Department profile
Lawson Lundell LLP

Aboriginal Law

Canada Guide 2026 : Nationwide - Canada

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Lawson Lundell LLP

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About

Provided by Lawson Lundell LLP

In the ever-changing and evolving area of Indigenous law, clients need solid, practical advice to help them navigate the legal and regulatory challenges that inevitably arise. As a leader in the field, Lawson Lundell’s Indigenous Law Group provides support to clients in all areas of Indigenous law and in all regions of Canada.

The Indigenous Law Group is one of the largest and most experienced in western and northern Canada. Members in Vancouver, Calgary and Yellowknife provide legal advice to a wide variety of private and public sector clients, including clients involved in energy (hydroelectric power generation, conventional oil and gas and oil sands producers), pulp and paper, forest harvesting, mining, aquaculture, transportation (railways, public transit, marine transportation and port facilities) and real estate development. We also provide advice on commercial matters to Indigenous organizations and development corporations, particularly in northern Canada.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Aboriginal Law - Nationwide - Canada

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Lawson Lundell is a Vancouver-based regional law firm with a significant Aboriginal law practice across Western and Northern Canada. With a strong resources-focused practice, the team offers substantial experience of LNG, oil sands, hydroelectric, mining and pipeline projects. It represents industry clients in their negotiations with Aboriginal stakeholders, as well as advising on regulatory and court proceedings. The firm is regularly engaged by forestry industry participants to provide advice on dispute resolution with Indigenous communities, as well as representing major national clients in other sectors such as transportation and shipping. Its clients benefit from the firm's additional offices in Calgary and Yellowknife.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Lawson Lundell represented the Government of Alberta's Ministry of Indigenous Relations in relation to a number of matters, including a judicial review and action commenced by Mikisew Cree First Nation.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They are a large firm with a strong presence in British Columbia and always very responsive to requests.

    Aboriginal Law respondentCanada

  • Lawson Lundell has knowledge of our sector and the understanding of the nuances that exist between our industry and First Nations communities.

    Aboriginal Law respondentCanada

  • Lawson Lundell's client service is extraordinary, equally matched by their knowledge and respect in the industry.

    Aboriginal Law respondentCanada

  • Lawson Lundell are always very able to add value to the questions that arise in the litigation matters we deal with them on. I also am exceptionally pleased with their responsiveness.

    Aboriginal Law respondentCanada

  • If we ever encounter issues, they are very responsive and always willing to work with us to resolve them.

    Aboriginal Law respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • John Olynyk
    John Olynyk

    John Olynyk

    Calgary-based John Olynyk is a distinguished lawyer at Lawson Lundell, who advises on the Indigenous law aspects of mining and oil and gas operations. He is noted for his regulatory work, and he is also experienced in disputes in the Aboriginal law space.

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  • Keith Bergner
    Keith Bergner

    Keith Bergner

    Keith Bergner has experience acting for clients on the Aboriginal law elements of major energy and mining projects. He represents clients including corporations and governmental bodies out of Lawson Lundell's Vancouver office.

    • Keith is an absolutely outstanding litigator and very knowledgeable and attentive to our client needs.

      Aboriginal Law respondentCanada

    • Keith is very knowledgeable and has an excellent communication ability to help us understand the legal options before us.

      Aboriginal Law respondentCanada

    • Keith Bergner does amazing work in Indigenous law and environmental law.

      Aboriginal Law respondentCanada

    • Keith delivers excellent legal services and is a strong leader and team player.

      Aboriginal Law respondentCanada
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  • Lana Shipley
    Lana Shipley

    Lana Shipley

    Lana Shipley is a Vancouver-based lawyer who provides Aboriginal law advice on corporate and commercial agreements, as well as operations. She acts for clients in a variety of industry sectors, including mining and energy.

    • Lana is a dedicated and extraordinary lawyer who delivers on time and works efficiently to address all of our legal matters. I am grateful I get to sit at the table with her.

      Aboriginal Law respondentCanada

    • Lana has excellent knowledge of Indigenous rights and title.

      Aboriginal Law respondentCanada
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Ranked Individuals at Lawson Lundell LLP (3)

Nationwide - Canada

Members

Provided by Lawson Lundell LLP

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