Protecting First Nations Rights

  First Nations Rights stands with First Nations to defend and advance Treaty and inherent rights. We are committed to ensuring that the Crown honours the solemn commitments made to First Nations, respects their sovereign rights and that such rights are recognized, respected, and upheld.

Our Work Is Grounded In:

• Deep respect for First Nations histories and cultures
• Challenging dishonorable Crown conduct
• Recognition for the sacred nature of international Treaties
• Defense of Inherent Rights
• Enduring partnerships

First Nations Rights is a legal practice dedicated to standing with First Nations in the defense and advancement of Treaty and inherent rights.

 Built on the principle that justice begins with honouring and respecting the agreements and relationships that predate Canada, our practice represents First Nations in matters including, wrongful surrenders, Treaty land entitlement, Aboriginal title, specific claims, and cases addressing the cumulative impacts of Crown actions.

 Through principled advocacy and strategic negotiations, First Nations Rights works to hold the Crown accountable to its legal and moral obligations.

Our practice is further strengthened through a strategic relationship with DWF LLP and its national Indigenous Practice Group, enhancing the depth of resources and support available to our clients.

 Bob is a 41-year member of the bar with a long history of involvement in high-profile and complex negotiations and litigation. He has appeared before all levels of court in Canada, including the Supreme Court of Canada.

His practice is dedicated exclusively to representing First Nations in matters relating to the defense and advancement of inherent and Treaty rights. At a pivotal moment in Canadian history—when the country must confront historic wrongs and move toward meaningful reconciliation and compensation—Bob’s work is focused on securing justice, recognition, and the full affirmation of First Nation’s sovereign rights.  He stands with the Nations as they insist that their voices be heard, their histories respected and their futures shaped on their own terms.

His advocacy is grounded in a powerful truth: their existence as self-governing peoples on their own lands long before European contact. Unceded Aboriginal title to lands historically occupied by First Nations prior to the assertion of Crown sovereignty demands recognition. These are not rights granted by the Crown or the Constitution – they are ancient, enduring and legally binding realities that long predate Canada and must be given continuing force and effect under Canadian law.

Bob is equally steadfast in defending the sanctity of international Treaties entered into in good faith between First Nations and the British Crown. These solemn agreements—many sanctified in ceremony—bind the Honour of the Crown and must be interpreted in the spirit and intent of partnership and mutual respect that gave them life. Too often, Canada’s approach to Treaty interpretation and implementation has relied upon written texts that fail to reflect the true intent and understanding embodied in the oral promises bargained for, and made to, First Nations leaders.  The Crown must be called to account for its dishonourable conduct in both the negotiation and implementation of Treaty.

Treaties are sacred commitments and must be recognized, not as historical artifacts, but as living constitutional and international obligations.

For Bob, this work extends beyond a legal practice. It is a calling grounded in respect, reciprocity, and remembrance of the sacred rights and relationships affirmed in Treaty. He works alongside—and in humility, in the shadow of—great First Nations leaders whose courage and vision have created impacts that will resonate across generations.

Bob’s life has been profoundly enriched by treasured relationships with leaders and elders, and he has been humbled by invitations to participate in ceremony.  He very proudly carries the Cree spirit name Diving Thunderbird Man, bestowed upon him during a night lodge ceremony when a medicine man invited the spirits into the lodge. That name is both a humbling honour and a great responsibility.  It guides his path and serves as a reminder of a duty to stand resolutely with Nations in their pursuit of justice, recognition, renewal and the flourishing of the next seven generations.