Christina Gray
Associate
She/Her/Hers- cgray@jfklaw.ca
- P 604-687-0549 ext 301
- Legal Administrative Assistant Nicole MacDonald 250-405-3467 nmacdonald@jfklaw.ca
- 260 - 200 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6C 1S4
Christina Gray is a dedicated lawyer and passionate advocate for Indigenous rights. She holds the name ‘Aɬaxsgaaxsiɬ Gaax Aganɬaak, which translates from the Sm’algyax language to “the raven caws its name early in the morning.” Christina is from the Ts’msyen community of Lax Kw’alaams, British Columbia, and Dene from Łutselkʼe in the Northwest Territories. She works remotely from Prince Rupert, collaborating with clients and colleagues throughout Canada.
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.
Highlights
Engaged in complex negotiations, working closely with Indigenous nations to affirm and implement self-governance rights.
Provides legal guidance in addition to reserve process, assisting communities in expanding reserve lands in alignment with legal and community goals.
Specializes in land code development, empowering Indigenous groups to draft and implement codes for autonomous land management.
Plays an active role in the implementation of Bill C-92, supporting Indigenous jurisdiction over child and family services to ensure they reflect cultural and community values.
Assists Indigenous nations in law-making, creating legal frameworks that incorporate Indigenous laws that address the needs of today.
Represents clients in various judicial bodies, including the Federal Court and Ontario Superior Court of Justice, emphasizing her expertise in administrative and constitutional law.
Engaged in the development and support of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), ensuring Indigenous stewardship over lands and natural resources to uphold ecological preservation and align with cultural values and practices.
Publications
On November 27, 2024, the Supreme Court of Canada (“SCC” or “Court”) released a
JFK is excited to welcome Verukah Poirier and Whitney Morrison as new members of our team at the Vancouver