ABOUT THE IBA

Legacy and Vision

The IBA is a not-for-profit federal corporation continued under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, S.C. 2009, c. 23, and a national association comprised of Indigenous lawyers, judges, legal academics and scholars, articling students, law clerks, paralegals and law students. The IBA has over 330 members located across Canada.

IBA members individually identify as members of Indigenous Peoples of Canada whose constitutional rights are recognized and affirmed under section 35(1), and they also often represent members and collectives of the Indigenous population.

The IBA’s objectives include:

  • promoting the advancement of legal and social justice for Indigenous Peoples of Canada;

  • promoting the reform of policies and laws affecting Indigenous Peoples of Canada; and

  • fostering public awareness within the legal community, the Indigenous community and the general public in respect of legal and social issues of concern to Indigenous Peoples of Canada

The IBA is a growing and dynamic coalition of Indigenous leaders in legal thought and practice and its reputation as a formidable advocate on behalf of Indigenous Peoples has been solidified over the years. The member of the IBA are to expand our capacity, strengthen our networks and continue to give back to the communities that we serve.  Looking forward, the IBA is again poised to grow and build upon the legacy of our senior members.

The IBA continues to be a voice for those within the legal profession who wish to protect the virtues of Indigenous laws that are expressed through our traditions, customs and cultures, who want to build Indigenous legal systems that honour the natural laws to which we are all subject, and who wish to secure a just and prosperous society for our future generations. We also hope to support the mental well-being of our members undertaking the challenging work and performing the endless demands that have become intrinsic to the legal profession, and to assist those who are coming up with new ways to theorize about and practice law. The members of the IBA collectively hold a tremendous amount of knowledge, expertise and vision and a corresponding responsibility to protect and advance Indigenous legal traditions on behalf of our ancestors and those yet to come.

Leadership

Board of Directors

The board of directors of the Indigenous Bar Association in Canada is comprised of volunteers who oversee the strategic direction of the organization and execute the vision of its members. 


  • PRESIDENT

    Drew was raised in Treaty 6 territory on the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation reserve and is also of Shuswap descent from the Simpcw First Nation in British Columbia. He advises First Nations and Metis communities on matters related to economic development, gaming, housing, commercial leasing, and corporate governance, structure and finance.

    president@indigenousbarassociation.onmicrosoft.com

  • VICE-PRESIDENT

    Alexandria (Ajay) is Mohawk and Abenaki and from the turtle clan.

    She received her JD from the University of Toronto, and her BA (hons) from the University of Alberta. Alexandria is an associate with Pape Salter Teillet LLP and specializes in Indigenous rights and Aboriginal law with a focus on issues including the duty to consult, negotiation and implementation of modern treaties and governance agreements, and partnerships between industry and Indigenous peoples. She is called to the bar in Ontario and Manitoba.

  • TREASURER

    Laura is Mohawk from Six Nations and from the bear clan. She received her JD from Osgoode Hall Law School, and her BA (hons) from Western University. Laura is an associate with Nahwegahbow Corbiere and specializes in Aboriginal Law with a focus on litigation and negotiations for First Nations regarding Aboriginal and Treaty rights. She is called to the bar in Ontario.

    president@indigenousbarassociation.onmicrosoft.com

  • SECRETARY

    Zac Thiffault is Métis from the Georgian Bay Métis Community and is a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario.

    He received his JD and his B.Soc.Sc (hons) from uOttawa. Zac is Legal Counsel to the Métis Nation of Ontario, advising on a wide range of topics including self-government, Métis rights, and internal governance. Zac is called to the bar in Ontario.

  • BOARD MEMBER-AT-LARGE

    Rheana Worme is an Associate at Semaganis Worme. She is a proud member of Kawacatoose First Nation. She graduated from Edwards School of Business with a Commerce degree in marketing in 2017and received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Saskatchewans’ College of Law in 2020.

    During law school, Rheana completed an intensive clinical law program at Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City Inc. (CLASSIC) in 2020, which gave her the opportunity to work in a community-driven, client-centred poverty law clinic for one semester. Throughout her time as a student, Rheana served as the Indigenous Law Students’ Association (ILSA) President for two years.

