The painting above by artist Jay Bell Redbird (1966-2019), a member of the Wikwemikong First Nation (Unceded Territory) is an artistic and physical representation of Indigenous history, presence, and ways of life in the territory on which Toronto is built. This painting is displayed in the atrium of the Jackman Law Building at 78 Queen's Park.
Indigenous Law Students
We recruit and support Indigenous students at U of T Law.
Our Indigenous application category seeks students who bring diverse life experiences to legal studies. Applicants are encouraged to share their connections to community in their personal statement.
The Indigenous Tuition Initiative fosters and strengthens relationships between U of T and Indigenous communities in Ontario, across Canada, and in the United States.
We connect Indigenous prospective students and JD students with mentors who share their journey through law school and into practice.
The Indigenous Law Students’ Association (ILSA) provides Indigenous law students with a social and support network.
Academic and Co-curricular Initiatives
We deepen knowledge and understanding by integrating Indigenous perspectives, history and Indigenous law throughout the JD curriculum and extra-curricular programming for all Jackman Law students.
From topics in areas of legislated Aboriginal Law, to Indigenous Peoples' own legal traditions, we offer a breadth of learning opportunities.
The certificate in Aboriginal Legal Studies will enhance your understanding of the history, politics and practice of Aboriginal Law.
Immerse yourself in community as we experience Indigenous legal traditions first-hand during a three-day intensive in land-based teachings.
Contribute to the first and only Canadian, legal journal to exclusively publish articles regarding Indigenous legal issues. ILJ is a student-run publication.
Scholarships and community-based internships advance the learning of tomorrow's leaders in Aboriginal Law.
Undertake a JD summer fellowship dedicated to providing community education and legal assistance to First Nations, Métis, Inuit or Indigenous organizations.
The late Justin Basinger (JD 2012) was proud of his Métis heritage and served as co-editor of the Indigenous Law Journal.
This award recognizes scholarship by a JD, LLM or SJD student on Indigenous topics, perspectives and laws, while remembering Justin's love for the community.
People
Professor Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii) is Swampy Cree, Beaver clan, of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. He holds the Prichard Wilson Chair in Law & Public Policy.
Professor John Borrows is a member of the Chippewa of the Nawash First Nation. He holds the inaugural Loveland Chair in Indigenous Law.
Andrea Johns (she/her) is a member of the Kanien'kehá:ha/Mohawk Nation (Six Nations of the Grand River) and Program Manager for the Indigenous Initiatives Office at Jackman Law.
Contact Us
Reach out to us at 416-978-2583 or iio.law@utoronto.ca. You can also Subscribe to the Indigenous Initiatives Office Newsletter and follow us Instagram or Facebook.
The IIO is grateful for the generous support from the Law Foundation of Ontario.
