Biography
Mr. Cochrane was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1996. He is a Cree lawyer who grew up on Fisher River Cree Nation and has deep connections to the Indigenous community. He is the first Cree lawyer appointed Queen’s counsel in Manitoba. He is a founding member of Cochrane Saxberg LLP, Manitoba’s largest Indigenous law firm.
He practices in the areas of Indigenous law, business law, employment law, and child protection law. Mr. Cochrane has been involved with professional associations including past board member of the United Way Winnipeg, past member of the United Way of Winnipeg’s Aboriginal Relations Council and past board member of the Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce.
He is a regular presenter at the Law Society and to various organizations on Indigenous law issues. Mr. Cochrane is regularly retained by Metis and First Nation governments for business development initiatives, land claim settlements, child welfare issues and self government/jurisdictional matters. His advice is also sought on matters related to the treaties and Canada’s constitutional framework in relation to Indigenous people.
Education
University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Arts
University of Manitoba, Bachelor of Laws
Leadership, Membership and Achievements
- Law Society of Manitoba
- Manitoba Bar Association
- Canadian Bar Association
- Past Board Member of United Way of Winnipeg
- Past Member, United Way of Winnipeg’s Aboriginal Relations Council
- Past Board Member, Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce
- Served as legal counsel to Southern First Nations in the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry – Child Welfare Initiative which resulted in the restructuring of the child welfare system in Manitoba.
- Legal Counsel at the Phoenix Sinclair Public Inquiry
- Legal Counsel to First Nations throughout Canada in development of child welfare laws (C-92 law development)
- Legal Counsel to Manitoba First Nations in self-government negotiations with Canada and the Province of Manitoba toward achievement and restoration of jurisdiction over child welfare matters and education.