Our Team

Bernd is a proud member of the Membertou Band of Nova Scotia and a Partner at Longhouse Capital Partners. He is a recognized and accomplished leader in the Indigenous and business communities with more than 30 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions and law. Bernd is currently an Advisory Council member of the McLean Day Schools Settlement Corporation.

Prior to joining Longhouse, Bernd served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Nch’Kay Development Corporation, the economic development arm of the Squamish Nation. Prior to his role at Nch’Kay, Bernd was the Managing Partner of the Bernd Christmas Law Group, specializing in corporate and commercial law as well as Indigenous Peoples law. As an Indigenous lawyer, former Chief Executive Officer of the Membertou Band of Nova Scotia and as a negotiator for several First Nations bands, Bernd brings a deep understanding of Indigenous perspectives as well as extensive experience on national and international boards and commissions. Other significant experience includes the Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel of Gitpo Storms Corporation, a Partner at the law firm of Cassels Brock LLP, the position of Senior Vice-President and National Aboriginal Practice Leader at Hill & Knowlton Canada and several former board positions, including with Investors Group, Canada Post Pension Plan, Niagara Health, Paskwayak Business Development Corp., and Canada China Business Council. Bernd is the former Chairman and President of Outside Looking In.

Bernd earned a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School (York University) and completed the Institute of Corporate Directors Program (ICD) at the University of Toronto (Rotman School of Management).