Joshua D. Sutherland (Awootaninaw)

Partner
Admitted to the British Columbia Bar: 2021
Admitted to the Alberta Bar: 2011
Admitted to the Ontario Bar: 2010

Print Bio

Instructions: Select the fields that you wish to include in the pdf generation.


% size of the Font for Generated PDF (Default is 80%)


  • Bio
  • Awards & Recognition
  • Professional Involvement
  • Selected Speaking Engagements
  • Education

Josh is a member of the Red Rock Indian Band of the Lake Helen Reserve. In recognition of his commitment to serving First Nations and Indigenous organizations, he received the traditional Blackfoot name Awootaninaw (Shield Chief) from an Elder of the Siksika First Nation during a name-giving ceremony.

Josh advises First Nations and Indigenous organizations, as well as federally and provincially regulated employers, on all facets of workplace and employment law. He values working alongside First Nations and Indigenous communities in a way that respects their cultures, traditions and right to self-determination. Josh takes pride in helping create lasting positive change and is known for his "listen first" approach. He provides practical, trauma-informed guidance that helps leaders make informed decisions in the best interests of their Nation today and for the next Seven Generations.

Josh is a member of the firm's Indigenous Practice and Workplace Law Groups. He regularly advises Chief and Council, boards of directors, in-house counsel, senior management and human resources professionals on a broad range of governance matters and workplace issues. Josh's experience includes employee dismissals, human rights matters, performance management, workplace investigations, workplace policies and executive and employee contracts. He also develops and delivers workplace training programs tailored to clients' needs. Josh is an experienced advocate who has represented clients before courts, tribunals and adjudicators across Canada, including the Supreme Court of Canada.

Josh is a survivor of the 2004 tsunami in Thailand and has been recognized for both his rescue efforts and work as a motivational speaker. His varied experiences help him connect with clients from all walks of life and bring a practical, common-sense perspective to his work, often accompanied by his signature sense of humour.

Awards & Recognition

  • Received the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation Award 
  • Received the Gladys Watson Aboriginal Award 
  • Received the Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth Award

Professional Involvement

Memberships

  • Member, Canadian Bar Association
  • Past Board Member, Two Wheel View

Community Involvement

  • Founder, Diversity Pipeline Initiative – Aboriginal Outreach Project
  • CAPE Fund Advisor to the Honourable Prime Minister Paul Martin
  • Former Executive, Calgary Reads
  • Volunteer, Wellspring Legal Clinic
  • Volunteer, Pro-Bono Law Alberta
  • Volunteer, Living Book Career Event, Calgary Public Library

Selected Speaking Engagements

  • Ongoing governance training for newly elected members of Chief and Council for First Nations 
  • Ongoing training for newly appointed Board of Directors for Indigenous related organizations 
  • Ongoing training and capacity building for management and staff of First Nations and Indigenous organizations –  Workplace Management, Social Media and Lateral Violence in the Workplace 
  • Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of BC HR Conference 
  • First Reference BC Employment Law Conference 
  • BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres – Workplace Presentation 
  • First Nations Financial Management Conference & AGM

Education

  • JD, University of Toronto, 2009
  • BA (International Relations), University of Windsor, 2006