Kiah joined DGW Law as an associate in November 2022, after practicing at a full-service law firm in downtown Vancouver on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and səlilwətaɬ Nations. Kiah obtained her law degree from the University of Edinburgh and completed an LL.M in Public International Law at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her Master’s Thesis focused on the use of victim impact statements domestically and internationally. She was called to the Bar in 2020.

Prior moving to Victoria in October 2022, Kiah lived in Treaty One Territory in Winnipeg. In 2021, she completed the CBA’s Young Lawyers International Program and was placed virtually with Lawyers for Human Rights located in South Africa. Her work focused on the impact of the extractive industry on mining-affected communities and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rights of asylum seekers and refugees in the Southern African Development Community.

Kiah is now working with Indigenous communities and tribal councils advising on issues such as band governance, specific claims, land protection, Crown consultation and accommodation, estate planning, natural resource management, employment issues, and economic development.

Representative Experience

Litigation

• Litigation work on Aboriginal law matters, including on Section 35 rights, Crown consultation, UNDRIP, and specific claims
• Litigation support on contract, commercial and regulatory disputes, estate and fiduciary duty claims, as well as shareholder and administrative law matters

 Governance

• Strategic advice on housing, employment, and trespass issues on Indigenous Lands
• Preparation of First Nation bylaws and policies

 Economic Development

• Corporate work for clients, including contract negotiation

• Strategic advice to Indigenous clients on Aboriginal and Treaty rights to preserve lands and practices

Negotiation and Consultation

• Negotiation of revenue sharing agreements and Crown consultation and accommodation procedures

Estate Planning

• Assistance with estate planning, including preparation of wills for clients living on and off reserve

Professional and Community Activities

• Member of the Law Society of British Columbia
• Member of the Canadian Bar Association
• Member of the Victoria Bar Association
• Lawyer Supervisor, University of Victoria’s Pro Bono Student Society