Bob Black

Bob is an experienced litigator with an extensive background in economic development and construction and a long and accomplished history of managing a broad range of high profile and complex matters. He has appeared before all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada.

Bob has expertise in rights-based litigation; economic development; owner’s representative development advisory services; government relations; and strategic communications.

Bob has immersed himself in understanding the dark history of colonization and the continuing marginalization of First Nations peoples in Canada. He has also been deeply privileged to have been able to spend time with elders, knowledge keepers and leaders to deepen his understanding of the remarkable resilience of First Nations cultures. He has been profoundly honoured to be invited to participate in ceremony and was humbled to receive a Cree spirit name.

Now is a watershed moment in Canadian history where historic wrongs must be righted and an equitable relationship with Indigenous peoples must be created. The path towards must be built upon a strong foundation of self-governance, sovereignty and economic independence.

Bob’s litigation practice is focused on rights and title; defending Treaty and inherent rights; wrongful surrender claims; Treaty land entitlement claims; drinking water litigation; and annuities litigation.

On the advisory side of his practice, Bob works with Nations to secure procurement opportunities; forge partnerships for economic development; and the provision of owner’s representative development management services in advancing large infrastructure projects including roads; water and wastewater infrastructure; wraparound services and cultural facilities and hydroelectric projects.

Bob served 10 years as the Executive Vice President for the Katz Group of companies where his primary role was to manage the continued development of the company’s sports and entertainment business, including the development of a sports and entertainment district in downtown Edmonton. In this role he: acted as a member of the Negotiating Committee for the successful public / private partnership between the Katz Group and the City of Edmonton for the funding and construction of Rogers Place arena, home of the Edmonton Oilers; was the Katz Group and Oilers Entertainment Group lead representative on the Project Leadership Team which was responsible for oversight of all aspects of the design and construction of Rogers Place; led the negotiation of all major contracts with project partners and oversaw the creation and implementation of the project management process which delivered Rogers Place on time and on budget; was responsible for the oversight of the Master Planning and zoning of ICE District; played a leadership role in media and public relations related to Rogers Place and ICE District; was responsible for the oversight of the design of public realm spaces in ICE District; and was a member of the Management Oversight Committee for the oversight of the design and construction of the JW Marriott ICE District. Bob has played a leadership role on behalf of ownership in the oversight of over $1.2 billion in development which has served to revitalize the downtown core of Edmonton.

Bob acted in the role of Interim CEO Economic Development for Treaty 8 Alberta for 18 months. He is currently the President of the Economic Development Board for Frog Lake First Nations.

Securing equity in major infrastructure projects represents a strategic opportunity for Indigenous Nations to derive stable generational revenues to support the cause of nation building and Bob has been active in several such negotiations. Bob also been involved in negotiating relationships with industry to structure 51% First Nations owned entities in various sectors.

Bob has assisted Indigenous communities with a wide range of economic development activities including infrastructure and project development, renewable and legacy energy development, mining, ecosystem management, tourism and real-estate development (including urban reserves). He has brought relentless energy to maximizing impact at the grass roots level within community through career building activities, supporting individual entrepreneurism, creation of Nation-owned businesses and securing equity in projects and assets. Bob has an extensive history of assisting Indigenous peoples with high profile and complex negotiations with industry and government and supporting access to capital and grant funding.