David Walders

The founder of Cedarwood Consulting, David is a lawyer, strategic advisor, and professor of Aboriginal law and policy at the University or Toronto Faculty of Law.

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Throughout his career, ​David has worked with Indigenous communities from across Canada in various capacities, including in project finance, business structuring, and support for Indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship.
 

He has also worked with corporate clients in various sectors on matters related to Indigenous engagement strategies, reconciliation action planning, corporate education and training, and corporate governance. By combining significant knowledge of Aboriginal law and policy with a business-minded corporate cultural competency, David brings a relatable and tailored approach to corporate clients to achieve near and long-term goals. 

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David began his career in New York City, working as a Corporate Associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. Following that, he worked in international law and policy at the United Nations. He also brings significant experience working in the Indigenous non-profit sector, and more than a decade of experience working in corporate governance. Most recently, David served as Counsel at a Toronto law firm, where he led the Indigenous business practice group.

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In recognition of his teaching efforts, David was awarded the 2024 Truth & Reconciliation Teaching Award from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, which recognizes professors who have made an outstanding contribution to the implementation of Call to Action #28 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Final Report. 

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David brings both a professional and personal passion to his work. His family is from Alderville First Nation in Ontario.

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David holds an undergraduate degree, a Juris Doctor, and a Master of Laws degree from the University of Toronto.