Tshimshian— Aboriginal Resource Law, Partner, Gowlings LLP
Merle Alexander is a partner in the Vancouver office of Gowlings LLP and a member of the Business Law Group, practising Aboriginal resource law.
Merle advises on the negotiation and implementation of impact-benefit agreements, socio-economic participation agreements, resource revenue-sharing arrangements and a variety of other interim agreements. The negotiations touch on a number of resource law areas, including oil and gas, forestry, mining, energy and pipeline projects.
Merle works extensively structuring business ventures, limited partnerships and corporations. He also has significant experience negotiating government-to-government agreements, including self-government and comprehensive treaty claim agreements, representing clients in British Columbia, Yukon, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Merle is a member of the Kitasoo Xai'xais First Nation. He has a deep interest in assisting Aboriginal clients and in achieving a balance between economic development, respect for Aboriginal rights and environmental conservation for future generations.
A professional and personal interest of Merle's is the protection of Aboriginal intellectual property rights, particularly traditional knowledge. He has negotiated treaty chapters on cultural heritage resources, drafted traditional knowledge protocols and represented national Aboriginal organizations in various international forums. Consequently, Merle is knowledgeable on protective mechanisms of indigenous knowledge both domestically and internationally.
