Sinead Liane Dearman

Sinéad is an associate at OKT committed to supporting First Nations in realizing their visions of self-determination. Her practice focuses on governance, social development and equality, negotiation, and litigation. She works with First Nations and their organizations to support the exercise of inherent jurisdiction, strengthen Indigenous laws, and advance and defend Indigenous rights in negotiations and before the courts. She has experience in complex and high-profile negotiations and litigation.

Sinéad received her JD from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law where she received multiple academic and community service awards. She was called to the Ontario bar in 2018 and the British Columbia bar in 2026. Sinéad is based out of Victoria, B.C.

Sinéad is a former board member of Aboriginal Legal Services , Vancouver Island Human Rights Coalition , PEERS , and other community organizations. Outside of her practice, she enjoys long walks, cold water swimming, eating walleye, reading, and being on the land.

Sinéad has been recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada continuously since 2024 for her work in Aboriginal Law and Indigenous Practice.

On March 30, 2026, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (the “Tribunal”) approved the Final Agreement on Long‑Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program…

This blog post provides general information on an important settlement for victims of discrimination in Canada’s First Nations Child and Family Services Program and…