Department profile
Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples

Canada Guide 2026 : Nationwide - Canada


Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

Gowling WLG is home to one of the largest and most respected Indigenous law practices in Canada.

Since the 1950s, we have been at the forefront of Indigenous law in Canada. We've worked alongside First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in landmark self-government agreements, resource development projects and Supreme Court cases. We've also acted for project proponents and governments at every level.

This singular legacy enables us to provide you with sophisticated legal advice in every aspect of Indigenous law – delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that help you advance your vision and achieve your goals.

As a full-service law firm, Gowling WLG is equipped to meet your diverse legal needs – from treaty rights and inherent rights, land claims, self-government, taxes and trusts to energy, mining, economic development and environmental matters.

We actively recruit lawyers of Indigenous ancestry and support numerous initiatives that promote their advancement in the legal profession.

In addition, Gowling WLG is one of the only full-service law firms in Canada that acts for Indigenous clients, as well as private industry, project proponents and all levels of government. Our clients benefit from our in-depth insight into the views of parties on all sides of the table, and the national scope of our practice gives you the benefit of best practices and strategies from across the country.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples - Nationwide - Canada

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

Gowling WLG houses an impressive Aboriginal law team that offers assistance to clients, including several First Nations from its offices across Canada, most notably from Ottawa and Vancouver. The group's counsel spans a range of areas including treaty and inherent rights, duty to consult and impact benefit agreements, self-government and economic development. Working collaboratively with colleagues in the energy, infrastructure and mining fields, the group also has substantial experience representing private industry and project proponents in their dealings with Aboriginal communities. The firm's work has also involved matters concerning Aboriginal rights and title in Newfoundland and Labrador. The team is active assisting First Nations organisations as project proponents in the renewable energy space.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Gowling WLG represented the Nunatsiavut Government in an appeal, relating to share of revenues flowing from a large mining project in Labrador.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The firm is quite large and has the necessary resources to tackle issues quite expeditiously.

    Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples respondentCanada
  • Gowling WLG have subject matter expertise, breadth and depth of team knowledge and networking capacities. They are also attentive and responsive to our distinct needs.

    Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples respondentCanada
  • Gowling WLG has extensive Indigenous experience, understanding of Indigenous issues and empathy for First Nations. The entire team is very prompt and accurate.

    Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples respondentCanada
  • The number one strength they have that separates them from others in the industry is understanding who we are as First Nations and building a bond and becoming like family.

    Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Paul Seaman
    Band 3Paul Seaman

    Paul Seaman

    Vancouver-based Paul Seaman heads Gowling's Indigenous law practice group. He advises a broad range of clients on drafting legislation, as well as consultations and commercial matters involving Indigenous groups. He also acts for Indigenous clients on administrative and commercial litigation.

    • Paul is a strategic thinker and problem-solver and a great writer.

      Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples respondentCanada
  • Up and ComingMaya Stano
    Up and ComingMaya Stano

    Maya Stano

    Maya Stano is a well-regarded lawyer, based in Gowling's Vancouver office, who is best known for representing First Nations and other Indigenous groups in the negotiation and implementation of agreements relating to energy and mining projects.

    • Maya is sharp and responsive.

      Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples respondentCanada
    • I'm beyond happy with the results of working with Maya. She is an asset over the range of legal issues we have.

      Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples respondentCanada
    • Maya is fantastic.

      Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples respondentCanada

Ranked Individuals at Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP (2)

Nationwide - Canada

  • Profile image of Paul Seaman

    Paul Seaman

    Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples

    View profile
  • Profile image of Maya Stano

    Maya Stano

    Aboriginal Law - Representation of Indigenous Peoples

    View profile

Members

Provided by Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP

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