Christina Gray is deeply immersed in the field of nation-building, focusing on the recognition of Indigenous rights and the pursuit of self-determination. Her work is pivotal in advancing the legal and governance structures that enable Indigenous communities to thrive. Christina collaborates closely with her clients at recognition of rights and self-determination tables to affirm and implement their inherent rights to self-governance.

An aspect of her practice involves assisting communities with the addition to reserve process. She provides legal guidance to help expand reserve lands, ensuring these expansions align with community aspirations and legal requirements. Her expertise in land code development further empowers Indigenous groups to draft and implement codes that allow for the autonomous management of their lands, fostering sustainable development and respecting traditional practices.

Christina is actively involved in developments surrounding Bill C-92, working on its implementation to affirm the rights of Indigenous peoples to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services, ensuring these services align with unique Indigenous laws and contexts.

Moreover, Christina assists Indigenous nations in law-making, helping to create legal frameworks that reflect both Indigenous laws and contemporary needs. This empowers communities’ governance frameworks and enhances Indigenous nations’ abilities to manage affairs according to their customs and priorities.

In addition to these efforts, Christina is engaged in work related to Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), ensuring Indigenous stewardship over lands and natural resources. This work supports ecological preservation while aligning with cultural values and practices.

Through her work at JFK Law, Christina Gray makes significant contributions to advancing Indigenous rights and empowering communities across Canada. Her dedication is evident in her commitment to supporting Indigenous peoples in achieving their goals of self-governance and preserving their laws and culture for future generations.

Education and Professional Affiliations

• Master of Law, University of Victoria, 2024
• Law Society of Yukon, 2021
• Law Society of British Columbia, 2016
• Law Society of Ontario, 2015
• Juris Doctor, University of British Columbia, 2013
• Bachelor of Arts (Art History), University of British Columbia, 2008

Selected Publications

• “The Challenges with Indigenous Class Actions and Contingency Fees in the Era of Indigenous Self-Determination”, Blog post co-authored by Sara Mainville, Christina Gray, JC Steele, Shayla Praud, Molly Churchill (JFK Law LLP, 16 January 2024) explores the complexities and legal considerations in Indigenous class actions and their implications in the context of Indigenous self-determination.

• “Buffalo Bones and Hope: Two Dene Stories, Featured in Ndè Sı̀ı̀ Wet’aɂà: Northern Indigenous Voices on Land, Life, & Art (Arp Books, 2022). This publication highlights Christina’s connection to Dene narratives and storytelling.

• “Return of the Treaty”, Co-authored with Hayden King in Treaty Interpretation in the Age of Restoule (Yellowhead Institute/JFK Law LLP, May 2022). This work highlights Christina’s involvement in treaty interpretation, a crucial area in Indigenous law.

• “Constitutionality of Indigenous Child Welfare Law to be decided by the Supreme Court of Canada”, Co-authored with Sara Mainville and Claire Truesdale (JFK Law LLP, 9 May 2022). This publication emphasizes Christina’s engagement with significant legal developments affecting Indigenous child welfare laws.

• “Reclaiming Indigenous Place Names”, Co-authored with Daniel Rück (Yellowhead Institute, 2019). This publication reflects Christina’s commitment to cultural heritage and Indigenous rights.

Presentations

• Presentation: Ts’msyen Law and Governance
  Presentation during the Distinguished Leaders segment at the B.C. First Nations Women’s, 2SLGBTQQIA+ Self-Determination, Rematriation & Research Governance Summit on October 18, 2024, at the Simon Fraser University Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue. This presentation focused on Ts’msyen law and governance and the transformations of Ts’msyen law.
• Book Panel: Ndè Sı̀ı̀ Wet’aɂà: Northern Indigenous Voices on Land, Life and Art
  Presented at the North American Indigenous Studies Association – North, 2022. This panel highlights Christina’s publication regarding “Buffalo Bones and Hope: Two Dene Stories”.
• Presentation: Indigenous Law and the Federal Court
  Presented at Developments in Aboriginal and Indigenous Law 2022 (PBLI Conference, 2022). This presentation focused on legal developments at the Federal Court.