    She focuses her practice in the areas of Residential Real Estate, Criminal Law, Non-Profit and Corporate Law, and Mediation.

  • MEMBER-AT-LARGE

    Stephanie is Chippewa from the Rama First Nation and from the marten clan.

    Stephanie is an associate at McCarthy Tétrault LLP in Toronto. She maintains a broad litigation practice including class actions, media, and professional liability matters. Stephanie regularly works on behalf of First Nations communities and individuals. Stephanie has appeared as counsel before several levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada.

    In addition to her legal practice, Stephanie commits significant time to both local and global Indigenous initiatives. Stephanie provides pro bono legal advice at the PBSC Indigenous Human Rights Clinic and mentors Indigenous high school students through the Martin Family Initiative Indigenous Mentoring Program. Stephanie has also served as a delegate at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and EU Working Group on Indigenous Populations.

  • BOARD MEMBER-AT-LARGE

    Jocelyn is a member of Moose Cree First Nation and resides in Ottawa, Ontario. She was born and raised in Mushkegowuk territory (James Bay) in the Eastern side of Treaty #9 in Northern Ontario. Jocelyn completed both her Honours Bachelors of Social Sciences and Juris Doctor (JD) at the University of Ottawa. She has over 18 years of experience working with First Nations and Aboriginal organizations in the areas of social development, Indigenous children’s rights, law, media, youth engagement, and international advocacy.

    Called to the Bar of Ontario, she worked as an Associate Lawyer with Nahwegahbow Corbiere Genoodmagijig Barristers and Solicitors until 2018. Jocelyn also volunteers as a board member of the National Indian Child Welfare Association (based in Portland, OR), founder of the Morningstar Fund and the Chairperson of the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) Board of Directors. Ms. Formsma is currently the Executive Director of the National Association of Friendship Centres.

  • BOARD MEMBER-AT-LARGE

    Lori Mishibinijima is Anishinaabe from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory in Ontario.

    She is currently the Manager of Indigenous Initiatives at Osgoode Hall Law School, where she supports the Indigenization of the school and curriculum. Lori was Legal Counsel with the Human Rights Legal Support Centre for 10 years, where she provided legal representation to individuals respecting matters of discrimination under the Ontario Human Rights Code. She also acted as coordinator and helped develop the HRLSC’s Indigenous Service where she supported access to justice for Indigenous people.

    For the last sixteen years, she has been a member of the Community Council, a criminal diversion program at Aboriginal Legal Services. Lori has also served as the President of Native Men’s Residence Board of Directors from 2011 to 2018.

Student Representatives

  • STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

    Dominga Robinson is a Nakota/Jamaican woman from the Pheasant Rump Nakota First Nations in Treaty 4. She is currently a 3L student at the University of Saskatchewan College of Law.

    Dominga is a dedicated and passionate individual with a goal of supporting Indigenous Peoples and communities. Her journey is characterized by her strong commitment to various roles, from her current position as President of the Indigenous Law Student Association to other volunteer work with organizations like the Pro Bono Law Students Association, the Rainbow Youth Centre, and Law Students Association’s Anti-Racism Task Force Committee.

    Dominga has a knack for legal research, client consultation, and project coordination, as well as a proven ability to lead and communicate effectively. Her extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and funding consultation underscores her commitment to community consultation and planning. Dominga's involvement in numerous workshops and her role as a Teaching Assistant for the 1L Kwayestastatowin for the past three years, underline her dedication to helping others understand complex and sensitive subjects. Dominga remains grounded and focused on her goal of making a positive impact on Indigenous communities through legal practice.

    Since October 2022, Dominga has worked for Sunchild Law, a firm whose primary focus is supporting Indigenous people and communities.

  • STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

    Casey is a Cree and Dene iskwew from Fort Nelson First Nation, but currently raises her two young daughters alongside her husband in Edmonton, AB. She is in her final year of the Juris Doctor program at the U of A, a research assistant for Wahkohtowin Law & Governance Lodge, and legal researcher for her nation. She will be articling at the Alberta Court of Appeal before returning to Wahkohtowin Law & Governance Lodge to finish her articles.

