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Applying the Seven Grandfather Teachings to Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: A Framework for Meaningful Engagement

ByAndrea

Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation serves as a dedicated time to honour the survivors, families, and communities impacted by the residential school system—a dark chapter in Canada’s history that has enduring ramifications. The observance is also part of a broader mandate by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to foster public dialogue around the…

Good Intentions and Their Limits in the Quest for Truth and Reconciliation
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Good Intentions and Their Limits in the Quest for Truth and Reconciliation

ByAndrea

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
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Decolonizing Professional Responsibility in the Legal Profession: An Examination of Respect and Bravery from the Seven Grandfather Teachings

ByAndrea

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,…

Journey of a Métis Scholar: Redefining ‘Best in Law’ in a Decolonized Canada
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Journey of a Métis Scholar: Redefining ‘Best in Law’ in a Decolonized Canada

ByAndrea

My Métis lineage does not merely define my identity; it pervades every facet of my life and work, critically informing my scholarly and professional trajectory within the field of law. My values, principles, and worldview have been significantly shaped by the rich tapestry of Métis history and culture, imbuing them with unique perspectives drawn from…

Deconstructing the Modern Indian Agent: Addressing Colonial Legacies and Embracing Indigenous Legal Frameworks in the Pursuit of Reconciliation
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Deconstructing the Modern Indian Agent: Addressing Colonial Legacies and Embracing Indigenous Legal Frameworks in the Pursuit of Reconciliation

ByAndrea

Introduction: The historical role of the Indian Agent in Canada exemplifies the complexities and challenges of addressing colonial legacies within legal scholarship and practice. Contemporary legal professionals, particularly those pursuing advanced academic research, bear the responsibility of recognizing and analyzing the continuing impact of such legacies on Indigenous Peoples. This essay will delve into the…

The Seven Grandfather Teachings: An Ethical Framework For Decolonizing Legal Practice
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The Seven Grandfather Teachings: An Ethical Framework For Decolonizing Legal Practice

ByAndrea

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…

A Call to Action: The Path in Alberta

A Call to Action: The Path in Alberta

ByAndrea

I was the creator of The Path: Indigenous Cultural Competency Education (“The Path”) for all lawyers across Alberta to take when I was working at the Law Society of Alberta (LSA) in 2020-21. And I consulted continuously with stakeholders, academics, lawyers, artists, advocates, individuals, elders, matriarchs, community members, and committees to get it right. Here…

A Call to Action: Overcoming Linguistic Barriers and Oppression Towards Indigenous Peoples in the Justice System

A Call to Action: Overcoming Linguistic Barriers and Oppression Towards Indigenous Peoples in the Justice System

ByAndrea

In Canada, Indigenous people face significant challenges when interacting with the justice system, including linguistic barriers. Unfortunately, there are numerous stories of police officers and lawyers who assume that an Indigenous person who speaks with an accent is drunk. These individuals wield ultimate power and authority in their positions, and their lack of understanding that…