DECOLONIZING AND INDIGENIZING: SOME CONSIDERATIONS FOR LAW SCHOOLS

Abstract

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada [TRC] identified law schools as a site of ongoing colonization and specifically called upon law schools to change in a variety of ways – from instituting mandatory courses relating to Indigenous Peoples to reconceptualizing the institution of law schools themselves. This article considers whether “Indigenizing” curriculum is coming at the expense of addressing the need to decolonize law schools as institutions. The author argues that both Indigenizing and decolonizing are a vital coupling if full meaning is to be given to the TRC’s Calls to Action. Though the process is complicated and ripe with challenge, listening to and working with Indigenous peoples is essential if law schools really seek fundamental change.