Robin Acworth
Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP
Robin is a commercial lawyer whose practice focusses on the upstream and midstream energy sectors, including LNG and renewables. He has advised on energy projects and transactions in Canada, including advising on sale and purchase of LNG and other commodities, transportation, construction and use of terminals, power generation facilities and other infrastructure. Robin also qualified as an aeronautical engineer before converting to law.
Planning Committee
Merle Alexander, KC
Principal Lawyer, Miller Titerle
Merle practices Indigenous resource law, empowering Nations through title rights affirmation, sustainable economic development and environmental conservation. As a member of the co-development team for the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) in B.C., a major component of Merle’s practice currently involves the ongoing legislative implementation of UNDRIP.
Accelerating Through Complexity: Recent Legal Developments for Energy Projects in B.C.
Jeremy Barretto
Partner, Cassels Brock & Blackwell
A nationally recognized authority in regulatory, environmental, energy and Aboriginal law, Jeremy advises proponents on approvals, impact assessments and agreements for major infrastructure and resource projects across Canada. His practice focuses on navigating complex regulatory frameworks and Indigenous consultation requirements. He has published extensively, co-authored The Law of Indigenous Ownership and Projects, and regularly speaks on developments shaping energy and Indigenous law.
Planning Committee
Jared Enns
Partner, Cassels Brock & Blackwell
Jared’s practice focuses on Aboriginal title and rights related disputes and litigation. He co-leads his firm’s national Aboriginal Law Litigation & Dispute Advisory practice and partner of the firm’s Aboriginal Law and Litigation Group, managing many of the group’s litigation mandates across Canada. Jared also advises on issues relating to the duty to consult, Indigenous self-governance and constitutional law.
Rights and Resources: Legal Developments in Energy and Aboriginal Rights, Consent and Title in Canada
Lisa C. Fong, KC
Partner, Ng Ariss Fong, Lawyers
Lisa practises administrative, Aboriginal and environmental litigation, advising Indigenous governments, regulators and professionals on consultation, governance and regulatory matters. She has appeared in significant cases involving Indigenous rights, UNDRIP and energy project approvals, including Gitxaala Nation and the Northern Gateway litigation. She regularly assists First Nations in exercising governance authority over proposed energy projects and contributes to law reform initiatives in environmental and Indigenous law.
Rights and Resources: Legal Developments in Energy and Aboriginal Rights, Consent and Title in Canada
Billie Fortier
Partner, MLT Aikins
Billie advises the leadership of Indigenous communities on matters such as corporate structuring of Indigenous-owned businesses, economic development, commercial leasing, industry partnerships and governance. She represents Indigenous communities and businesses in negotiations with resource companies to establish joint ventures and other business relationships.
Rights and Resources: Legal Developments in Energy and Aboriginal Rights, Consent and Title in Canada
Saul Joseph
Partner, MLT Aikins
Saul has extensive experience in Aboriginal, regulatory matters, on- and off-reserve real estate, and corporate/commercial law. As an advisor to industry, Saul advises on how to effectively work with Indigenous Nations and navigate Canadian Aboriginal and environmental law landscapes.
Planning Committee
Shannon Joseph
Chair, Energy for a Secure Future
Shannon is an accomplished sustainable development and public affairs professional. Her work is focused on building a secure energy future for Canada and its international allies. She also serves as a member of the board of directors of Tamarack Valley Energy, Energy Forum Fellow with Canadian Global Affairs Institute and Energy Committee member of Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan.
Building Equitable Partnerships for Major Projects in Western Canada
Roark Lewis
Senior Associate, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Roark advises on complex commercial litigation, Indigenous and Aboriginal law, environmental and regulatory disputes, representing clients in courts and tribunals on issues including Indigenous consultation, project approvals, regulatory compliance and governance. His practice also encompasses administrative law and judicial review, with experience in cases involving energy, resources and public sector regulation. He regularly speaks and writes on developments in Indigenous and regulatory law affecting project risk and strategy.
Planning Committee
Michael
Manhas
Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright LLP
Michael is a litigation, administrative law, and regulatory lawyer. His practice focuses on matters relating to the environment, energy, natural resources, economic regulation and Indigenous law. He represents industrial clients in complex and high-stakes environmental and Indigenous litigation. His tribunal advocacy experience includes defending environmental permits and challenging administrative orders.
Building Equitable Partnerships for Major Projects in Western Canada
Chris Roine
Partner, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Chris practices in litigation and dispute resolution, focusing on Indigenous law, environmental and regulatory matters. He represents clients before courts and administrative tribunals on issues involving Indigenous consultation, project approvals and regulatory compliance. His work spans energy, natural resources and public sector disputes, advising on complex legal and governance challenges within evolving regulatory frameworks.
Accelerating Through Complexity: Recent Legal Developments for Energy Projects in B.C.
Sharon G.K. Singh
Partner, McMillan LLP
Sharon advises on Indigenous law, administrative and regulatory matters, with experience in consultation, governance and project approvals. Her practice includes representing clients before courts and tribunals and advising on complex legal issues at the intersection of Indigenous rights and regulatory frameworks. She brings practical insight into how evolving legal developments influence energy, infrastructure and governance decision-making.
Accelerating Through Complexity: Recent Legal Developments for Energy Projects in B.C.
Ruben
Tillman
Associate, Ng Ariss Fong, Lawyers
Ruben practices administrative, environmental, human rights and Aboriginal law. He works with Indigenous clients to prepare evidence for regulatory proceedings, human rights tribunals and court. Ruben regularly advises both First Nations clients and professional regulators on issues ranging from employment matters and contracts to bylaw enforcement. He acted for Heiltsuk Nation at the Ontario Court of Appeal, intervening on the issue of Aboriginal title to submerged lands.
Planning Committee
Kajia
Whelan
Partner, Sequoia Legal
Kajia’s legal practice spans both solicitor and litigation areas, including Indigenous governance, Crown consultation, negotiations with industry, Aboriginal title and rights, and land stewardship. Prior to joining Sequoia Legal, Kajia clerked at the Federal Court of Appeal and worked on the Tsleil-Waututh Nation v. Attorney General, 2018 FCA 153 case relating to the Trans Mountain pipeline project, among others.
Planning Committee
Donya Vahidi
Lawyer and Shareholder, Boughton Law
Donya is a corporate mergers and acquisitions lawyer with a practice concentrated on Indigenous equity ownership and major energy and infrastructure transactions. She serves as the Alberta lead for Boughton Law’s Indigenous Practice Group, playing a central role in advising Indigenous clients on corporate structuring, economic development strategies and governance.
Building Equitable Partnerships for Major Projects in Western Canada
