François Dandonneau is a partner in Gowling WLG’s Montreal office. His practice has been centred on Indigenous law for over 20 years with a specific focus on matters dealing with mining and natural resources, procurement, taxation and self-governance. More recently, he has also developed his practice to include procurement for public and private infrastructure. François has acted in important litigation matters, notably constitutional cases, before all levels of courts, including the SCC. He works with Cree entities on a wide range of matters. He negotiated on behalf of the Crees, significant impact and benefit agreements with mining companies for major projects in Cree territory. His practice also addresses public law issues for Cree entities, such as the Cree Nation Government and the Cree School Board. Before joining Gowling WLG, he worked for 10 years with the legal department of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake, where he was involved in drafting legislation and in important negotiations regarding agreements and contracts with different levels of government and Crown corporations including commercial leases on reserve and relations with Hydro-Quebec. He practises in English and French.
