Aaron Christoff Partner


Speaks:  English, French

Year of Call: 2017 - British Columbia

Year of Call: 2013 - Alberta

Primary phone: +1 604-443-7685

Fax: +1 604-683-3558

Email: aaron.christoff@gowlingwlg.com

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Primary office:  Vancouver




Aaron Christoff

Aaron Christoff is an Indigenous law and litigation partner in Gowling WLG's Vancouver office.

Aaron regularly advises and represents First Nation governments in various matters, including Aboriginal and Treaty rights, specific claims against the Crown, self-government, elections, and other governance matters. He also assists in developing and drafting policy and legislation, such as custom election codes and child and family services laws.

In his advocacy practice, Aaron frequently represents Indigenous clients in legal proceedings, including class actions, judicial reviews, and specific claims. He also represents corporate clients in tax and telecommunications sectors.

Aaron has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada, BC Supreme Court, AB Court of King's Bench, SK Court of King's Bench, Federal Court, and various administrative tribunals.

Prior to practising law, Aaron worked for the Métis National Council on a key intervention before the Supreme Court of Canada in Manitoba Métis Federation Inc. v Canada (Attorney-General), a landmark case in the development of the Honour of the Crown.

Aaron is a Nehiyaw (Cree) citizen of Saulteau First Nations in north-eastern British Columbia (Treaty 8), and has lived, worked, and studied across Canada.

Career & Recognition

Filter timeline:
  • 2021

  • 2018

    • Community
      February 2018
      Director, Vancouver Aboriginal Child & Family Services Society
  • 2017

    • Qualifications (Year of Call/Admission, etc.)
       2017
      Year of Call, British Columbia
  • 2013

    • Qualifications (Year of Call/Admission, etc.)
       2013
      Year of Call, Alberta
    • Education
       
      University of Toronto, BA, Philosophy (with Distinction)
    • Education
       
      University of Toronto, JD

Memberships

  • Canadian Bar Association

Presentations

  • "Tax exemption & Tax Authority in the Self-Government and Modern Treaty Context," Taxation, Assimilation, and Reconciliation – UBC Allard School of Law, Fall 2022
  • Co-Chair, "Indigenous Governance" conference, Pacific Business Law Institute, May 5-6, 2021
  • "Overview of Bill C-92: Restoring Indigenous Jurisdiction over Child and Family Services," Canadian Bar Association, Jan. 15, 2021.
  • "Full Circle: A History of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Relations in Canada," 2019.
  • "Calculating Equitable Compensation for Fiduciary Breaches," Canadian Bar Association, Vancouver, March 19, 2018.
  • "Review of Canada v. Williams Lake Indian Band," Canadian Bar Association, Calgary, April 28, 2016.