Nicole Talpalaru (Iaci)
Associate

Nicole Talpalaru (Iaci)

Nicole is a member of Kwantlen First Nation, based in Fort Langley, British Columbia. Mindful of the importance of relationship building, both within the community and externally, Nicole works alongside Indigenous governments on negotiating reconciliation and self-determination agreements, supporting joint decision making and consultation and accommodation processes, and advancing specific claims.

Before beginning her legal career, Nicole worked as a Lands Officer for Kwantlen First Nation as well as for their business companies. She also has experience working for non-profit organizations including West Coast Environmental Law in Vancouver, BC and the Indian Law Resource Center in Washington, D.C.

Legal Administrative Assistant
Donna Ward
604.681.4146 ext. 245 donna@mandellpinder.com

Profile

Nicole was called to the Bar in British Columbia in 2017. She joined Mandell Pinder in 2021.

J.D., Aboriginal law and Environmental and Natural Resource Law, University of British Columbia (2016)

Intensive Program in Indigenous Lands, Resources and Governments, Osgoode Hall Law School (2016)

B.A., History and Political Science, University of Victoria (2013)

Negotiates and drafts financial settlement agreements for specific claims;

Acts as counsel for Indigenous governments before the Specific Claims Tribunal;

Negotiates Recognition of Indigenous rights and Self-Determination Agreements and Reconciliation Agreements between Indigenous governments and federal and provincial governments;

Develops co-management and shared decision-making frameworks between Indigenous governments, industry and the province;

Advises Indigenous-owned corporations and businesses on contract negotiations, revenue sharing agreements, joint ventures and litigation;

Advises Indigenous governments with respect to the acquisition of Crown lands;

Advises Indigenous governments and Band members regarding bylaws, property disputes, and sale of CP Lots; and

Develops and structures not-for-profit societies.

Member, Canadian Bar Association

Member, Indigenous Bar Association

“Working with Kwantlen First Nation in the Era of Recognition and Reconciliation” presentation for Cross Cultural Training session for industry proponent, Kwantlen First Nation, BC (October 2019)

Practice Areas