Concentration in Aboriginal and Indigenous Law

As part of the Faculty’s developing responses to the gaps identified in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Report and Calls to Action and the University of Calgary’s Indigenous Strategy, we are proud to be the first law school in the Prairies for students to focus their studies on these legal perspectives. The Concentration in Aboriginal and Indigenous Law will be noted on graduating students’ official transcripts, and is aimed at equipping students with advanced skills, knowledge, and perspectives to engage meaningfully and respectfully in these areas of the law, and in the broader reconciliation efforts across the legal profession. 

Should a student successfully complete the required 20 units (detailed below), this concentration would be noted on an official graduating transcript.

Learning Outcomes

A student who enrolls in this Concentration will commit to the following learning outcomes: 

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the historical and contemporary legal frameworks governing Indigenous peoples' rights and interests, including treaty rights, land claims, and self-governance structures, within the Canadian legal context. 
2. Analyze and critically evaluate court and tribunal decisions, statutes, policies, and guidance related to Aboriginal law, applying theoretical concepts and frameworks to assess their implications for Indigenous communities, governance, and justice. 
3. Apply ethical and culturally sensitive approaches in legal practice by recognizing and addressing the unique cultural, social, and historical factors that shape Aboriginal and Indigenous law, while demonstrating respect for Indigenous legal traditions, knowledge systems, and protocols. 
4. Collaborate effectively with Indigenous communities, legal practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders to inform legal advice and perspectives that promote reconciliation, social justice, and the protection of Indigenous rights within the broader legal system. 
5. Demonstrate proficiency in conducting legal research specific to Aboriginal law, including accessing primary and secondary sources, analyzing legal precedents, and synthesizing complex legal information to support legal arguments and recommendations related to Aboriginal and Indigenous law. 
6. Develop advanced communication skills by effectively articulating legal concepts, arguments, and recommendations related to Aboriginal and Indigenous law in written and oral formats, tailored to diverse audiences including Indigenous and non-Indigenous legal professionals, policymakers, community members, stakeholders and rights-holders.

Pathways to Completion

There are three pathways through which a student could complete the concentration. One stream includes a Directed Research Paper course in combination with units listed below, another includes a major paper course from a non-listed elective course in combination with units from the listed units below, and the other features only course work from the listed units below.

Concentration Requirements

A student must complete 20 units from the following: 

Mandatory units

• Law 400: Constitutional Law (5 units)
• Law 594: Indigenous Peoples and the Law (3 units) 

12 units from the following list of electives 

• Law 579.04 - Residential School Litigation (3 units)
• Law 587 - Kawaskimhon National Aboriginal Moot (3 units)
• Law 693.01 - Law of Modern Treaties (3 units)*
• Law 693.05 - Reconciliation and Ethical Lawyering (3 units)
• Law 693.02 - Indigenous Economic Development (3 units)
• Law 693.08 - Negotiating Indigenous Rights (3 units) 

With approval, students may complete one of the following two options to fulfill 3 of the 12 units of elective courses. Approval from the Coordinator, Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation is required to receive credit towards the concentration.

• Law XXX – Directed Research Paper in relevant area (3 units, contingent on willing Professor to supervise)
• Law XXX – Existing elective course wherein the term paper component is eligible to satisfy the upper year writing requirement and the topic of the term paper is focused on Aboriginal or Indigenous Law** 

*Note: Law 639.01 - Law of Modern Treaties occurs in the Spring term, and registration does not open until Winter. An information session will be offered in the Fall for this specific course. 

**Note: Students who complete a major paper in one of the listed courses above cannot apply for that paper to count towards the Concentration to satisfy an additional 3 units.