He/Him/His
As Senior Counsel with Woodward, Nick acts as general counsel for several First Nations. His practice specializes in Indigenous self-governance, legal and policy development and natural resource law.
Northern Roots, National Impact
For over a decade, Nick has advanced the rights of First Nations and Inuit clients while living and working in both the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut and Yellowknife of the NWT. He spends much of his time in the communities where he works and has a wide range of legal experience, including with historical treaties, modern land claim agreements, Indigenous rights litigation, and multiple Indigenous legal systems.
While his practice extends across Canada, his significant experience in the North and West has provided him with expertise in designing and implementing co-management regimes and shared decision-making processes. He works hard on behalf of his clients to advance these processes across the country. Nick draws on this expertise in negotiating self-governance agreements, benefits agreements, and environmental assessment processes to help clients navigate the ever-changing legal landscape and assert, protect, and revitalize their rights.
Wayfinding Through Dedication to Public Service
Nick has served on the board of directors for several non-profit and professional organizations. He was previously the President of the NWT Branch of the Canadian Bar Association and the CBA National Representative for Northern Canada on the Legal Aid Liaison Commission. In addition, Nick has chaired multiple CBA committees, including the National Environmental, Energy and Resources Law Section.
Nick has volunteered his time to help advance human rights in West Africa through international efforts in Ghana and Togo. He is a nationwide speaker and writer in the area of Indigenous Peoples and Canadian law. His practice seeks to empower First Nations and Inuit clients by affirming Title and Rights, and promoting sustainable economic development and environmental conservation.
Nick was admitted to the Law Society of Alberta in 2010 and is a member of the Law Societies of Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. He graduated from the University of British Columbia with a J.D. in Laws, where he also completed a certification in international law from Sciences Po based in Paris, France. He also has a bachelor’s degree from Western University and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Queen’s University.