Ottawa providing nearly $10 million in funding to support Indigenous law initiatives

Law360 Canada (May 18, 2021, 2:43 PM EDT) -- The federal government has announced support for a number of projects across the country aimed at renewing and revitalizing legal relationships with Indigenous peoples.

Justice Canada’s Justice Partnership and Innovation Program will provide $9.5 million in funding for 21 projects, including the development of an Indigenous Law and Justice Institute at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ont. The investments respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)’s call to action 50 and are aimed at supporting the development, use and understanding of Indigenous laws and access to justice.

Justice Minister David Lametti said the investments will “help to make a real difference for Indigenous communities doing the sometimes challenging but important work of revitalizing their legal systems.”

“Our government supports the revitalization of Indigenous law in all regions of Canada,” he said while announcing the funding May 17. “We will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous peoples to better understand and apply Indigenous laws to strengthen communities and increase access to justice.”

Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett said the government recognizes that Canada’s legal system “needs to expand and be revitalized in order to provide a greater representation of Indigenous legal practices.”

“These 21 projects will bring about much-needed change and help to amplify the Indigenous voice within Canada’s justice system,” she said.

Budget 2019 announced $10 million over five years to support renewed legal relationships with Indigenous peoples through the funding of Indigenous law initiatives across Canada. More information about the projects can be found here.

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