Alexandria J. Winterburn

Alexandria Winterburn is a trusted advocate who specializes in Indigenous rights and Aboriginal law. As an Indigenous lawyer, she is dedicated to using Aboriginal law as a tool to create space for Indigenous communities and governments to reclaim and revitalize their own laws and jurisdiction.

Alexandria is Co-Leader of the firm’s Indigenous Practice Group. She is also a member of the firm’s Environmental, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Energy and Public Policy & Government Relations Groups. Prior to joining Aird & Berlis, Alexandria was a partner at a nationally recognized boutique Aboriginal law firm where she worked closely with First Nation and Métis clients as they advanced their economic prosperity goals and implemented their distinct visions of self-government and self-determination. Before entering private practice, Alexandria practised Aboriginal law for the government of Ontario for five years, advising on government policy initiatives affecting Indigenous peoples, consultation and accommodation, and various land and resource-related matters. 

Alexandria’s practice involves providing strategic and sage advice to Indigenous communities and governments on a range of matters impacting Indigenous peoples. She regularly provides advice and guidance on issues including the duty to consult and accommodate, the negotiation and implementation of modern treaties and governance agreements, partnerships between industry and Indigenous peoples, environmental stewardship and opportunities for Indigenous people to help develop economic self-sufficiency and self-government. She has worked with Indigenous communities and governments across the country, including in Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, the Yukon and Northwest Territories.

Alexandria is an experienced negotiator and litigator and has represented Indigenous clients and organizations before the Federal Court, Federal Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Canada. She has also appeared before various regulatory bodies, including the Canada Energy Regulator and in multi-party negotiations with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.

A significant component of Alexandria’s current practice is the negotiation and implementation of self-government agreements, innovative reconciliation arrangements and modern-day treaties with the Crown on behalf of her Indigenous clients. In this capacity, she has assisted Indigenous governments in building their internal capacity and revitalizing their own laws and legal traditions, including through the development of their own Constitutions and legal processes. Alexandria has also negotiated innovative fiscal arrangements with the Crown and industry. She frequently speaks at conferences and law schools on Aboriginal law and Indigenous legal issues and is a dedicated mentor to young lawyers and law students interested in advancing Indigenous rights.

Alexandria is Mohawk from Tyendinaga (Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte) and Abenaki. She is from the turtle clan.