Services
Corporate Governance
Advisory services including corporate structure, governance, Indigenous Governance models. Drafting & Review services including Corporate bylaws, policy development, implementation and interpretation. Board and Shareholder Relations: including advisory and meeting support incorporating traditional decision making processes.
Corporate Finance
Advising on financing options (equity, debt, grants, etc.) tailored for Indigenous businesses. Drafting and negotiating commercial loans and related agreements with financial institutions. Assisting with securities offerings and compliance, considering Indigenous ownership structures. Advising on Trust structures, implementation and management.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Due diligence investigations with a focus on Indigenous land and rights. Negotiating and drafting purchase agreements, ensuring protection of Indigenous interests. Regulatory compliance and filings.
Regulatory Compliance
Advising on industry-specific regulations. Assisting with compliance audits and investigations, considering Indigenous rights. Preparing regulatory filings and reports, ensuring alignment with Indigenous governance.
Commercial Contracts
Contract drafting, reviewing, and negotiation with cultural sensitivity. Advising on contract disputes and enforcement, respecting Indigenous legal traditions. Managing contract lifecycle and renewals, incorporating Indigenous values.
Real Estate Transactions
Advising on commercial real estate purchases and leases on Indigenous lands and off of Indigenous lands. Drafting and negotiating real estate agreements, respecting Indigenous land rights. Conducting due diligence and title searches, including Indigenous land claims.
Our Corporate Services team supports clients with a variety of provincial and federal processes including but not limited to:
Business Formation and Restructuring:
- Assistance with the incorporation of new businesses, including federal and provincial incorporations.
- Guidance on restructuring existing businesses to optimize operational efficiency and tax benefits.
Partnership and Shareholder Agreements:
- Drafting and reviewing partnership agreements to ensure clear terms and conditions.
- Creating shareholder agreements that outline the rights and responsibilities of shareholders.
- Advising on dispute resolution mechanisms.
Business Contracts and Agreements:
- Preparation and negotiation of various business contracts, including service agreements, supply contracts, and non-disclosure agreements.
- Ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
- Providing ongoing support for contract management and enforcement.
Minute Book Maintenance and Corporate Governance:
- Maintaining corporate records and minute books to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
- Assisting with the preparation and filing of annual returns and other statutory documents.
Business Growth and Expansion:
Supporting commercial transactions such as joint ventures and strategic alliances.
Providing guidance on market entry strategies and regulatory compliance for business expansion.
Our team is pleased to offer workshops and training sessions for First Nations clients on the following corporate subjects:
Business Structuring
- What are the types of business structures available and what do they all mean?
- What are the common structures used by First Nations?
Basics of Corporate Governance
- How to maintain separation between government and activities of Board.
- What are the responsibilities of the Board?
- What documentation is required to be kept?
Conflict of Interest
- What is considered a conflict of interest?
- What are some best practices with regards to establishing a conflict of interest policy?
Controls and Policies
- What are internal policies and why are they needed?
- Self-Regulation of Board.
Bernd Christmas, K.C.
Senior Counsel
T (647) 925-5351
E bchristmas@jfklaw.ca
Brock Roe
Counsel
T (250) 999-1503
E broe@jfklaw.ca
Sara Mainville
Managing Partner
T (416) 200-5377
E smainville@jfklaw.ca
Corporate & Commercial Services Team
Bernd is a highly esteemed legal professional and advocate for First Nations across Canada, recognized for his extensive experience and unwavering dedication to his field. He is situated at JFK Law’s Six Nations office in Ohsweken, Ontario. As a lawyer and leader, Bernd’s impetus has always been to deliver positive outcomes for the workforce, the communities, and the businesses he works with. With his lifelong career commitment to these issues, he has been instrumental in guiding businesses in developing Indigenous strategies that align with community interests and the broader business objectives.
Brock was born and raised in Treaty No. 8 territory in Fort St. John, British Columbia, and is an affiliate (Bill C-31) with the Bigstone Cree Nation. As a solicitor, Brock helps First Nation clients with their governance and economic development needs. He has acted for First Nations in a variety of industries related to commercial leasing, natural resource development (oilsands, mining, oil and gas, renewables), utilities, hotels and tourism, and fishing. Brock also helps First Nations deal with complex transactions and related land matters under the Indian Act, First Nations Land Management Act, and modern Treaties.
Laura is a seasoned legal professional with extensive in-house and manufacturing sector experience. She excels in general business transactions, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. Known for her ability to address and mitigate risk, Laura ensures business operations align with legal standards and best practices. She provides strategic counsel that supports business objectives and fosters growth. Laura’s proactive problem-solving skills and clear communication make her a valuable asset, especially in working with Indigenous clients on economic development, land interests, and governance.
Blair acts for First Nation, Metis, modern treaty groups, and Indigenous organizations throughout Canada, with a particular focus on Alberta and British Columbia, including legal support in negotiating agreements with government and resource industry proponents, supporting clients in the consultation and regulatory process for resource extraction projects (with a primary focus on coal, forestry, and oil and gas infrastructure), developing and implementing governance mechanisms, and advocating for client interests in the drafting of federal and provincial law and policy.
Erika, located in the JFK Toronto office, advises Indigenous communities, governments and nations on Aboriginal and treaty rights-related matters, including advancing their visions of self-determination through the negotiation and implementation of agreements with the Crown and the drafting and implementation of their own laws. She is Métis and her family hails from Red River. Having grown up in Edmonton, Erika is a citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. She holds a Juris Doctor and a Certificate in Aboriginal Legal Studies from the University of Toronto, and a Certificate in Negotiation from Osgoode Hall Law School.
JC Steele is a member Cote First Nation in Treaty #4 territory. Located at the JFK Toronto office, JC works mainly with First Nations in Ontario and Saskatchewan in the areas of governance, economic and social development, treaty and inherent rights, negotiation and consultation, and on-reserve property and tax issues. JC is an advocate for Indigenous sovereignty and promotes community-led development and the empowerment of Indigenous voices at every level of decision-making. Prior to law school, she attended the Edwards School of Business where she developed an interest in First Nations economic development and Indigenous nation building that has carried through to her current legal practice.
Shayla is a citizen of Laxgiik pdeek (Eagle clan) from the Nisga’a village of Laxgalts’ap, but was raised in Snuneymuxw territory, also known as Nanaimo. Throughout her law school career, she has worked with Tsawwassen First Nation’s in-house legal counsel and has co-authored a discussion paper with Dr. John Borrows in partnership with the Shareholder Association for Research and Education (SHARE) and Reconciliation and Responsible Investment Initiative (RRII) which explored Indigenous perspectives of fiduciary duty.
Isidora is a passionate Corporate Paralegal with a background in customer service and a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies from Capilano University. She has a strong interest in corporate law, startups, and technology. Growing up in White Rock, she has a deep connection to the natural beauty of the unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples. With her combined background in customer service and legal studies, Isidora brings a unique perspective and skill set to the corporate legal world, where she continues to excel and make a meaningful impact.