Prominent Indigenous Lawyer Bernd Christmas Joins Cassels Brock

Publish: 03/10/2014

Cassels Brock is pleased to announce that Bernd Christmas, an Indigenous lawyer highly regarded for his work with government, business and First Nations in connection with aboriginal economic development, has joined the firm. He will serve as a critical resource to the Cassels Brock client base, which includes many of the country’s leading mining and natural resource companies, financial institutions and corporate entities, as well as international clients doing business in Canada.

Bernd, who in 1993 became the first Mi’kmaw to become a lawyer in Canada, brings a deep understanding of Indigenous business interests and social perspectives through his work as an executive with several First Nations enterprises. He was also appointed by Prime Minister Chretien in 2003 to the External Advisory Committee on Smart Regulation and is a former member of the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board.

In his new role, Bernd will be advising on a wide range of matters related to the commercial, financial, environmental, social and political issues surrounding business negotiations with First Nations Bands, Tribal Councils and Provincial/Territorial Organizations.

“The ability to work effectively with First Nations for the mutual benefit of their communities and our clients is vital and becoming increasingly more important every day. In that regard, Bernd’s unique background and experience will be a tremendous asset,” notes the Hon. David Peterson, the Chairman of Cassels Brock and former Premier of Ontario.

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