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Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
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Aboriginal Law

About

Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Blakes is among Canada’s leading advisers on Aboriginal issues. We understand Aboriginal issues, applicable laws and legal protections, tribal rights and governance concerns. We advise clients on the application of rapidly evolving international principles in Canada, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 

We advise clients across Canada on Aboriginal consultation/accommodation considerations impacting business activities, develop impact and benefit agreements, and advise on consultation obligations and regulatory matters. We counsel on the Aboriginal law aspects of M&A transactions, from early due diligence to managing Aboriginal-related risks and relationships through closing and beyond.

Our litigation lawyers successfully defend clients against challenges to government permits for natural resource development.

Our corporate lawyers represent industry clients and Aboriginal groups on commercial ventures and opportunities, including the negotiation of partnerships or joint ventures for business with Aboriginal peoples, or located on Aboriginal territories.

The group has experience in project financing, including the financing and development of commercial real estate on Aboriginal lands.

Blakes is at the forefront of dealing with taxation issues; often a critical component with business structures involving Aboriginal peoples.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Aboriginal Law - Nationwide - Canada

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Blake, Cassels & Graydon fields a strong Indigenous law group with a national presence and offering clients a full service. The team possesses expertise which encompasses consultation and accommodation, impact and benefit agreements, regulatory proceedings and a range of commercial transactions. It also handles treaty negotiations and litigation matters, including challenges to government actions and permitting, as well as judicial review proceedings. The lawyers act for a number of large international energy and oil companies, as well as industry associations and Aboriginal groups. The firm has a particularly strong presence in Western Canada, but frequently advises on matters in Ontario and Québec.

Work Highlights

  • Blake, Cassels & Graydon advised Teck on two large-scale expansions to existing mines in British Columbia and Alaska.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Blakes are extremely knowledgeable, pragmatic and thoughtful. They always make the time to be available in urgent situations and are realistic with their timelines, always delivering quality services.

Aboriginal Law respondent
Canada

Blakes are a top-tier firm in the city.

Aboriginal Law respondent
Canada

Blakes' ability is very much appreciated. They are very responsive and will work with us as the client to meet very tight deadlines.

Aboriginal Law respondent
Canada

Because Blakes are one of the leading firms undertaking this type of work, they provide excellent and contemporary advice regarding agreement negotiations.

Aboriginal Law respondent
Canada

Blakes are rock stars. They know our business, they understand our needs and provide the expert advice and, when we need it, the legal representation in the courts. They go above and beyond.

Aboriginal Law respondent
Canada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Sam Adkins
1
Sam Adkins
1
Band 1

Vancouver-based Sam Adkins acts on environmental assessments and has experience advising on the Aboriginal law aspects of major projects, including those in the energy and natural resources sector.

Sam is professional, approachable, and very easy to work with. He takes the time to ensure that you understand the situation and the options available.

Sam is very knowledgeable and experienced in current and upcoming trends in regarding Indigenous legal matters. He is very responsive and an absolute team player, especially in negotiation.

Sam navigated incredibly complex Indigenous partnerships and provided critical commercial guidance that led to all parties leaving the table with a better deal for everyone.

Sam is always responsive and provides strategic advice. His understanding of how our business operates is clear and he navigates seamlessly through the complexities and nuances of our business.

Sam Adkins is a top-notch service provider, specialising in Aboriginal relationships. He is a leader in the country,

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Roy Millen
2
Roy Millen
2
Band 2

Roy Millen is a well-regarded Aboriginal law practitioner, who co-leads Blakes' Aboriginal law group. He frequently advises significant natural resource and energy clients. Based in Vancouver, he provides experience in the negotiation and execution of agreements with Aboriginal groups.

I love Roy's delivery more than anything. He is anti-panic. He just slides in with the perfect argument and all of his arguments are very carefully crafted and incisive.

Roy is a very strong lawyer, with a practical mindset.

Roy is a highly valued member of our team. He is calm, confident and provides exceptional advice to us.

Roy has all the qualities of a knowledgeable, respectful and fair lawyer.

Roy is extremely responsive and very knowledgeable on Indigenous relations and regulatory knowledge.

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Terri-Lee Oleniuk
4
Terri-Lee Oleniuk
4
Band 4

Terri-Lee Oleniuk is based in the firm's Calgary office and focuses her practice on regulatory, environmental and Indigenous law issues involving major energy projects.

My experience with Terri-Lee has been great. She is very responsive and succinct in her responses. Terri-lee also has very good judgement and provides excellent, well thought-out advice.

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Ranked Lawyers at
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

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Nationwide - Canada

Aboriginal Law
Sam Adkins
1
Sam Adkins
1
Band 1
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Roy Millen
2
Roy Millen
2
Band 2
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Terri-Lee Oleniuk
4
Terri-Lee Oleniuk
4
Band 4
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Members

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