Melissa Capay-Garner, Partner (Maternity Leave)

Melissa joined Maurice Law in 2005 as an Associate after articling with the Indian Claims Commission in Ottawa where she worked closely with the Commission’s Legal Counsel in the resolution of a broad range of land claims issues, including the unlawful surrender of reserve land, infringements of aboriginal and treaty rights, and Treaty Land Entitlement.

Melissa’s practice is based exclusively on the legal issues of Aboriginal people, including land claim negotiations and litigation, the Crown’s duty to consult, administrative law, trusts, and corporate law.  Melissa currently represents First Nation bands across Canada in the Specific Claims Process and litigation.  She has drafted several land claim submissions under the Specific Claims Policy and is currently preparing her clients’ claims for the new Specific Claims Tribunal.  

Melissa is a member of the Lac Seul First Nation of Ontario.    

Academic & Professional Memberships

·        Admitted to the Alberta Bar, 2005

·        Admitted to the Law Society of Upper Canada, 2005

·        LL.B. (University of Calgary, 2003)

·        B.A. English (University of Calgary, 2000)

Community Experience

·        Director, Aboriginal Film and Television Foundation, 2007 – present

·        Youth Mentor, Aboriginal Youth and Education Strategy, 2005

·        Volunteer, Calgary Legal Guidance, 2005

·        Volunteer, Student Legal Assistance, 2001-2002

·        Volunteer, Calgary Native Friendship Centre, 1999-2000

·        Volunteer, Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary, 1998-2000

Presentations

·        Presenter, Treaty 5 Rights Panel Discussion, Northern Manitoba, 2010

·        Presenter, Treaty Land Entitlement Claims, Aboriginal & Treaty Advocacy Conference, 2006

·        Presenter, Housing on First Nations Lands, Aboriginal Insight, 2006

·        Presenter, The Duty to Consult and Impact Benefit Agreements, Generating Opportunity and Wealth Conference, Saskatoon, 2006