Merle practices Indigenous resource law empowering nations through title and rights affirmation, sustainable economic development and environmental conservation. Merle is a ‘life of project’ lawyer assisting with negotiations of all stages of impact benefit agreements, joint ventures, regulatory engagement, traditional knowledge collection and other corporate and tax-related advice. He is continuously engaged in legal support for emerging government to government negotiations in all resource areas including mining, oil & gas, forestry, pipelines, run-of-river and hydro projects. When needed, Merle adapts his solicitor experience and skill set to the emerging and developing needs of Indigenous clients.
Merle is a member and Hereditary Chief of Kitasoo Xai x’ais First Nation on the mid-coast of BC. Merle is recognized in the Lexpert Directory and Chambers Canada as a leading lawyer in the area of Aboriginal law.