tough negotiations.

      Aboriginal Law respondentCanada
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Ranked Individuals at Bennett Jones LLP (1)

Nationwide - Canada

Members

Provided by Bennett Jones LLP

Bennett Jones LLP has rankings in the following guides

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