OKT Podcast

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Feb 2026

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About the show

The OKT podcast builds on our tradition of providing topical, useful and informed perspectives on indigenous rights in Canada. There will be no real justice until Indigenous peoples have control over their own fates and futures. The information on our podcast does not constitute as legal advice.

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9 recent

June 16, 202649 min

OKT Podcast S3E2 - Gitxaala v. British Columbia

In this episode, OKT lawyers Larry Innes, Krista Nerland, and Jesse Abell, provide insights on the British Columbia Court of Appeal’s decision in Gitxaala v British Columbia (Chief Gold Commissioner), 2025 BCCA 430, and what to watch now that the appeal is going to be heard by the Supreme Court of Canada.This decision was a big victory for Indigenous peoples on the status of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (“UNDRIP”). They provide insights on what UNDRIP is, what the court said about UNDRIP, what the decision means for the status of UNDRIP in British Columbia and outside of British Columbia, and what to watch going forward at the Supreme Court of Canada. SpeakersLarry Innes – Partner, OKTKrista Nerland – Partner, OKTJesse Abell – Associate, OKTThis podcast is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any questions regarding the content in this episode, please email info@oktlaw.com.

February 18, 202649 min

OKT Podcast - S3E1 A Year in Review: Key Developments in Indigenous Rights Law from 2025

In this episode, OKT’s Krista Nerland, Jesse Abell, Victoria Wicks and Graeme Cook unpack several significant 2025 decisions in Aboriginal law across Canada. They explore key developments in how the courts apply the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), including Kebaowek v. Canada from the Federal Court and Gitxaala v. British Columbia from the BC Court of Appeal. They also examine major Aboriginal title decisions, namely the Cowichan Tribes decision from the BC Supreme Court and the Wolastoqey Nations decision from the New Brunswick Court of Appeal. Finally, they provide insights into potential implications of the Nisga’a Nation and Skii km Lax Ha v. Malii cases, which were heard by the Supreme Court of Canada in December.Tune in for a timely and thoughtful review of the cases that will continue to shape the legal landscape for Indigenous Peoples and their rights. SpeakersJesse Abell – Associate, OKTGraeme Cook – Associate, OKTKrista Nerland – Partner, OKTVictoria Wicks – Associate, OKTThis podcast is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any questions regarding the content in this episode, please email info@oktlaw.com.

November 3, 2025Episode 41 hr 3 min

OKT Podcast S2E4 - Working in the North

In this episode, OKT lawyers Ariel Holmwood-Bramwell, Jamie Dickson, Lorraine Land, and Senwung Luk explore what it means to build a practice in Indigenous Rights Law in northern Canada. They discuss the day-to-day realities of their work, the regulatory systems within modern treaty areas and co-management regimes, the unique environmental challenges they encounter, and share insights on how to make the most of practicing in the North.SpeakersAriel Holmwood-Bramwell – Associate, OKTJamie Dickson – Counsel, OKTLorraine Land – Partner, OKTSenwung Luk – Partner, OKT This podcast is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any questions regarding the content in this episode, please email info@oktlaw.com.

October 1, 202551 min

OKT Podcast S2E3 – Reflecting on 25 Years

Marking OKT’s 25th anniversary, this episode brings together reflections from founders Roger Townshend, Nancy Kleer, and John Olthuis with responses from partners Cathy Guirguis, Larry Innes, and Maggie Wente. Together, they revisit the firm’s origins and enduring mission, while looking ahead to the future of OKT and how it can continue supporting clients’ evolving needs. The episode closes with gratitude to the founders, staff, and clients, and a one-word portrait of OKT at 25: evolving, feisty, and passionate. Speakers:Roger Townshend, Senior Counsel , OKTNancy Kleer, Partner, OKTJohn Olthuis, Senior Counsel, OKTChanel Carlson, Associate, OKTCathy Guirguis, Partner & CEO, OKTLarry Innes, Partner, OKTMaggie Wente, Partner, OKT

July 4, 2025Episode 21 hr 14 min

OKT Podcast S2E2 – What is Bill 5 & C-5 and What Does it Mean for Indigenous Jurisdiction

