Professor Metallic is from the Listuguj Mi'gmaq First Nation on Québec's Gaspé coast, known as the Gespegewagi District of Mi'kma'ki. A summa cum laude graduate of the Civil Law Section National Law Program – LL.L. in 2006, she had previously obtained an LLB from the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University (2002 to 2005), as well as a combined Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy in 2002, also from Dalhousie University, which earned her a spot on the Dean's Honour Roll. She also holds an LLM from York University (Osgoode Hall School).
From 2015 to 2019, Ms. Metallic was named to the "Best Lawyers in Canada" list for her work in Indigenous law. In 2018, she received the Dalhousie Alumni Law Students' Association Award, as well as the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Law Students' Society. That same year, she was named one of the 25 Most Influential Jurists by Canadian Lawyer magazine.
After nearly a decade of very rewarding Indigenous law practice, she decided to move into academia to continue her work in a different way – teaching, writing and speaking about the issues facing Indigenous people in Canada. An expert in constitutional, administrative and equality law, Naiomi Metallic believes that law can be used to improve the quality of life of First Nations and bring societies together in the reconciliation process.
The entire teaching staff is delighted to welcome Naiomi Metallic and wishes her a happy year at Fauteux!