The University of Alberta's Indigenous Law Students' Association is hosting the 16th annual Aboriginal Law Speaker Series next week.
This year's topic is "Indigenous Law: Theory and Practice."
According to Scott Richardson, chair of the event, the Aboriginal Law Speaker Series provides an opportunity to examine Canada as a "multi-jural" state and the Indigenous legal systems and traditions that have existed for millenia.
"Our series aims to elevate Indigenous voices and to bring about positive change," he said.
Among the speakers is Joyce Tekahnawiiaks King, director of justice at the Akwesasne Court in Ontario. The first of its kind in Canada, the Akwesasne Court mixes aspects of Canadian law with Mohawk legal values and principles. The legislation that created the court was drafted by the Akwesasne community, independent of any federal framework or self-governance agreement.
Also speaking is Darcy Lindberg, a lawyer and graduate student at the University of Victoria who will be joining UAlberta Law as an assistant professor in January 2019. Lindberg's current doctoral research focuses on the constitutional and legal theory of Plains Cree peoples in relation to lands and waters and their transsystemic relationships with Canadian constitutional law.
Both King and Lindberg will be joined by international and Aboriginal rights lawyer James Sákéj Youngblood Henderson; Damien Lee, a professor of Indigenous studies at the University of Saskatchewan; and Maria Campbell, Métis author, playwright, theatre producer, filmmaker, broadcaster, educator and Elder.
"Our speaker line-up is truly outstanding and I hope people can appreciate what an honour it is to host such brilliant guest lecturers," said Richardson.
The speaker series runs from March 5 to 9 in McLennan Ross Hall from 12 to 1 pm. The event is free and open to the public.