    Her passion is in the pursuit of reducing systemic inequalities and barriers to access from grassroots to global. This has led her to many community circles including as the current External Co-Chair of the Indigenous Law Student Association at the U of A, IBA Student Rep for the National Indigenous Law Student Association, co-chair of the Impact advisory at Colleges and Institutes of Canada, as a board member for the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, and as co-founder of The Medicine Box Project and Waniska Leaders which bring both Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants together in traditional knowledge revitalization.

Executive Director

Racquel Fraser

Racquel is a member of Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation and a lawyer with over a decade of experience in serving Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations. She cares deeply about advancing the well-being and prosperity of Indigenous people and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Prior to joining the IBA, Racquel was a co-founding partner of a law firm owned by First Nations women who served First Nations governments and organizations. She gained extensive experience in leadership, strategy, marketing and business development. Most recently, Racquel worked at a telecommunications company where she focused on promoting efficiency of environmental review and permitting process in relation to builds taking place on-reserve. 

She also has approximately five (5) years of experience working with Indigenous non-profit organizations before pursuing a career in law. This combination of experience and education gives her a unique insight into the opportunities and challenges of building capacity and growing strategic relationships. 

Racquel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Lethbridge and a Juris Doctor from the University of Victoria. She also serves as a trustee of her First Nation’s economic development corporation. When she is not at work you can find Racquel beading felt hats and Converse Chuck Taylors.

Indigenous Peoples’ Counsel

The Indigenous Peoples’ Counsel designation (I.P.C.) is awarded each year to an Indigenous lawyer in recognition of outstanding achievements in the practice of law. In particular, the I.P.C. designation takes into account the manner in which the individual pursues the goals and objectives of the IBA and serves their community and the Creator with honour and integrity.

A list of current I.P.C.’s is set out below:

Candice Metallic

David Nahwegahbow

Delia Opekokew

Dianne Corbiere

Donald Worme

Jeffrey Hewitt

John Borrows

Justice Leonard S. Mandamin

Kathleen N. Lickers

Kimberly Murray

Roberta Jamieson

Roger Jones

Valerie Napoleon

Gerry Morin

Eileen Sasakamoose

Helen Semaganis

J. Wilton Littlechild

James (Sakej) Youngblood-Henderson

Jean Teillet

Mark L. Stevenson

Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond

Murray Sinclair

Paul L.A.H. Chartrand

Professor Darlene Johnston

National Indigenous Law Students Association (NILSA)

The National Indigenous Law Students Association (NILSA) is a coalition of law students enrolled in a Canadian law school and who serve as members of their respective Indigenous Law Students Association.  NILSA is devoted to supporting Indigenous law students and raising awareness about Indigenous legal issues in Canada, while preserving, securing and advancing the practice of Indigenous customs, traditions and ceremonies within the legal profession. NILSA works in partnership with the Indigenous Bar Association in Canada to create a supportive community for Indigenous students across Canada and to implement and maintain mentorship systems, and to create a connection between those aspiring to work in Indigenous laws or with Indigenous nations, and those who have experience practising or studying Indigenous legal disciplines.

NILSA’s current executive is set out below:

  • Elysha Bear-Morin

    PRESIDENT

  • Shelby Sinclair

    VICE-PRESIDENT FIRST NATION

  • Riel Bjerke-Clarke

    VICE-PRESIDENT METIS

  • Brooklyn Seigmiller

    VICE-PRESIDENT FINANCE

  • Kate Anderson

    Communications Officer

  • Jessica Mirasty

    Communications Officer

  • Sipihko Mikisew Iskwew, Brandy

    FIRST YEAR REPRESENTATIVE

  • Hannah Johnson

    2ND YEAR REPRESENTATIVE

  • Josie Slaughter

    3RD YEAR REPRESENTATIVE

  • Kyle Jordan Risby

    Black/Indigenous Representative

  • Gavin Cazon-Wilkes

    Artlcling Student Rep

  • Mayheve Clara Rondeau

    French/Civil Law Representative

  • Casey Caines

    IBA Rep

  • Dominga Robinson

    IBA Rep

Indigenous Judges in Canada

KEY:  * Member of the IBA

Alberta

Johana Price - Alberta Court of King’s Bench

Cheryl Lynn Arcand Kootenay - Alberta Court of King’s Bench, formerly Alberta Provincial Court

