OKT is a law firm dedicated to advancing the sovereignty and prosperity of Indigenous governments, organization and peoples. Our central philosophy is that there will be no real justice until Indigenous peoples have control over their own fates and futures, including their lands and economic and political decision-making. We make it our priority to hire First Nation, Métis, and Inuit people at all levels in our firm and are committed to training Indigenous lawyers. OKT is committed to developing Indigenous leadership in the law, we work actively to support the development of Indigenous lawyers serving Indigenous communities.
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250 University Avenue, 8th Floor
Toronto, ON M5H3E5, CA
4902 49th Street, 3rd Floor, PO Box 1470
Yellowknife, NT X1A2P1, CA
Olthuis, Kleer, Townshend LLP reposted this
https://lnkd.in/gYsJfjhy Excited to share this great article about Neskantaga First Nation’s journey to reform their child welfare program and make their own child welfare law. It was a privilege to share my thoughts with CBC regarding the importance of this work.
📢 Revenue Sharing – What Happens After the IBA? If you work with First Nations or Inuit communities on IBA implementation and finance, we welcome you to join us on Tuesday, July 29 for a complimentary webinar. In this session, OKT lawyers Senwung Luk and Nick Kennedy will unpack key aspects of revenue sharing, including: - Revenue sharing under IBAs - Common challenges with “profit” sharing - Sharing of gross revenue - Sharing as an equity partner Click on the link below to register. https://lnkd.in/gBDVM28Y
We're excited to announce that Matthew Tse has joined OKT as an Associate in our Toronto office!
Olthuis, Kleer, Townshend LLP reposted this
Reflecting on an incredible few days working from our OKT Yellowknife office. What a wonderful time spent connecting with colleagues and learning more about our clients, all amongst the stunning landscapes of the Northwest Territories. Stories were exchanged, laughs shared and memories made — our team walk to Cameron Falls, under a sky that never truly gets dark, will stay with me for a while. Feeling grateful for the warm Northern hospitality, the chance to collaborate (outside of Zoom), and the fresh perspective that comes from stepping outside your usual environment. #oktlaw
In a recent victory, on June 6, 2025, the Ontario Superior Court ruled in favour of the Ontario Heritage Trust (“OHT”) and the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation (“Nawash”), in their efforts to protect the sacred area of Nochemowenaing. The Court ordered that a cottage owner must remove encroachments he built on land that is part of Nochemowenaing, owned by the OHT and co-managed by the OHT and Nawash. The Court’s decision in Ontario Heritage Trust v Hunter, 2025 ONSC 3379, is an important victory for Nawash, who have long pushed to protect the sacred area of Nochemowenaing, and the OHT. The decision recognizes the spiritual, cultural and archeological importance of Nochemowenaing, and Nawash and OHT’s interests in protecting it. It is also an important precedent for Indigenous peoples dealing with trespass. It is the first time a Court has considered how to remedy trespass by a private landowner on land that has spiritual and cultural significance for Indigenous peoples, and is held in trust by a public body. OKT is proud to have represented Nawash in this case. Click on the link below to read our latest blog written by Jesse Abell, Ben Brookwell and Roger Townshend, to learn more. Blog link: https://lnkd.in/ekqUK2ia
🎙️ New podcast alert! What is Bill 5 & C-5 and What Does it Mean for Indigenous Jurisdiction? In the latest episode of the OKT Podcast, partner Senwung Luk is joined by Randall Kahgee, David Wright, and Martin Olszynski for an in-depth discussion on Bill 5 and Bill C-5, a recent legislative development that reshapes the landscape of environmental assessment and Indigenous consultation in Canada. Together, the group unpacks the key changes introduced by Bill 5 and C-5, and explores the broader implications for Indigenous jurisdiction, environmental governance, and regulatory frameworks in Canada. Click here to access the episode: https://lnkd.in/g7X7PfRa
OKT partner Kevin Hille and associate Jesse Abell recently published an article in the Supreme Court Law Review, “‘Breathing New Life’: The C92 Reference and the Status of UNDRIP in Canadian Law” (2025) 6 SCLR (3d) 173. The article discusses the impact of recent Supreme Court of Canada decisions on the status of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in different jurisdictions across Canada. In 2024, the Supreme Court addressed the status of UNDRIP for the first time in two decisions. The Supreme Court found in both cases that UNDRIP has been brought into Canadian law by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA). The article discusses the impact of these decisions in federal law where the federal UNDA applies, in British Columbia and the Northwest Territories where UNDRIP implementation legislation has been passed, in provinces and territories without UNDRIP implementation legislation, and in administrative law. The authors suggest that UNDRIP can and should be used to interpret legislation and constitutional provisions, such as the Charter and section 35, in all these jurisdictions, even where no UNDRIP implementation legislation has been passed. It also can and should be a mandatory relevant consideration in administrative decision-making that could impact Indigenous rights. Click on the link below to read the article: https://lnkd.in/g_iMz4_r
In a resounding victory, on June 17, 2025, the Ontario Superior Court ruled in favour of Naicatchwenin First Nation, Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation, Couchiching First Nation, and Mitaanjigamiing First Nation (the “Agency One First Nations”) – in their long legal battle with the Town of Fort Frances over ownership of former Agency One First Nations’ reserve lands. OKT is proud to have represented the Agency One First Nations in this dispute. Click on our latest blog, "Agency One First Nations Rights Over Their Territory Affirmed" written by Benjamin Brookwell, Graeme Cook and James Shields to learn more. Click to learn more: https://lnkd.in/g6v_Vtiu