Education
J.D. University of Ottawa, 2020
International Exchange Program, 2019
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
(Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Professional Associations & Memberships
Member, Law Society of Alberta
Member, Law Society of British Columbia
(Non-practicing) Member, Law Society of Manitoba
Member, Canadian Bar Association
Legal Counsel
Tel: 403-455-3673
Fax: 403-452-9803
adrienne@ranalaw.com
Adrienne grew up in Treaty 1 territory in Winnipeg and obtained her J.D. from the University of Ottawa in 2020. As a student, Adrienne was actively involved in the international human rights and social justice communities. One of her most rewarding projects was being a part of a research team that supported the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing.
Prior to joining Rana Law, Adrienne managed the legal services branch of the First Nations Family Advocate Office of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (FNFAO-AMC) in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Adrienne spearheaded the delivery of legal services in the areas of child protection law, human rights law, and Indigenous law for the FNFAO-AMC and carried out research on child welfare reform including on best practices in supporting and implementing Indigenous laws. This included seeking direction from Elders and Knowledge Keepers and adhering to Indigenous legal orders and protocols to inform the delivery of services. Adrienne’s advocacy at the FNFAO-AMC included litigation, administrative proceedings, provincial inquests, and standing proceedings to obtain intervenor status at the Supreme Court of Canada. She drafted grant proposals, advocated for policy changes and volunteered at community engagement events, including hosting a free monthly legal clinic at N’Dinawemak (Our Relatives Place), a shelter run by FNFAO-AMC. Adrienne also assisted with the development of the Bringing Our Children Home Act by providing legal insight and by preparing presentations for the AMC Elders’ Council on the project’s developments, and by providing legal analysis of An Act Respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis Children, Youth and Families, SC 2019, c 24.
Since joining Rana Law, Adrienne continues to work with First Nations to support the exercise of their inherent jurisdiction over their children and families. She has also expanded her practice to include advocacy for clients in administrative and regulatory processes, including British Columbia’s Mental Health Review Board. She has also appeared before the Ontario and British Columbia courts in support of First Nations asserting their inherent jurisdiction over child and family services and In addition, Adrienne works on the implementation of Specific Claims settlements and First Nations’ economic development, involving assisting First Nations in Canada’s Addition to Reserve process.