Karen Crowshoe - Alberta Provincial Court

CANADA

Michelle O’Bonsawin - Supreme Court of Canada

British Columbia

Leonard Marchand  - British Columbia Court of Appeal, formerly BC Superior Court and BC Provincial Court

Ardith Walkem - BC Superior Court*

Newfoundland & Labrador

Stacy Ryan - NL Supreme Court

Nova Scotia:

Diane Rowe – NS Supreme Court

Pierre Leon Muise - NS Supreme Court

Tim Gabriel - NS Supreme Court

North West Territories

Shannon Smallwood - Chief Justice NWT Supreme Court

Superior Courts

Ontario:

Todd Ducharme - Ontario Superior Court of Justice*

Harry Laforme - Ontario Court of Appeal, previously Ontario Superior Court of Justice (retired)

Rose Boyko - UN Administrative Appeals Tribunal, previously Ontario Superior Court of Justice, (retired)

Jonathon George - Ontario Court of Appeal, fom1erly Ontario Superior Court of Justice and Ontario Court of Justice *

Quebec:

Rejean Paul - Quebec Superior Court (retired)

Saskatchewan

Natasha Crooks - Saskatchewan Court of King’s Bench, Previously Saskatchewan Provincial Court

Manitoba:

Ken Champagne - Manitoba Court of King’s Bench, previously Manitoba Provincial Court Chief Judge

Murray Sinclair - Manitoba Court of King’s Bench, previously Manitoba Provincial Court Associate Chief Judge (retired) * IPC

Federal:

L.S. Tony Mandamin Federal Court (supernumerary), previously Alberta Provincial Court (retired) * IPC

Paul Favel - Federal Court*

Roger Lafreniere - Federal Court, previously Federal Court Prothonotary

British Columbia:

Steven Point - BC Provincial Court (retired) formerly BC Lieutenant Governor, now Chancellor of University of British Columbia *

Alexander M.D. Wolf - BC Provincial Court

Karen Whonnock - BC Provincial Court *

Linda Thomas - BC Provincial Court

Tina Dion - BC Provincial Court *

Alfred Scow - BC Provincial Court (deceased) John Joe BC Provincial Court (deceased)

Marion Buller Bennet - BC Provincial Court (retired) now Chancellor of University of Victoria *

Raymond Phillip - BC Provincial Court Gene Jamison BC Provincial Court

Provincial Courts

Alberta:

Danielle Dalton - Alberta Provincial Court *

Eugene J Creighton - Alberta Provincial Court (retired) Ivan ML Ladouceur Alberta Provincial Court

Karen A Crowshoe - Alberta Provincial Court *

Deborah ML Hanley - Alberta Justice of the Peace *

Thomas Goodson - Alberta Provincial Court (retired)

Grace Auger - Alberta Provincial Court

Saskatchewan:

Michelle Brass - Saskatchewan Provincial Court *

Ken Bellrose - Saskatchewan Provincial Cou11 (retired)

Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond - Saskatchewan Provincial Court (retired) former BC Representative for Children and Youth, now law professor BC Peter A. Allard School of Law

Gerry Morin - Saskatchewan Provincial Court (retired)

Donald Bird - Saskatchewan Provincial Court (retired)

Murray Pelletier - Saskatchewan Provincial Court

Lua Gibb - Saskatchewan Provincial Court

Mary McAuley - Saskatchewan Provincial Court

Manitoba:

Kelly Moar - Manitoba Provincial Court

Doreen Redhead - Manitoba Provincial Court

Kael McKenzie - Manitoba Provincial Court

Ontario:

