Sequoia Legal LLP

Sequoia Legal LLP recently had the opportunity to spend some time with Halfway River First Nation at the third annual Arbour Days🌿

The weekend was a wonderful reflection of a strong and vibrant community; filled with drumming, hand games, axe throwing, bingo, a puppeteer, a talent show and so much more. Kajia Whelan and Camille Boulianne even tried their hand at horseshoes (with varying degrees of success!) and snuck in some puppy cuddles.

We’re grateful to be welcomed into these moments of connection, culture, and celebration with community🤝

sequoialegal.ca

Tim Watson recently attended the Halfway River Group Trade Show in Calgary alongside Halfway River First Nation Chief and Council and board members of Tsaa Dunne Za Energy, where Tim also serves as a board member, to discuss opportunities in oil and gas development.

From strategic conversations in the boardroom to hands-on creativity in the hat shop (with thanks to the team at Smithbilt Hats Inc. for guiding the creation of these custom cowboy hats), the experience captured the best of what these gatherings are about: meaningful collaboration and authentic connection in support of thriving communities. 🤝

Learn more about Tim at sequoialegal.ca/our-team/

Aboriginal Title and Private Property: How might the Supreme Court of Canada denial of leave for the Wolastoqey appeal last week impact the Cowichan Tribes appeal?

Sequoia Legal LLP’s Christopher Devlin and Kajia Whelan consider the distinctions between these very different cases and what lies ahead.

https://sequoialegal.ca/articles/news/aboriginal-title-and-private-property/

Aboriginal Title and Private Property — Sequoia Legal LLP Aboriginal Title and Private Property: How might the SCC denial of leave for the Wolastoqey appeal impact the Cowichan Tribes appeal?

🌻Meet our 2026 Summer Student 🌻

Please join us in welcoming Isabelle Gibson to Team Sequoia this summer.

Isabelle is a member of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, an Ojibway First Nation on the north shore of Lake Superior, and she has just completed her first year in the joint JD/JID program at UVic. She brings a strong background in policy and research, along with a deep passion for working with Indigenous Nations.

Isabelle offers a thoughtful new perspective and a strong commitment to serving our clients. We are excited to support her growth as she gains hands-on experience alongside our team in the field of Aboriginal law.

Welcome, Isabelle! 🌳

sequoialegal.ca/our-team/

It's National Volunteer Week and we're shining the spotlight on our paralegal, Melissa Molvik!

Melissa has been an active volunteer with Metchosin Search and Rescue for nearly 4 years, supporting communities across the South Island from Victoria to Metchosin.⛑️ In addition, she recently joined the Metchosin SAR board of directors.👏
An integral part of our team since 2020, Melissa manages our corporate records with exceptional care and detail, and provides overall support for the important work we do.
Making a difference inside and outside of the office, thank you for everything you do for our community, Melissa!💐

🔶Learn more about Melissa and the rest of our team at sequoialegal.ca/our-team

The BC Court of Appeal recently granted Aboriginal Title to The Nuchatlaht for part of Nootka Island.

This decision reverses the site-specific or "postage stamp" approach that was taken by the trial judge. Could this signal the shift we've been waiting for in Aboriginal Title litigation?

Christopher Devlin, Kajia Whelan, and Lorenzo Rose dive into the decision and what this might mean for future Aboriginal Title claims in BC.

Appeal Court grants Aboriginal Title to part of Nootka Island — Sequoia Legal LLP Appeal Court finds trial decision is likely to improperly segment Nuchatlaht's traditional territory.