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Episode 90 (En anglais): Discussion on Self-Governance With Indigenous Law Students

– Août 2024

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Episode 90 (En anglais): Discussion on Self-Governance With Indigenous Law Students
Broadcast Date: August 8, 2024

 

SUMMARY

Shayla Praud (Eagle Clan from the Nisga’a Nation), Dominga Robinson (Nakota Jamaican l Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation) and Justin Thompson (Member of Nipissing First Nation), students at the time of recording earlier this year, share their views on Indigenous self-governance. Together, they discuss how Indigenous legal systems and practices contribute to reconciliation efforts between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and the responsibilities of the Canadian government and legal community in supporting these efforts; alternatives to courts, in the context where not all Nations or communities may want to or be able to take on the challenge of implementing their own courts; and the example of the community Nipissing FN, which became the first community to enact a Constitution taking power away from the Indian Act as a key governing document.

 

From November 4 to 6, 2024, CIAJ will be holding its second Symposium on Indigenous Justice System (in person in Calgary, AB – and online)

Join the discussion: https://ciaj-icaj.ca/en/upcoming-programs/symposium-on-indigenous-justice-systems/ 

 

SPEAKERS 

  • Shayla Praud (Eagle Clan from the Nisga’a Nation), Associate – JFK Law LLP

Shayla is an associate in the Victoria office. Shayla is a citizen of Laxgiik pdeek (Eagle clan) from the Nisga’a village of Laxgalts’ap, but was raised in Snuneymuxw territory, also known as Nanaimo. She is now grateful to be situated in lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking territory, specifically on the lands of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations.

Shayla has degrees in both Canadian Common Law (JD) and Indigenous Legal Orders (JID) through the University of Victoria, which is the first degree program of its kind in the world. Throughout her law school career, she has worked with Tsawwassen First Nation’s in-house legal counsel and has co-authored a discussion paper with Dr. John Borrows in partnership with the Shareholder Association for Research and Education (SHARE) and Reconciliation and Responsible Investment Initiative (RRII) which explored Indigenous perspectives of fiduciary duty.

Shayla enjoyed participating in student politics and advocacy while in school and held executive positions on the UVIC Law Students’ Society (LSS) for two years. She also held executive positions on the UVIC Indigenous Law Students Association (ILSA) for three years and served as Co-President in her third year. In November 2021, Shayla was a panelist with three other law students from across the country at the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice Annual Conference titled “Indigenous Peoples and the Law”.

Shayla has a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Sport, Health, and Physical Education from Vancouver Island University, through which she developed a passion for health and wellness. She enjoys hiking and spin, as well as experimental cooking and fantasy novels.

  • Dominga Robinson (Nakota Jamaican l Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation), JD 2024, Articling Student, First Peoples Law LLP

Dominga Robinson is a Nakota Jamaican woman from the Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nation which is located in the southeast corner of Saskatchewan. She has built her career in a variety of roles with the focus always on culture, community, communication and philanthropy. Prior to law school, she created a career in non-profit organizations in the area of program and fund development.

She thrives in a creative, consultative environment with a strong ability to adapt to change. In addition to being flexible and agile, she is passionate about working with and for Indigenous peoples. She believes the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People are critical to our future. She is the former President of the USask Indigenous Law Students’ Association and Chair of the Rainbow Youth Centre. She is currently the Indigenous Bar Association Student Representative for the National Indigenous Law Students Association. She’s excited to begin pursuing her articling with First Peoples Law LLP in Ottawa and continuing her education within the field of law with firm that is focused on helping Indigenous defend and advance their inherent rights.

Justin is an Associate at OKT. He is Anishinaabe and a member of Nipissing First Nation, as well as a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School. He represented Osgoode at the Kawaskimhon Moot in Victoria and participated in the Intensive Program in Indigenous Lands, Resources & Governments. He was also Co-Chair of the Osgoode Indigenous Students’ Association for the 2022/2023 school year. Before Osgoode, Justin attended Trent University for both a BAH in Political Studies and MA in Canadian Studies & Indigenous Studies, where he researched the Indian Act’s place within the context of over-incarceration.

 

In All Fairness is a Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice podcast channel welcoming representatives from the legal community and exploring how we can all contribute to improving the administration of justice in Canada. Legal professionals will benefit from informed discussions on key issues, essential knowledge and insights to strengthen their practice.

 

Visit the upcoming programs section of our website or the online library, or contact us if you want to learn more and expand your skills. Numerous programs are available, including customized training.

Questions and suggestions are always welcome. Please write to info@ciaj-icaj.ca