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Unsettling Indigenous Colonial Traditions of Hate and Harm
Indigenous cultures in pre-colonial times had a rich history of embracing diversity in gender and sexuality, including the recognition of individuals who embody both masculine and feminine traits and/or have a non-binary gender identity. These individuals are often referred to as “Two-Spirit.” In traditional Indigenous communities, Two-Spirit individuals were often revered for their unique spiritual…
The Seven Grandfather Teachings: An Ethical Framework For Decolonizing Legal Practice
The Seven Grandfather Teachings are a set of guiding principles that have been passed down through generations by the Anishnaabe Nations. These teachings include Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth, and offer a powerful foundation for ethical lawyering and decolonizing legal practices and systems. These teachings can be applied in legal practice to…
Beyond the Surface: Disentangling Niceness from Kindness through an Indigenous Lens
In the tapestry of human interactions, the threads of ‘niceness’ and ‘kindness’ are often intertwined, yet distinctly different in their essence and implications. This article endeavours to dissect these concepts, exploring their nuanced differences and the societal perceptions surrounding them. This exploration is particularly poignant in the context of Indigenous cultures, where relationality and community…
Good Intentions and Their Limits in the Quest for Truth and Reconciliation
The landscape of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada is often punctuated by ‘good intentions,’ that in practice, fail to accomplish the transformative change that is urgently needed. Symbolic gestures, limited engagements, and superficial policies are the most glaring manifestations of such failed intentions. The ephemeral nature of these efforts belies a lack of systemic commitment…
Decolonizing Professional Responsibility in the Legal Profession: An Examination of Respect and Bravery from the Seven Grandfather Teachings
The legal profession, much like other institutional structures, is deeply interwoven with the legacies of colonialism, which have often led to the marginalization of Indigenous voices and perspectives. Recognizing this legacy is the first crucial step in the journey towards transformation—a journey that necessitates not a mere shift but a profound metamorphosis in our attitudes,…