Kimberly
Thomas

Affiliated Independent Counsel
Call to Bar:

Admitted to the Ontario Bar: 1998

kimberly_thomas_web

A proud citizen of the Seneca Nation, Bear Clan and an experienced corporate lawyer, Kimberly provides incisive guidance and specialized legal expertise to Indigenous Nations and Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations. She is committed to assisting Indigenous Nations with Nation building through sustainable economic development.

Kimberly has advised Indigenous Nations, Indigenous-owned profit and non-profit corporations on a variety of matters, including incorporation of businesses and non-profit organizations, charitable status applications, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, corporate structuring, taxation planning, funding agreements, on-reserve housing, financing, employment law matters and conflict of interest issues. She is skilled at drafting all associated corporate documents, including shareholder agreements, partnership agreements, employment contracts, regulations, by-laws and legislation.

Kimberly has provided general corporate counsel for partnerships and joint ventures among Indigenous-owned businesses and the private sector, advising on economic development on reserve lands, unique federal and provincial regulatory considerations, taxation implications, corporate structuring and taxation planning.  

Her experience includes acting for Indigenous Nations in negotiations with resource companies and federal, provincial and municipal governments regarding protection of Aboriginal and Treaty rights and economic development. Kimberly has also advised Indigenous Nations and Indigenous-owned companies on energy projects in Ontario, and on establishing electric utilities.

  • Past Director, TVN Niagara Inc. (involved in CRTC application for television station in Niagara)
  • Past Director, Ontario First Nations Limited Partnership (responsible for overseeing Ontario Lottery Gaming revenue distribution to Ontario First Nations)
  • Past Director, Indigenous Bar Association

"Indigenous Business Leaders Talk Employment, Industry & Growth," Aird & Berlis LLP Webinar, June 23, 2021.

“Working with Indigenous Communities,” Ontario Bar Association’s Institute, 2020.

“Human Resources Workshop,” Tecumseh Community Development Corporation, 2017, 2016.

“Due Diligence Workshop,” Southern First Nations Secretariat, 2015, Tecumseh Community Development Corporation, 2017, 2013.

“Incorporation Workshop,” Six Nations Women of the Grand River Community-Based Leadership Program, 2014.

“Taxation Update:  When is Your Income Taxable v. Exempt?,” Six Nations of the Grand River, 2005.

"Business Models,” Working Partnerships: Aboriginal People, the Private Sector and Resource Development Conference, Aboriginal Economic Renewal Initiative, Thunder Bay, Ontario 2003.

“Doing Business with First Nations:  Corporate Structures and Taxation Implications," Aboriginal Economic Development Forum, Insight, Toronto, Ontario, 2001.

“The Taxation and Financing of Aboriginal Businesses in Canada,” Carswell, 2008 to 2010.

“Infringement of Aboriginal Title, Aboriginal and Treaty Rights:  Overcoming the Burden of Proof,” commissioned by the Assembly of First Nations, 2001.

“The Economic Implications of Delgamuukw,” commissioned by the Assembly of First Nations, 2000.