Revitalizing Law: Indigenous Legal Traditions with Dr. Val Napoleon

Before law school, Dr. Val Napoleon worked as a community activist with the Gitxsan and Wet'suwet'en Peoples of British Columbia. She learned their legal traditions holistically - from those actively practicing them - an experience that profoundly shaped her approach to law. This foundation continues to influence her work as she reimagines the possibilities for both Indigenous and Canadian legal systems. A member of the Saulteau First Nation and an adopted member of the Gitanyow, Dr. Napoleon is a trailblazer in the revitalization of Indigenous law. She began law school as a grandmother and has since dedicated her career to exploring Indigenous legal traditions. As the Law Foundation Chair of Indigenous Justice at the University of Victoria, she founded the Indigenous Law Research Unit and co-created a dual law degree in common and Indigenous law. She also co-founded the National Centre for Indigenous Law and leads efforts to holistically rebuild Indigenous legal orders. Dr. Napoleon continues to shape the teaching, learning, and practice of law in Canada. Photo: Greg Miller Resources: Indigenous Law Research unit: https://ilru.ca/