THUNDER BAY -- Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Etienne Esquega is an Indigenous lawyer practicing law for the benefit of Thunder Bay and its Indigenous community.
From the Eastern shore of Lake Nipigon, Esquega is a member of the Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek – Rocky Bay First Nation.
After graduating from Port Arthur Collegiate Institute, Esquega completed his undergrad at the University of Windsor in political science and then completed his law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University.
While in law school, Esquega was granted scholarships from Assembly of First Nations and the Native Law Centre of Canada recognizing his academic achievements and commitment to advancing Indigenous peoples in Canada.
He was called to the bar in 2005.
Everyday practice
After losing his mentor in 2012, Esquega opened Esquega Law Office on Fort William First Nation.
Because of his background in private practice he developed the skills which now lead him to succeed in his own practice, benefitting his clients and community.
“We love what we do, and we want to continue loving what we do.”
Specializing in Indigenous, commercial, and employment law, as well as civil litigation Esquega offers a service for the Indigenous community without the fear of systemic racism when needing to reach out to the law in times of need.
As a system of support in a place with current events bringing up questions to the safety of the Indigenous community, Esquega is sure to assist in every way he can.
Never halting
Esquega doesn’t just use his platform as a personal gain, but a community one. “A lot of changes in legislation [are] happening regularly because the government is adapting changing with the pandemic.”
He continues to stay ahead of these changes to better serve his clients and the Indigenous community of Thunder Bay.
Throughout Covid-19 and before, Esquega has pioneered for the Indigenous community through his practice and is grateful for his career. Through this adoration his continuation to find the best efficiencies and services for his clients never runs out.
“We [are] as efficient as possible providing legal services to people and in doing that the biggest goal is to continue to listen to our client’s legal issues and desires.”
With his own practice on Fort William First Nation and his desire to assist with his community and Thunder Bay, Esquega continues and carries on with his practice more successful than before.
