Chésa Abma-Slade

Lawyer
white-plus

About

Chésa is a lawyer in our Indigenous Law Group. Chésa approaches her work with dedication and compassion, bringing these qualities to her projects, teammates, and clients.

Chésa first joined MT+Co. as a summer articled student in 2022 and 2023. After completing the joint degree program in Canadian Common Law (JD) and Indigenous Legal Orders (JID) at UVic, Chésa worked as a law clerk for six Justices at the BC Supreme Court.

Chésa is a proud member of Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt Nation).

EXPERTISE

Chésa is interested in all aspects of the work with Indigenous clients, including the revitalization of Indigenous legal orders, the assertion of inherent jurisdiction over areas such as services for Indigenous children and families, and UNDRIP implementation.

WORTH NOTING

Outside work, Chésa enjoys spending time outside with her family, running around with her dogs, and dancing. When she isn’t doing any of the above, you can find Chésa forever searching for the perfect bubble tea. 

Credentials

  • Called to the Bar in British Columbia, 2025
  • Juris Doctor & Juris Indigenarum Doctor (JD/JID), University of Victoria, 2024
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA), Professional Communication, Royal Roads University, 2018
  • Diploma in Indigenous Studies, Camosun College, 2016

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Changemaker Award, BC Museum Association, 2018

LEADERSHIP + COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

  • Amicus Tutor, University of Victoria Faculty of Law, 2022-2024
  • Indigenous Engagement Advisory Group (New Student Housing & Dining Buildings Project), University of Victoria, 2022-2023
  • Mentor, Indspire Rivers to Success: Indigenous Student Mentorship, 2021
  • Presenter, Paris Generation Equality Forum, 2021
  • Volunteer, Xe Xe Smun’ eem Victoria Orange Shirt Day, since 2015

MEMBERSHIPS

  • Member, Esquimalt Nation Education Committee, 2023-Present

Areas of Practice

Indigenous Law