Erika works in JFK’s Nation Building Group and supports Indigenous communities and governments in various areas, including through:

• negotiating and implementing self-government related agreements, including Coordination Agreements within the meaning of An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, Youth and Families
• drafting and implementing laws, including child and family wellbeing laws within the meaning of An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, Youth and Families, First Nation Land Code laws, and Indian Act bylaws
• asserting and advancing rights in relation to economic development and prosperity, environmental stewardship, and consultation and accommodation
• providing governance and policy related support to First Nation Chief and Councils

Since becoming a lawyer, Erika has practiced exclusively in the area of Aboriginal law, representing Indigenous communities at both a nationally recognized Aboriginal law boutique and a full-service law firm in Toronto before joining JFK.

Outside of her legal practice, Erika serves as a Board Member of The 519, a City of Toronto agency that promotes the full participation of 2SLGBTQ+ communities in Toronto and beyond. In her free time, Erika can be found honing her novice beadwork skills, taking her golden retriever, Gus, around Toronto, finding comfort in reruns of The Office, and laughing at her partner’s jokes.

Education and Professional Affiliations

• Law Society of Ontario (2021), Law Society of Alberta (2024), and Law Society of British Columbia (2025)
• Certificate in Negotiation from Osgoode Hall Law School (2023)
• Juris Doctor with a Certificate in Aboriginal Legal Studies, University of Toronto (2020)
• Bachelor of Science with Specialization in Mathematics, University of Alberta (2016)

Community & Service

• Board of Management of The 519 (2021-Present)
• Secretary on the Board of Management of The 519 (2022-Present)

Awards and Recognition

• Start Proud Leaders to Be Proud Of Award, Leader To Watch (2026)
• University of Toronto Faculty of Law Dean’s Leadership Award (2020)
• University of Toronto Faculty of Law Gordon Cressy Award (2019)

Recent Speaking Engagements

• Co-Presenter: “Preparing for and Negotiating Coordination Agreements,” Council of Yukon First Nation’s Braiding Our Supports: A Family Preservation Gathering (2026)
• Co-Presenter: “Structuring and Incorporation Choices – What to Set Up Now so Delivery Is Stable Later,” Nipikiskwasiwan National Summit (2026).
• Panelist: “Consent is not a check box”, Independent Electricity System Operator First Nations Energy Symposium (2025).
• Panelist: “Protecting Indigenous Art: Legal Essentials for Indigenous Creatives,”Indigenous Curatorial Collective (2025).
• Presenter: “Introduction to Indigenous Legal Issues,” The 519’s Health and Justice Hub Workshop (2024).