The Schulich School of Law introduced the JD Certificate in Aboriginal and Indigenous Law last fall. Naiomi Metallic an assistant professor in the Schulich School and the Chancellor’s Chair in Aboriginal Law and Policy, says that achieving a mutually respectful relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canada, and equitable sharing of jurisdiction, land and resources are key challenges facing our country. “The law plays a fundamental role in these dynamics and can serve both as a tool for oppression as well as a tool for positive change,” says Metallic. “At this point in our nation’s history, future lawyers must understand as well as know their roles and responsibilities in addressing these challenges.”

At Schulich Law, Aboriginal and Indigenous law is an integral part of the curriculum.

Since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) released their historic Calls to Action in 2015, the Faculty has continued to find new ways to incorporate the study of Aboriginal and Indigenous Law into students’ legal education. All first-year students are required to take the Aboriginal & Indigenous Law in Context course, which includes academic and experiential activities aimed at giving students foundational knowledge on Indigenous peoples and the key legal issues they face, such as participating in the blanket exercise and making group presentations. Third-year students are given the opportunity to participate in the Kawaskimhon Aboriginal Rights Moot.

Directed research and major paper courses also give students the chance to work with Indigenous communities by researching and responding to important issues.

Richard Devlin, acting dean of the Schulich School of Law, adds, “For several years we have been working hard to expand our course offerings in Indigenous and Aboriginal Law. This certificate, while significant, is just part of a larger project of Indigenizing and eventually decolonizing the law school. We have much more work to do but thanks to Professor Metallic’s wonderful leadership, we are on the right track.”