In the TRC Calls to Action, Canadian law schools are called upon to require law students to learn the history and legacy of residential schools, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Aboriginal-Crown relations, and Indigenous law. The University of Victoria has taken this call to action to heart through its new JD/ JID program that will begin this fall. The new program will be the world’s first law degree that combines the study of both Canadian common law and Indigenous law, ensuring future legal professionals have the required skills to succeed in both realms.
UVic president Jamie Cassels commenting on the news stated:
“This program builds on UVic’s longstanding commitment to, and unique relationship with, the First Peoples of Canada. The foundational work for this program has been underway for several years, building on Indigenous scholarship for which UVic is known internationally”
Below is a round up of recent press coverage of the new program:
- UVic News Release (2018, Feb 21). World’s first Indigenous law degree to be offered at UVic.
- Watts, R. (2018, Feb 22). New program a ‘new beginning’ at UVic for Indigenous law studies. Times Colonist.
- Britton, L. (2018, Feb 22). UVic law students to study Canadian and Indigenous legal systems in new program. CBC News.
- Depner, W. (2018, Feb 22). New Uvic Program combines Indigenous and non-Indigenous law. Victoria News.
- Val Napoleon on the CBC radio show All Points West with host Jason D’Souza (posted soon)
For more information and links to publications by UVic’s two leading Indigenous law experts, check out our previous blog posts linked below.
John Borrows (Professor, Canada Research Chair Indigenous Law):
- Professor John Borrows awarded 2017 Killam Prize
- UVic Law Professors in the Annual Author Celebration Event – March 8th
- John Borrows New Nexen Chair
Val Napoleon (Associate Professor, Law Foundation Professor of Aboriginal Justice and Governance):
- Professor Val Napoleon on Activism, Indigenous Law & Disrupting Things
- Professor Val Napoleon named to the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists
- Professor Val Napoleon awarded Indigenous Peoples’ Counsel Award
Related Library Resources:
Stay tuned for further updates from the library!