About Kina Law Corporation

Our History

Kina Law came to life in 2020 when Sonya and Jordan decided it was time to join their solo law practices together. Helm Legal and Sonya Pighin Law became Kina Law. Both Sonya and Jordan had explored the options of working for big firms, continuing solo practices, and working as lawyers for government entities. After long discussions about their career goals and ideal work environments, they decided to join forces and start building a legal community that aligns with their personal and professional values.

Our Location on the Lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən, Xwsepsum and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples

Kina Law operates physically from the lands of the lək̓ʷəŋən, Xwsepsum and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, which are located within the area over which Greater Victoria lays. It is with respect and gratitude that we get to live, work and play in this territory. We also commit to honour the existence of all those who have walked before us, and who will walk after us, on these lands, and to be conscious of how our actions may impact upon the ecological, cultural and spiritual relationships that Indigenous peoples have with their territories.

Our Logo

The Kina Law logo is an image of a Kina, a species of sea urchin that is abundant in New Zealand. Like the Indigenous peoples on whose lands Kina Law operates, Māori peoples have a special relationship with the Pacific Ocean, which is rich in sustenance but is also being overly depleted. The Kina is a reflection of how far the impact of some legal decisions can reach, and the interconnectedness of life on Earth. The dots on the inner part of the Kina logo are depicted in a pattern that’s been found on traditional Dakelh tools in Sonya’s home territory. The “style” is a composition of various Northwest Coast Indigenous art styles, which reflects the cultural diversity we have in British Columbia.

In their search for an appropriate logo, Sonya and Jordan explored many options that would represent their care for the environment, love for the westcoast, interests in the global impacts that result from human decision-making, and goal to always look at legal issues through a multicultural lens. Sonya’s sister, Jennifer Annaïs Pighin, is a Wet’suwet’en / Dakalh artist, teacher and community leader, who designed the Kina Law logo.

Our Goals in Serving Indigenous peoples, bands and Nations

Kina Law’s goal is to help Indigenous peoples, bands and Nations:

• ensure Federal and First Nation government officials:

  • act only within the authorities given to them under the Constitution Acts 1867-1982, or for Indigenous governments the authorities granted to them by Indigenous laws of their Nations,

  • uphold their obligations under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and human rights laws, and

  • provide procedural fairness in their decision-making;

• ensure the Crown meaningfully recognizes aboriginal rights and title, consistent with the U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the recommendations of both the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry;

• develop governance systems that maximize their ability to exercise Aboriginal rights and title and treaty rights;

• ensure their languages, cultures, traditions and practices form the basis of their laws, by-laws, policies and procedures; and

• achieve their organizational goals, strategic and community plans, and governance initiatives.

Our Goals in Serving Individuals and Businesses

Kina Law’s goal is to help Individuals and Businesses:

• achieve their business development and transformation goals with confidence;

• manage and mitigate risks associated with employees, shareholders, contractors, and clients/customers;

• make legally enforceable and informed decisions about their their personal, financial and legal affairs;

• uphold their individual and human rights in both the public and the private spheres of our society.