Metallic Law is founded on the Mi’gmaq concept, Apigsituagan, which loosely translated means “Making Things Right.” All Indigenous Nations have inherent rights that come with responsibilities practiced throughout millennia. Metallic Law’s mission is to restore these rights and responsibilities in accordance with Indigenous laws and to ensure these rights are recognized, practiced and protected. Whether it be fishing, hunting or land use, Indigenous laws must be revitalized and applied to promote sustainability and prosperity for future generations. Metallic Law will work with Indigenous clients to ensure the Nation’s rights are recognized by Canada and the provinces, to articulate Indigenous laws and to safeguard these laws through constitutional protection.

Applying Apigsituagan to the area of specific claims, our firm is dedicated to helping First Nation clients resolve historic wrongs through Canada’s specific claims policy and process in order to enable First Nations to approach the future with a clear path. Specific claims involve situations of the past where the Crown has breached its lawful obligations to First Nations by failing to properly apply Indian Act rules resulting in instances of unlawful surrenders of land, unlawful flooding of reserve lands, mismanagement of trust monies; as well as breaches of treaty obligations, such as Treaty Land Entitlements and failure to provide agricultural benefits; and breaches of fiduciary obligations.

We are driven by the possibilities of First Nations, Métis and Inuit self-determination. Restoring our inherent jurisdiction to govern ourselves is within reach. Metallic Law offers comprehensive advice in the area of self-determination and governance. Whether you are embarking on a review of your internal governance processes or contemplating a negotiated approach to implementing self-government, we can provide your Nation with thoughtful and informed guidance and leadership that is anchored in constitutional recognition and aligned with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Reconciliation is the process of making things rights. As Canadians begin this journey, there must be recognition and a commitment to action to enable equity, wealth creation and a healthy economy in Indigenous Nations. Metallic Law can provide practical, strategic advice and negotiations that will enable economic prosperity through resource benefit agreements, meaningful partnership and business development opportunities.

Metallic Law is committed to protecting and addressing all manner of human rights violations facing First Nation, Métis and Inuit Nations. This is founded on the principle that Indigenous Rights are Human Rights. Asserting nationhood while respecting the rights of Indigenous citizens is an important objective that will foster strong, healthy Nations. Metallic Law can provide important advice and advocacy to ensure that human rights are balanced with Indigenous values and principles.