Kelty McKerracher

Kelty is a lawyer in our Indigenous law group and a graduate of the JD/JID Joint Degree Program in Canadian Common Law and Indigenous Legal Orders. She is privileged to work with Indigenous peoples who are revitalizing their laws and governance structures and defining their path to self-determination. These clients need courageous thinkers ready to challenge existing systems to help make their visions a reality.

Kelty’s unique skill set allows her to work across legal traditions and help shape new solutions to colonial problems. A creative at heart, she loves working with her clients to find imaginative ways to achieve their goals. She has an eye for detail and is committed to excellence in everything she produces. 

Kelty grew up in Kamloops, BC, Secwepemc territories. She believes that truth comes before reconciliation and that land restitution and redress are essential to rebalance the relationships between settler and Indigenous peoples. 

EXPERTISE

Kelty worked for many years in the Downtown Eastside in harm reduction and community-engaged arts. It was from Indigenous artists that she first learned about the diversity of Indigenous legal orders across lands known as Canada and the work of relationship-building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. She prioritizes listening and learning about her clients’ needs, values, and distinct legal worlds.

Kelty is trained in the Indigenous Legal Research Method developed by Dr. Val Napoleon. She has experience in governance advising, government-to-government negotiations, UNDRIP implementation, consent-based economic development, and Title implementation. 

WORTH NOTING

Kelty is a passionate aficionada of flamenco music and dance. She performs locally and travels to Spain to study whenever she can.

She loves surfing, skiing, kayaking, and appreciating the beautiful lands and waters she lives on as a guest.

A member of the queer community, Kelty is a big fan of queer- and trans-inclusive spaces.