Merle Alexander Partner, Aboriginal Law

Merle practices Aboriginal resource law which balances economic development, respect for Aboriginal rights and environmental conservation for future generations.

Merle is a member of the Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation (Klemtu, BC). He has a deep and passionate interest in assisting Aboriginal clients. Merle advises on the negotiation of impact-benefit agreements, socio-economic participation agreements, resource revenue sharing arrangements and a variety of other interim agreements. The negotiations touch on a number of resource law areas, including forestry, oil and gas, mining, energy and pipeline projects.

Merle works extensively structuring business ventures, limited partnerships and corporations. He also has a depth of experience in negotiating government to government agreements, including self-government and comprehensive treaty claim agreements representing clients in British Columbia, the Yukon and Newfoundland and Labrador.

A professional and personal interest of Merle’s is the protection of Aboriginal intellectual property rights, particularly traditional knowledge. He has negotiated treaty chapters on Cultural Heritage Resources, drafted traditional knowledge protocols and represented national Aboriginal organizations in various international forums. Consequently, Merle is very knowledgeable on protective mechanisms of Indigenous knowledge both domestically and internationally.