Danika is Nehiyaw and Anishnabe from the Ermineskin Cree Nation in Treaty 6 territory. Danika was raised in her home community of Maskwacis, AB. She also spent her summers growing up with her maternal grandparents and family around the Georgian Bay in Whitefish River First Nation, Ontario. Danika is grounded in her understanding, practice, and appreciation for her Nehiyaw and Anishnabe teachings. She celebrates her culture through her participation in pow wows in the jingle dress dance.
Prior to joining Fox LLP Danika articled with a legal clinic in downtown Calgary where she assisted clients with legal matters in the areas of Criminal, Family, Social Benefits, and Residential Tenancy including court advocacy for self-represented clients. As an Indigenous articling student, Danika assisted with outreach and indigenous legal clinics with a focus on accessibility and client care.
Danika also has experience in First Nations governance where she took on an executive role where she managed and oversaw matters relating to Membership, Tribal Law, Children’s Services, Restorative Justice, and Litigation and Settlement.
Danika’s experience working within First Nation governance, sitting on a Trust Board for her Nation’s Education Trust, and contributing to her community through planning, advising, and participation have given her a perspective on the importance of understanding and advocating for First Nation’s inherent and treaty rights. She believes her role as a lawyer is to understand clients needs and to help clients move there matters forward in the most impactful and respectful way.
Education
- University of Saskatchewan, J.D. (2015)
- Concordia University of Edmonton, BSc (2012)
Professional Memberships
- Active Member, Law Society of Alberta (2016)
Practice Areas
- Treaty and Rights Advocacy
- Governance
Civic Involvement
Trustee, Ermineskin Education Trust Fund (2021 – Present)