Sequoia Legal LLP

06/17/2026

Sequoia Legal LLP recently had the opportunity to spend some time with Halfway River First Nation at the third annual Arbour Days🌿

The weekend was a wonderful reflection of a strong and vibrant community; filled with drumming, hand games, axe throwing, bingo, a puppeteer, a talent show and so much more. Kajia Whelan and Camille Boulianne even tried their hand at horseshoes (with varying degrees of success!) and snuck in some puppy cuddles.

We’re grateful to be welcomed into these moments of connection, culture, and celebration with community🤝

sequoialegal.ca

06/08/2026

Tim Watson recently attended the Halfway River Group Trade Show in Calgary alongside Halfway River First Nation Chief and Council and board members of Tsaa Dunne Za Energy, where Tim also serves as a board member, to discuss opportunities in oil and gas development.

From strategic conversations in the boardroom to hands-on creativity in the hat shop (with thanks to the team at Smithbilt Hats Inc. for guiding the creation of these custom cowboy hats), the experience captured the best of what these gatherings are about: meaningful collaboration and authentic connection in support of thriving communities. 🤝

Learn more about Tim at sequoialegal.ca/our-team/

06/05/2026

Aboriginal Title and Private Property: How might the Supreme Court of Canada denial of leave for the Wolastoqey appeal last week impact the Cowichan Tribes appeal?

Sequoia Legal LLP’s Christopher Devlin and Kajia Whelan consider the distinctions between these very different cases and what lies ahead.

https://sequoialegal.ca/articles/news/aboriginal-title-and-private-property/

Aboriginal Title and Private Property: How might the SCC denial of leave for the Wolastoqey appeal impact the Cowichan Tribes appeal?

05/15/2026

🌻Meet our 2026 Summer Student 🌻

Please join us in welcoming Isabelle Gibson to Team Sequoia this summer.

Isabelle is a member of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, an Ojibway First Nation on the north shore of Lake Superior, and she has just completed her first year in the joint JD/JID program at UVic. She brings a strong background in policy and research, along with a deep passion for working with Indigenous Nations.

Isabelle offers a thoughtful new perspective and a strong commitment to serving our clients. We are excited to support her growth as she gains hands-on experience alongside our team in the field of Aboriginal law.

Welcome, Isabelle! 🌳

sequoialegal.ca/our-team/

04/20/2026

It's National Volunteer Week and we're shining the spotlight on our paralegal, Melissa Molvik!

Melissa has been an active volunteer with Metchosin Search and Rescue for nearly 4 years, supporting communities across the South Island from Victoria to Metchosin.⛑️ In addition, she recently joined the Metchosin SAR board of directors.👏
An integral part of our team since 2020, Melissa manages our corporate records with exceptional care and detail, and provides overall support for the important work we do.
Making a difference inside and outside of the office, thank you for everything you do for our community, Melissa!💐

🔶Learn more about Melissa and the rest of our team at sequoialegal.ca/our-team

04/15/2026

The BC Court of Appeal recently granted Aboriginal Title to The Nuchatlaht for part of Nootka Island.

This decision reverses the site-specific or "postage stamp" approach that was taken by the trial judge. Could this signal the shift we've been waiting for in Aboriginal Title litigation?

Christopher Devlin, Kajia Whelan, and Lorenzo Rose dive into the decision and what this might mean for future Aboriginal Title claims in BC.

Appeal Court finds trial decision is likely to improperly segment Nuchatlaht's traditional territory.

03/20/2026

We are pleased to share that Christopher Devlin has been recognized in this year's 30th Edition of The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory.

Called to the bar in 1998, Christopher has spent decades successfully advocating for First Nations and Métis communities throughout Canada. A Lexpert ranking is a meaningful honour, reflecting the respect of colleagues across the legal profession. Christopher's recognition as a "Most Frequently Recommended" lawyer in Aboriginal Law speaks to the trust and respect of peers nationwide.

Congratulations, Christopher! Your leadership and commitment strengthen our firm and the Indigenous communities we serve.

Scan the QR code to visit us online, or find us at sequoialegal.ca.
https://www.lexpert.ca/lawyers/christopher-g-devlin-11759

03/16/2026

In our practice, it is always a privilege to hear from elders and learn from the histories, knowledge, and lived experiences they generously share. We are grateful for the opportunity to listen and learn.

Today we’re proud to highlight the work of our articling student, Madison Burt, who recently travelled to community to lead a direct examination.

Madison did excellent work preparing and conducting the direct examination with care, respect, and professionalism. Experiences like this are an important part of developing the next generation of advocates in Aboriginal law, and we’re proud to support students as they learn and grow in this practice.

03/06/2026

This International Women’s Day, we recognize the women who support our clients, strengthen our practice, and lead with purpose.

📢Shout out to Kajia Whelan, Kiah Van der Loos, Ashley Cogswell, Camille Boulianne, Hannah West, Madison Burt, Melissa Molvik, Camille Cook, Alena Holyk, and Tanae White.

Whether appearing at the Supreme Court of Canada or volunteering for a beach clean up in town, your work and your commitment to community inspires us and makes our firm stronger💪.

Outside of the office the women of Sequoia can be found climbing cliff faces, diving with sharks🦈, running ultramarathons, coaching baseball teams⚾, and skiing across remote mountaintops🎿. They are mothers (to humans and fur-babies🐶), nature lovers, movie buffs🎥, and talented artists. Importantly, they are also spirited advocates for our Indigenous clients❤️.

Thank you for the leadership, dedication, and care that make Sequoia Legal LLP a truly special place.

02/19/2026

We're proud to highlight Lorenzo Rose, Partner at Sequoia Legal LLP.

A UVIC honours graduate in history and law, Lorenzo began his legal career with the team as a co-op student in 2017 before articling and later returning to us as an associate.

He is now a partner with a diverse practice supporting Indigenous governments and Indigenous owned businesses in areas such as Aboriginal and Treaty rights, intergovernmental negotiations, economic development, and specific claims.

Called to the Bar in both British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, Lorenzo has represented Indigenous clients across Western and Northern Canada, from Vancouver Island to Great Slave Lake.

Most recently, Lorenzo was honored to represent the North Slave Métis Alliance in negotiations leading to a landmark Cooperation Agreement with the Government of the Northwest Territories.

Lorenzo's work continues to support Indigenous leadership and strengthen the foundations of thriving, self determined communities. https://sequoialegal.ca/our-team/lorenzo-rose/