Merle practices Indigenous resource law, empowering Nations through title and rights affirmation, sustainable economic development, and environmental conservation. Merle is a ‘life of project’ lawyer assisting with negotiating all stages of impact benefit agreements, joint ventures, regulatory engagement, traditional knowledge collection, and other corporate and tax-related advice. He continuously engages in legal support for emerging government-to-government negotiations in all resource areas, including mining, oil & gas, forestry, pipelines, run-of-river, and hydro projects. When needed, Merle adapts his solicitor experience and skill set to the emerging and developing needs of Indigenous clients.
Recently, Merle has advocated for First Nations on BC’s controversial Renewable Energy Act and Infrastructure Acts that seek to streamline environmental assessment and other regulatory processes to deliver “provincially significant projects”.
Merle is a member of Kitasoo Xai x’ais First Nation on the mid-coast of BC and will hold a hereditary chief for his Nation upon completing First Nations protocols. Merle is recognized in the Lexpert Directory, Benchmark Litigation, Best Lawyers and Chambers Canada as a leading lawyer in the area of Aboriginal law.
