The Hub is aware of the capacity challenges First Nations and indigenous entities face during the consultation process. The Hub aims to ease this burden by providing legal tools to ensure First Nation’s inherent, constitutional and procedural rights are being well understood and respected. Please contact us by phone or email so we can connect you with the right information.
Our Services
The work of the Hub is produced by University of Ottawa law students, and is supervised by counsel, Cynthia Westaway.
How we can help
Services Offered
Access to plain language resources
We offer plain language information on the duty to consult and summaries of legal cases that outline the rights of First Nations and the obligations on the Crown when engaging in consultations.
Customized Help
By contacting us and describing your consultation needs, the Hub assesses any consultation requests your Nation has received from the Crown or other industry interests.
Industry specific support
The Hub supports First Nations clients seeking legal information on specific consultation issues, including those related to mining, forestry, oil and gas, energy, nuclear, fishing, infrastructure development, and other projects which trigger the duty to consult.
Consultation Assessments
The Hub can assist with developing a plan of action and response to consultation requests. This may include providing template documents, and information on consultation protocols, exploration agreements, and impact benefit agreements.
Education and Training
The Hub offers legal education and training on consultation and land management to Chiefs, Councillors, and Land Managers, delivered by the Hub’s supervising counsel, Cynthia Westaway with support of law students. Upon request the Hub may also provide consultation and land management toolkits and guidebooks.
What we do not assist with
The Hub does not engage in litigation, but we can provide essential support in the early stages of a challenging situation and assist with referrals to experienced litigation services and legal advisory support.