Robert Brant, the Managing Partner of McCarthy Tétrault’s office in London, England is a seasoned corporate/commercial lawyer specialising in M&A, capital markets, and projects work. With over three decades of experience in Canada and London, Brant's expertise uniquely positions him to navigate transactions between diverse interests. However, Brant's journey into law has always been deeply rooted in his Indigenous heritage and it continues to profoundly influence his legal practice to this day. In a recent interview, Brant shared insights into how his background shapes his legal practice, offering a unique perspective on Indigenous culture and interests in today's legal landscape.
Influence of Indigenous Heritage on Legal Practice
Brant's passion for law stems from his Mohawk roots, instilled in him from a young age. His people’s legacy, rooted in resilience, courage, being prepared to take a stand and a determination to protect land and cultural heritage, has always informed Brant's approach to legal practice.
This legacy led him to pursue a legal career in the first place, seeing law as a powerful tool for advocating for Indigenous rights and interests. With McCarthy Tétrault, Brant found a firm that shared his values; a firm that he has called home for 34 years now and counting. He emphasises the longstanding relationship between Indigenous communities, particularly the Mohawk people, and European settlers, notably the British. This historical alliance, dating back centuries, has influenced Brant both personally and professionally. Mistakes have been made says Brant but valuable lessons have also been learned and it’s those lessons he wants to use to help foster a new relationship that is better for all parties.
Beyond personal ties, Brant recognises the broader implications of Indigenous heritage in legal settings. He acknowledges the importance of bridging cultural perspectives and integrating Indigenous values into legal frameworks. As a lawyer, Brant strives to honour these values while advocating for his clients, fostering understanding and collaboration across diverse communities.
Personal Journey as a Mohawk
One of Brant's notable ancestors, Thayendanegea (Chief Joseph Brant), played a vital role in Mohawk-British relations. As a renowned Mohawk warrior and ally, Chief Joseph Brant and his grandfather before him, led his people to side with the British in the 18th and 19th centuries against the American revolutionaries and other enemies of Britain. The bonds that were formed centuries ago did not only cover military cooperation but were also political, commercial and spiritual in nature.
Brant's connection to his Mohawk heritage is further enriched by his Mohawk name, Karawantha, meaning "he who decides business affairs." Bestowed upon him by Mohawk elders when he turned 18, this name symbolises his role as a decision-maker and leader in the business community. It reflects the importance of cultural traditions and indigenous governance structures in shaping Brant's values and worldview.
Enhancing Client Outcomes in Matters of Indigenous Rights and Interests
Brant recognises his people's reputation as fierce warriors and also as peacemakers, traits that resonate deeply with his own experiences as a corporate lawyer. In his career, he has often found himself advocating vigorously for his clients' interests, demonstrating a determination and resilience akin to the warrior spirit. However, Brant also emphasises the importance of embodying the role of a peacemaker, seeking to navigate complex legal landscapes with diplomacy and respect for all parties involved.
Central to Brant's approach is the desire to find common ground amidst competing interests. He recognises that achieving mutually beneficial outcomes requires careful consideration of the perspectives and interests of all stakeholders. By adopting this inclusive approach, Brant ensures that his legal strategies not only serve his clients' interests but also promote a spirit of collaboration and respect within the broader community.
Brant's philosophy highlights the significance of building bridges and creating meaningful dialogue between Indigenous communities, governments, and corporations. Through his work, he aims to facilitate constructive engagement that honours Indigenous perspectives and traditions and upholds principles of justice and fairness.
Moreover, Brant notes the importance of maintaining a respectful attitude towards opposing parties, recognising that meaningful progress can only be achieved through dialogue and mutual understanding. By cultivating an atmosphere of respect and cooperation, Brant creates opportunities for consensus-building and problem-solving that ultimately lead to positive outcomes for all.
Promoting Economic Development and Empowerment for Indigenous Peoples
Brant believes that the London Summit marks a crucial step towards economic reconciliation, serving as an international platform to showcase a number of premium investment and partnership opportunities in or with Indigenous communities/businesses across Canada. He also hopes the Summit will help change perceptions in the United Kingdom and Europe regarding Indigenous support for development projects, noting that while British and European media attention often focus on protests and legal disputes, the reality is that Indigenous communities are overwhelmingly supportive of economic development initiatives when they are carried out in the proper way. The Summit should go some way to showing attendees just what that “proper” way looks like.
Influence of UNDRIP Principle in Legal Frameworks
From a business perspective, integrating Indigenous perspectives and partnerships enhances the chances of success. Local knowledge and understandings (for example with respect to the environment) can be invaluable assets that Indigenous partners can bring to the table. Moreover, failing to secure local Indigenous community support can halt projects in their tracks, making community engagement essential for success.
The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples sets forth important principles of consultation and consent for projects impacting Indigenous territories. While not legally binding, the federal government and certain provincial governments in Canada have embraced these principles and have begun to incorporate the principles into Canadian law making not only meaningful consultation a legal requirement but also the “free, prior and informed consent” of any effected Indigenous communities.
Brant stressed the importance of early, clear and genuine engagement in this process. As Canada moves towards full implementation of these principles, understanding and respecting Indigenous rights and interests will become not only a business imperative but also a legal one.
Successful Collaborations between Indigenous Communities and Corporate Entities
When it comes to collaboration between indigenous communities and business organisations, he highlighted several groundbreaking initiatives underway in Canada including a project in northern Ontario that demonstrated the effective use of corporate legal frameworks to unite 25 remote Indigenous communities in a business and social welfare enterprise. This innovative approach, allowing each community an equal say, facilitated their collective transition to clean and reliable power sources, a significant milestone in environmental sustainability. 
Robert Brant’s journey reveals the profound impact of Indigenous heritage, especially from a legal perspective. His blend of corporate expertise and cultural insight provides a unique approach to legal practice, advocating for Indigenous rights and interests with passion and determination.
Join us at the Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit, where Robert Brant will serve as one of the Co-chairs. Secure your spot now to gain valuable insights and explore investment opportunities in Indigenous communities across Canada. Register today to reserve your seat.