Certificate in Aboriginal Law

University of Ottawa

This unique program adopts an innovative experiential and holistic pedagogy combining interdisciplinarity and learning by doing in order to introduce Indigenous learners to the study of law. The teachings of Mother Earth are at the heart of Indigenous legal traditions. Since Indigenous legal orders are transmitted orally, they will be taught in particular through storytelling, using sharing and talking circles. In this program, which is intended exclusively for Indigenous learners, they will first study the legal systems of different Indigenous peoples in Canada, which they will then compare with the state legal system in certain key areas of law. They will thus be able to familiarize themselves with the sources, foundations, principles and rules of Indigenous law and state law, particularly in the area of ​​civil law in Quebec. Through the comparative study of Indigenous and state legal systems, Indigenous learners will be encouraged to reflect critically on the nature and limits of interactions between legal systems. In addition, the program will allow Indigenous learners to acquire basic skills, including in the area of ​​state law, in order to successfully complete a degree in civil law.