In this episode, partner Senwung Luk is joined by Randall Kahgee, David Wright, and Martin Olszynski for an in-depth discussion on Bill C-5 and Bill 5, a recent legislative development that reshapes the landscape of environmental assessment and Indigenous consultation in Canada. Together, the group unpacks the key changes introduced by Bill C-5 and Bill 5, and explores the broader implications for Indigenous jurisdiction, environmental governance, and regulatory frameworks in Canada. Here are the articles reference within the podcast:Bill C-5: Move Fast and Make Things, or Move Fast and Break Things? - ABLawg(https://ablawg.ca/2025/06/10/bill-c-5-move-fast-and-make-things-or-move-fast-and-break-things/?amp=1) Kebaowek First Nation v. Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, 2025 FC 319(https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/fct/doc/2025/2025fc319/2025fc319.html?resultId=3f1bab2b61154518a04fe47550b29e74&searchId=2025-07-03T09:33:26:261/05b496d0bacc497bbd298ebab9e0ce83) Canadian politicians are using real crises to abuse their powerhttps://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/canadian-politicians-are-using-real-cri[…]their-power/article_8bb75940-a8da-471d-bc01-5df6aa652580.html This podcast is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any questions regarding the content in this episode, please visit oktlaw.com or email info@oktlaw.com. Speakers:Randall Kahgee, Senior Counsel , OKTSenwung Luk, Partner , OKTDavid Wright, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, University of CalgaryMartin Olszynski, Chair in Energy, Resources and Sustainability, and Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Calgary

June 20, 2025Episode 11 hr 4 min

OKT Podcast S2E1 – Building a Career at OKT and the Student Experience

In this episode, associate Levi Marshall sits down with OKT Partner and CEO Cathy Guirguis, Articling Student Camille O’Sullivan, and Summer Student Aherthy Jeyasundaram to reflect on their experiences at the firm. Cathy shares her journey from student to Partner and CEO, offering insights into her growth within the firm. Camille and Aherthy discuss their first impressions of OKT and what they’ve learned so far during their time here.This podcast is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any questions regarding the content in this episode, please visit oktlaw.com or email info@oktlaw.com.Speakers:Cathy Guirguis, CEO & Partner, OKTLevi Marshall, Associate, OKTCamille O'Sullivan, Articling Student, OKTAherthy Jeyasundaram, Summer Student, OKT

December 19, 2024Episode 338 min

OKT Podcast S1E3 - Overview of Quebec (Attorney General) v Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan, 2024 SCC 39

In this episode, OKT lawyers, Eileen Church Carson, Tomáš Jirousek, Senwung Luk and Corey Shefman provide insights on Quebec (Attorney General) v Pekuakamiulnuatsh Takuhikan, 2024 SCC 39. This podcast is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any questions regarding the content in this episode, please visit oktlaw.com or email info@oktlaw.com.General Note: We experienced some audio issues during the recording of this episode. However, the conversation was too good not to publish. We hope you enjoy. Speakers:Eileen Church Carson, Associate, OKTTomáš Jirousek, Associate, OKTSenwung Luk, Partner, OKTCorey Shefman, Partner, OKT

May 2, 2024Episode 254 min

OKT Podcast S1E2 - United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)

Is UNDRIP going to bring about transformational change to the relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples? What about the federal government’s implementing legislation? In this episode, OKT lawyers, Miranda Dell'Anna, Ashley Ash and John Olthuis discuss the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Introduction and conclusion provided by Senwung Luk.This episode was originally recorded in January 2024.This podcast is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any questions regarding the content in this episode, please visit oktlaw.com or email info@oktlaw.com.

February 16, 2024Episode 151 min

OKT Podcast S1E1 - Overview of the Reference on Bill C-92

In this episode, OKT lawyers, Judith Rae, Krista Nerland and Jesse Abell provide an overview of the reference on Bill C-92.This podcast is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any questions regarding the content in this episode, please visit oktlaw.com or email info@oktlaw.com.