Biography
Aaron Christoff is an Indigenous law and litigation partner in Cochrane Saxberg LLP’s Vancouver office.
Prior to joining Cochrane Saxberg, Aaron practised as part the Vancouver Indigenous law group of a major international law firm for several years.
Aaron regularly advises and represents First Nation governments on matters of Aboriginal and Treaty rights, specific claims against the Crown, self-government, elections, and other governance matters. He also works with Nations to develop and draft policy and legislation, such as custom election codes and child and family services laws under C-92.
In his advocacy practice, Aaron frequently represents Indigenous clients in legal proceedings, including class actions, judicial reviews, and specific claims. He has also represented corporate clients in diverse sectors, including tax and telecommunications. Aaron has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada, Supreme Court of British Columbia, Alberta Court of King’s Bench, Saskatchewan Court of King’s Bench, Nunavut Court of Justice, Federal Court of Canada, and various administrative tribunals.
Aaron is honoured to have recently advised the Whitecap Dakota Nation on the negotiation of its landmark Whitecap Dakota Self-Government Treaty, which came into effect on September 1, 2023 — the first stand-alone, treaty-protected self-government agreement in Canada and the first self-government agreement in Saskatchewan.
Aaron is a Nehiyaw (Cree) citizen of Saulteau First Nations in north-eastern British Columbia (Treaty 8), and has lived, worked, and studied across Canada.
Education
University of Toronto, Juris Doctor, 2011
University of Toronto, Bachelor of Arts (with Distinction), 2008
Leadership, Membership and Achievements
- Best Lawyers in Canada: Ones to Watch (2022, 2024)
- Law Society of British Columbia
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
- Director, Vancouver Aboriginal Child & Family Services Society
Practice Areas
Indigenous Law
Civil Litigation
Administrative and Regulatory