Cochrane Sinclair welcomes Ovide Mercredi as Special Advisor

Press Release

March 1, 2026

Cochrane Sinclair is proud to announce that Ovide Mercredi has joined the firm as Special Advisor.

Ovide Mercredi has been a central figure in Indigenous–Crown relations in Canada for decades. As former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, he represented First Nations leadership at the highest levels of national negotiation during a period that reshaped constitutional and political discourse in this country. His work placed treaty rights, self-government, and constitutional recognition at the forefront of Canada’s national agenda.

During his tenure, Indigenous leadership was not operating at the margins of policy discussion. It was at the negotiating table. Ovide was part of those constitutional conversations, advancing recognition of inherent rights and pressing for structural reform in the relationship between First Nations and the federal government. His leadership helped elevate Indigenous sovereignty from a policy issue to a constitutional and nation-building question.

For Ovide, joining Cochrane Sinclair is about continuing that work through strategic legal advocacy.

“I’ve often thought that the best time in a person’s life to be an advisor is when they’re at my age,” he said. “When you’re young, you’re developing knowledge and experience as you go along. I think it’s important that I share the knowledge I have and the experiences of representing First Nations people in Canada.”

His career has moved between law and politics, two systems that constantly shape one another. That perspective informs how he views litigation, governance reform, and treaty enforcement. He understands that legal strategy does not operate in isolation. It sits within broader political realities that determine how rights are interpreted and implemented.

“Laws are based on political realities,” he said. “The First Nations political reality right now needs to be forefront in terms of litigation or advocacy. I look forward to developing strategies on how we can best advance the treaty and Aboriginal rights of First Nations people.”

Ovide’s credibility is rooted not only in public leadership, but in decades of direct engagement with First Nations communities navigating governance, sovereignty, and legal reform. He has consistently advocated for the development of Indigenous legal systems that operate from Indigenous authority rather than colonial frameworks.

“The firm is an opportunity for our people to evolve their own legal systems and formulate approaches that can help First Nations communities in governance and in the assertion of their sovereignty.”

Sonny Cochrane, Co-Managing Partner, emphasized what Ovide’s experience represents for the firm and its clients.

“We are proud to welcome Ovide Mercredi to Cochrane Sinclair LLP. Ovide helped shape the modern era of First Nations advocacy in Canada, advancing the recognition of inherent and Treaty rights at the highest levels.

As Canada’s largest First Nation led law firm, our mandate is rooted in strengthening First Nation governments, advancing self-determination, and addressing historical injustices.  Ovide’s decades of national leadership make this a natural and powerful fit. His experience, wisdom, and principled voice will elevate our work and enhance the service we provide to our clients across the country.”

Shawn Scarcello, Co-Managing Partner, noted that the firm’s work increasingly requires national perspective alongside technical excellence.

“Our firm was built on the understanding that Indigenous law requires not only technical skill, but historical awareness and national perspective. Ovide brings both. His presence strengthens our ability to think long-term and act with clarity on complex issues.”

As Special Advisor, Ovide will provide strategic insight on matters involving treaty implementation, governance reform, sovereignty initiatives, and long-term nation-building strategies. His focus remains clear: strengthening the ability of First Nations to assert and exercise their own jurisdiction.

“I would like to help First Nations people develop their own legal systems, their own justice systems, their own governance systems that are not necessarily within the framework of the federal system of government. Working towards true sovereignty for First Nations people is something that I would like to be engaged in.”

Cochrane Sinclair remains committed to supporting Indigenous Nations across Canada through strategic, historically grounded legal advocacy. The addition of Ovide Mercredi as Special Advisor reflects a deliberate investment in experience that has shaped national conversations and will continue shaping the future of Indigenous governance.

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