Mr. Christmas is the owner of Bernd Christmas Law Group, Barrister & Solicitor with the primary focus on Corporate and Commercial law.
He recently assisted Hill & Knowlton Canada develop its aboriginal affairs practice while in the position of Senior Vice President and National Practice Leader. As former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Membertou Band of Nova Scotia and the Membertou Corporate Division, and as a negotiator for several First Nations bands, Mr. Christmas brings a deep understanding of Aboriginal perspectives. He also brings extensive experience on national and international boards and commissions.
The first Mi'kmaw to become a lawyer in Canada, Mr. Christmas obtained his law degree in 1991 from Osgoode Hall at York University. In 1993, he accepted a position in corporate and commercial law with Lang Michener, where he also expanded the firm's Aboriginal practices.
In 2003, he was appointed by Prime Minister Chrétien to the External Advisory Committee on Smart Regulation. From 2000 to 2002, he was one of three Canadian commissioners to the International Commission for the Conservation of Tuna. He is a former member of the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board and of the executive committee organizing the Governor General's Conference on Leadership and Diversity. He has been a member of the board’s of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Keltic Petrochemcials Inc. and the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. He currently is a director on the board of Investors Group.
Mr. Christmas is a member of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society and of the Law Society of Upper Canada (Ontario).
Published: April 8th, 2010
Many in the business world are curious as to what it takes to “consult” with First Nations or an aboriginal group regarding a proposed project. In short, it may look like this: Provide notice to the FN or group; put together all relevant information; disclose the relevant information to the FN or group; ask for input or opinions; tell and …Continue Reading
Published: February 24th, 2010
Death of Innu hunter endangers deal with NL Innu.
Published: January 20th, 2010
17.3 billion dollars!!! That is how much the Canadian economy of Canada would benefit if First Nations peoples in Canada were to be allowed to control their own affairs. Back in the mid nineties the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples came to the conclusion that it would be more beneficial to have Aboriginal peoples control their own affairs rather than …Continue Reading
Published: January 6th, 2010
Aboriginal Peoples in Canada pay taxes. There appears to be a perception that we are all free from the long arms of the Canada Revenue Agency. For some Indigenous Peoples living on sanctioned and recognized reservations, an exemption from paying income tax applies. Now before anyone jumps on this, let’s take a serious look at this.
