Nadir André is a Partner at JFK Law and carries a substantial background of Aboriginal Law with over 25 years of experience representing Indigenous governments, organizations and businesses in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and Atlantic regions.
His practice combines a balanced mix of litigation, Nation Building, negotiation and business law mandates ranging from title claims litigation, duty to consult and accommodate, specific land claims, comprehensive land claim negotiations, agreements on natural resources with industry, modern treaties implementation, self‑determination/government negotiations and more.
Nadir is a proud member of the Nation Innu Matimekush‑Lac John located in Northern Quebec and has spent most of his career working closely with Indigenous clients with the main objectives of providing sound legal and strategic advice pertaining to the protection and advancement of their international and constitutional rights, with a specific focus on the land and its natural resources’ protection.
Nadir is also involved in nation building processes, especially when it comes to wealth and economic developments. He spends a great deal of time assisting Indigenous governments and businesses wishing to organize themselves adequately so they can benefit from various opportunities and projects being presented to them.
When it comes to legal issues arising from the Indian Act, such as membership, elections, estates, land and property rights, law making and enforcement, land additions or creation and more, Nadir is well‑regarded for his knowledge and expertise about federal legislation and intended and unintended impacts on First Nations.
Nadir is a skilled negotiator when it comes to reaching agreements with Governments, Proponents or even other Indigenous Nations. He successfully reached numerous agreements on behalf of Indigenous governments and organizations in various sectors such as fisheries, energy, mining, forestry, infrastructures, duty to consult, land and resources’ co‑management and self‑government.
Nadir is also very involved around specific claims’ matters, from preparation and submission, negotiation and settlement to the litigation step when necessary. Nadir is managing several claims in more than four provinces with the assistance of a solid team to ensure proper management of those claims.
Nadir feels the importance of sharing his knowledge of Aboriginal Law. He often provides lectures and presentations at academic institutions, at conferences and with his clients. He also writes columns and gives interviews in various media. He is fluent in both French and English.
