Emily acts as general counsel for First Nations governments and organizations across Canada. She works with her clients to develop and implement legal and administrative instruments to support self-determination and to protect First Nations inherent and Treaty rights. Emily also assists her clients with general governance matters encompassing many areas of law, including employment, business, education, housing, lands, child and family wellness, economic development, and health matters, among others.
Emily assists First Nations governments and organizations with asserting and advocating for the recognition of First Nations inherent and treaty rights. Whether representing clients as interveners or negotiating with Crown governments, this practice area often involves a complex understanding of intersecting laws and jurisdictions and how they interact with the rights and priorities of First Nations.
Emily also works with First Nations governments and organizations to advance and resolve historical claims eligible under Canada’s Specific Claims Policy, including claims such as unlawful surrenders, treaty benefits, treaty land entitlement, misappropriation of trust and expropriation of reserve lands.
Prior to joining Fox LLP, Emily practiced law as an articling student and then an associate at a boutique law firm focusing on Aboriginal law in Calgary and as an associate with a small commercial litigation practice. Emily has assisted clients with matters before the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court, various provincial courts of first instance and appeal courts, tribunals, including the Specific Claims Tribunal, and other administrative bodies.
Emily strongly believes that the effective resolution of a First Nation’s legal matters requires continuous communication with her clients. She is committed to understanding the unique governance traditions, objectives, and processes of each First Nation to serve her clients more effectively.
Education
- University of Calgary, J.D. (2015)
- University of Calgary, B.A. (2011)
Professional Memberships
- Active Member, Law Society of Alberta (2016)
- Active Member, Law Society of Manitoba (2020)
Practice Areas
- Governance
- Specific Claims
- Treaty and Rights Advocacy
- Corporate Governance
Civic Involvement
Volunteer, Calgary Legal Guidance (2016-present)