David Paterson

David’s career has focussed on the representation of Indigenous peoples and First Nations since 1985 when he became involved with the Haida Nation’s defence of Athlii Gwaii (Lyell Island). He has argued cases across Canada and at all levels of Courts. He was co-counsel in the landmark Delgamuukw case.

David was also involved in the fight over Indian Residential Schools, appearing before both a Parliamentary Committee and the Supreme Court of Canada. He was co-counsel in the Baxter national class action and took part in settlement negotiations including helping to draft the injury compensation process (the IAP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) mandates. Following the settlement, he was (and remains) a member of the Oversight Committee supervising the IAP, and the Parties’ Advisory Committee to the TRC, as well as representing many individual claimants.

David has lectured widely and served, from 2000 to 2006, as Vice Chair and Chair of the Indigenous Peoples and the Law Committee of the International Bar Association. He is a former Chair of the South Fraser Regional Health Board and the Health Association of BC and presently serves as Board Secretary for Reconciliation Canada.

He is a graduate of McGill Law School, a former law clerk to the BC Court of Appeal, and was called to the Bar in 1984.