This page provides a glimpse of some of the major research and community initiatives in the area of Indigenous Law and Legal Traditions, including a response to Call to Action 28 and research initiatives that explore water governance and traditional knowledge.

Explore the impactful ways researchers are shaping meaningful change in Indigenous law. From Common Law’s efforts to foster reconciliation through emphasizing the unique roles of lawyers to Professor Aimée Craft’s research advancing Indigenous co-governance of water, these stories highlight powerful collaborations and milestones. Learn about Professor Chidi Oguamanam’s contributions to a groundbreaking treaty on genetic resources and traditional knowledge, the deep sovereignty expressed through Indigenous birthing practices, and the ongoing significance of Àbimì, a unique symbol of community created to support Common Law’s Indigenous learners. Finally, join us in celebrating the restoration of the Spirit Garden, a symbol of growth and renewal for the Fauteux community. Dive into these compelling stores that affirm the strength and vibrancy of Indigenous law and legal traditions.

Decolonizing learning and research

Signa Daum Shanks

VIDEO – Moving forward on Call to Action 28 at the Common Law Section

A new video explores how the Common Law Section is recognizing the unique role that lawyers have to play in meaningful reconciliation.
Aimee Craft

Professor Aimée Craft’s Community Approach to Water Stewardship

The Decolonizing Water Project, co-led by Aimée Craft, is working to enhance effective, equitable Indigenous co-governance of water resources.
Chidi Oguamanam

Chidi Oguamanam aids treaty on genetic resources and traditional knowledge

A new Treaty on Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge was born at the World Intellectual Property Organization.
Indigenous Birthing

Decolonizing birth: Aimée Craft aims to reclaim Indigenous birthing practices

For Indigenous women and nations, birthing babies is an expression of territorial sovereignty and an affirmation of their jurisdiction.

Celebrating the community

Abimi

Àbimì turns five: Celebrating Indigenous artistry and community

This year Àbimì celebrates her fifth year, and she continues to hold deep significance for the Indigenous Law Learners in the Common Law Section.
Spirit Garden

Together again in the Spirit Garden learning from our Indigenous community

On June 12, 2024, members of the Fauteux community came together to restore the Sprit Garden for another season of growth.

Explore Indigenous Law and Legal Traditions at the Common Law Section