A Breadth of Experience Defending First Nations' Interests
Over the last decade, Patrick Schindler has developed a significant interest in the defence and assertion of the rights of First Nations. During this time Patrick has enabled First Nations communities to navigate internal disputes over the rights and entitlements of members both on and off reserve, and to fight back attempts by municipal, provincial and federal governments to appropriate, impinge upon and impair their territories.
Sensitive and Strategic Representation
Patrick’s understanding of the competing interests faced by First Nations leaders and band councils, as well as his sensitivity to their political, social and financial constraints, has contributed significantly to his efficacy as a representative of their concerns. Moreover, his experience in administrative law and commercial litigation against large organizations affords him the wealth of strategic tools necessary to engage public bodies intent on taking action without considering First Nations’ interests.
Patrick has developed long lasting professional relationships as well as friendships with many of his First Nations clients.
Recent Experience
- Successful opposition of an application by the wholly-owned subsidiary of an American waste disposal firm to build a landfill on a site near First Nations’ territory (a leading case on deference due to decisions of a band council)
- A suit against the federal government for compensation for band territory polluted during the government’s use and occupation of those lands during World War II
- Defence of a claim against a band council brought by one its members alleging, among other things, that the band council acted unreasonably and in bad faith in the granting of a government contract to a band member