Category Aboriginal and Indigenous Law

British Columbia Law Institute Paper Looks at Indigenous-Led Conflict Resolution

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A recently published paper by the British Columbia Law Institute (BCLI) explores dispute resolution within Indigenous communities. The paper looks at approaches to Indigenous-led conflict resolution, points of friction where Indigenous and state laws intersect, and interjurisdictional support of First Nations justice systems. Recognition and state support of First Nations legal orders are important for fostering trust and acknowledging the legitimacy of co-existing systems. The paper offers several ways to ground this recognition and support.

Navigating Shared Waters: Study Paper on Indigenous-Led Conflict Resolution by the British Columbia Law Institute is available online here: https://www.bcli.org/wp-content/uploads/BCLI-Study-Paper-on-Indigenous-Led-Conflict-Resolution.pdf.

Nova Scotia Legal Aid Opens First-of-its-kind in Atlantic Canada Legal Aid Office in Sipekne’katik First Nation

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On September 19 2024, Nova Scotia Legal Aid (NSLA) and Sipekne’katik First Nation held a grand opening ceremony for a first of its kind in Atlantic Canada legal aid office. This office represents “a new model for providing direct legal services to First Nations communities”. The collaboration between NSLA and Sipekne’katik First Nation is an important step forward in improving access to justice in Sipekne’katik First Nation.

Chief Michelle Glasgow of Sipekne’katik First Nation said of the new legal aid office: “[this] is a significant step towards addressing the unique legal needs of our community members and ensuring we have equal access to justice. Having legal aid services available right here in Sipekne’katik supports our goals of improving the well-being of our people and preserving our Mi’kmaw culture and traditions.”

The Nova Scotia Legal Aid Sipekne’katik Office is located at 529-1 Church Street, Indian Brook. The office will officially open in October 2024: https://www.sipeknekatik.ca/community-notices/nova-scotia-legal-aid-opens-office-in-sipeknekatik-first-nation.

Dalhousie Law School Students Launch Website on Indigenous and Aboriginal Law

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Students at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University have launched a website to help “demystify aspects of Indigenous and Aboriginal law”. The website, named abajignmuen, which is a Mi’kmaw word that means “sharing” and “giving back” to the community, will highlight the work of Schulich Law students, faculty and staff in the areas of Aboriginal and Indigenous law.

The website will host access to justice projects and papers, which may also serve as a public resource to better understand matters related to Aboriginal and Indigenous law.

For more information, visit www.abaji.ca.

Women and Gender Equality Canada Publishes Two Calls for Proposals

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Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) has two open calls for proposals. WAGE invites non-for-profit organizations, women’s organizations, Indigenous women’s organizations, or other equality-seeking organizations in Canada with a mandate to advance women’s equality to submit a proposal for a capacity-building or systemic change project.

Under Call 1 – the Women’s Economic and Leadership Opportunities Fund – WAGE seeks to support projects that address barriers to women’s success, change systems to improve women’s economic security and prosperity, and/or increase women’s representation.

Under Call 2 – Women’s Capacity Fund – WAGE welcomes proposals for projects that seek to develop the long-term capacity of women’s and Indigenous women’s organizations.

The submission deadline is November 3, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. pacific time. Eligible organizations can apply to one call.

For information on eligibility requirements or more information about the calls, please visit the WAGE website here: https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/funding/funding-programs/women-economic-leadership-opportunities-capacity-funds/about.html.