The program offers fundamental training in law that gives access to the profession of lawyer or notary, taking into account the conditions set by professional orders. It gives future jurists the tools to defend and promote the rights of individuals and groups, such as trade unions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Particular attention is paid to the phenomenon of globalization in the legal field, so that graduates can work in accordance with international standards and forums in both domestic and international law.

The first year is devoted to studying the major areas of law (criminal, constitutional, international, etc.). This general training continues in the second year, during which students can take a series of complementary courses. The third year is devoted to synthesis and critical approach courses, which are unique to UQAM.

Faculty of Law Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation

In 2021, UQAM adopted an action plan entitled “Continuing our engagement with First Nations”, which was drafted by the Working Group on Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and which reiterates UQAM’s commitment to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This plan pursues 4 major priorities:   

• AXIS 1 – Valuing Aboriginal knowledge and cultures in the practices of the university community.        
• AXIS 2 – Enrich training on indigenous knowledge and research partnerships.
• “UQAM recognizes the importance of offering an inclusive education respectful of Indigenous cultures, raise staff awareness of Indigenous realities and promote research and creative partnerships with, by and for Indigenous groups.”
• AXIS 3 – Supporting Indigenous students in their studies. –        
• AXIS 4 – Include more Indigenous persons.

Since then, the Department of Law has undertaken a reform of its law program, in which Indigenous issues and perspectives have been systematically integrated into law courses. In addition, 4 places have been reserved for Indigenous candidates in the Bachelor of Laws program.

Call to Action # 28

We call upon law schools in Canada to require all law students to take a course in Aboriginal people and the law, which includes the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and antiracism.

Mandatory Course: Yes.

The following mandatory courses address Indigneous issues and perspectives:

• JUR2502 Introduction to the Study of Law: Addresses legal traditions and systems, including those of Indigenous peoples
• JUR2503 Introduction to the Foundations of Law: Examines the impact of the creation of the Canadian state (and the factors that contributed to it) on the legal and political status of Indigenous peoples and their legal systems.
• JUR 2522 Constitutional Law: Examines the sources and evolution of Canada’s Constitution, including its relationship with Indigenous peoples
• JUR2536 Criminal Law: Addresses the role of criminal law in the (re-)production of inequalities in Canadian society, particularly in relation to Indigenous peoples and marginalized populations
• JUR3503 Public International Law: Addresses indigenous peoples as subjects of law, particularly in relation to UNDRIP
• JUR4520 Human Rights and Freedoms: Addresses indigenous issues in relation to human rights and freedoms.

There is also an optional course, JUR6541 – Law, Indigenous Peoples and the Canadian State, and the Department of Law takes part in the Kawaskhimon competition, which brings together Indigenous legal traditions, provincial law, federal law and international law.

Baccalauréat en droit (8308) | UQAM | Université du Québec à Montréal

Faculty of Law Commitment to Call to Action # 28: 5 out of 5 = 100%

1	The history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools
Yes. JUR2502, JUR2503 and JUR2522 (see above) cover the history of Indigenous peoples
2	The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Yes. UNDRIP is covered in JUR3503 Public International Law.
3	Treaties and Aboriginal rights
Yes. JUR2502 and JUR2522 (see above) cover treaties and Indigenous rights in the context of the creation of Canada.
4	Indigenous law
Yes. JUR2502 covers Indigenous legal traditions and systems
5	Aboriginal–Crown Relations
Yes. JUR2503, JUR2522, JUR2536 and JUR4520 (see above) cover Aboriginal-Crown Relations.

Land Acknowledgement 

There is no land acknowledgement on the Faculty’s page, but one is located on this part of UQAM’s website:

Étudiantes et étudiants autochtones | Portail étudiant (uqam.ca)

Kuei, Kwey, Kwei, Kwe, Kwaï, Qey, Wachiya, Waachiya, Shé:kon, Ullaakkut, Ai, Bonjour!

Welcome to UQAM!

The lands on which we stand are part of an ancestral territory that has long served as a place for life, encounters and exchanges between indigenous peoples, notably the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) nation. We honor, respect and recognize these nations, who have never ceded their rights or sovereign authority over the lands and waters on which we gather today*.

Territorial Recognition from the Interdisciplinary Research Group on Contemporary Indigenous Claims

More recently, the following land acknowledgment was approved by the Action Committee on Indigenous Peoples but has not yet been posted on the University’s website:

The Université du Québec à Montréal recognizes that it is located on an ancestral territory that has long served as a place for life, meetings and exchanges between several Indigenous nations. UQAM pays tribute to these nations and is committed to working with them in a spirit of respect and friendship.

NOTE: All content has been submitted to the respective faculty for validation to ensure accuracy and currency as of the time of posting. Université du Québec à Montréal reviewed and approved the document. Managing Editor: Douglas Sinclair: Publisher, Indigenous Watchdog Lead Researcher, Julia Dubé

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