Terry Vyse - Ontario Court of Justice

Gethin Edward - Ontario Court of Justice

Joyce Lynn Pelletier - Ontario Court of Justice

Peter Isaac - Ontario Court of Justice

Catherine Mathais McDonald - Ontario Court of Justice

Jodie Lynn Waddilove - Ontario Court of Justice*

Timothy C Whetung - Ontario Court of Justice (retired)

Jessica Wolfe – Ontario Court of Justice*

Evelyn Baxter – Ontario Court of Justice*

Jenny Restoule-Mallozzi - Ontario Court of Justice

Catherine Rhinelander - Ontario Court of Justice

Quebec

Mark Phillipe - Provincial Court of Quebec

New Brunswick:

Troy Sweet - NB Provincial Court * (not current)

Graydon Nicholas - NB Provincial Court (retired)

Newfoundland & Labrador:

James Igloliorte  - Newfoundland & Labrador (retired)

Kerri (Kari) Ann Pike – Newfoundland & Labrador Provincial Court

Nova Scotia

Catherine Benton - Provincial and Family Courts of Nova Scotia *

Kelly Sarbu – Nova Scotia Provincial Court

Nunavut

Nicole Sikma - Nunavut Justice of the Peace Court

Joseph Flowers Murdoch - Nunavut Justice of the Peace Court (stepped down 2020) Civil and Administrative Law at Nunavut Legal Aid

Territorial Courts:

Akwesasne

Joyce Tekahnawiiaks King – Akwesasne Court

Indigenous Courts:

Annual Reports

The Board of Directors of the Indigenous Bar Association are pleased to present our 3rd annual report. This report summarizes most of the work the Board undertook in 2022/2023, in collaboration with our Members.

 

ABOUT THE COVER IMAGE AND ARTIST

The IBA is grateful to Lese Skidmore for allowing us to feature her beautiful artwork in this annual report.

Lese Skidmore is a First Nations woman of Anishinaabe and German decent from Roseau River First Nation. At the heart of her 20-year media career is a deep sense of care for Indigenous people, knowledges, cultures and rights. Lese strives towards social justice by creating media to guide Indigenous people towards asserting their agency, and knowledge about their rights, as they navigate oppressive systems. For the last twenty years, Lese has been an editor, producer, director and graphic designer at BearPaw Media and Education. She is currently the Legal Education Media Producer.

The Board of Directors of the Indigenous Bar Association are pleased to present our 2nd annual report. This report summarizes most of the work the Board undertook in 2021/2022, in collaboration with our Members.

 

ABOUT THE COVER IMAGE AND ARTIST

We are so grateful to Mary McPherson for allowing us to feature her beautiful artwork, and elements of it, in this annual report.  

Mary McPherson is a daughter, sister, auntie, and a mixed Anishinaabe member of Couchiching First Nation in Northwestern Ontario, where her family is from. She grew up in Thunder Bay, working as a visual artist in the community while pursuing her undergraduate degree in Fine Arts and Indigenous Learning at Lakehead University. She has since obtained a J.D. from the University of Ottawa and is currently pursuing an LL.M. at Queen’s University.

The Board of Directors of the Indigenous Bar Association are pleased to present our first-ever annual report. This report summarizes most of the work the Board undertook in 2020/2021, in collaboration with our Members.

 

ABOUT THE COVER IMAGE AND ARTIST

We are so grateful to David Werner for allowing us to feature his beautiful artwork, and elements of it, in this annual report.

David is Michif/Métis His family members are Morrissettes from Duck Bay, Manitoba. Going back, his Parenteau family was at Batoche and going back further, they were at the Red River Settlement. Both his great-grandparents went to LeBret residential school around 1906. David’s interest in beadwork came later in life. He says, “We didn’t have any family beadwork pieces and I wanted to create beadwork for my children and future generations. I learned beadwork from Gregory Scofield and Amy Briley, since then all my designs are grounded in Métis and Northern Métis style.” David is a second year law at the University of Saskatchewan. He owns his own business that sells Métis-inspired stickers at metisstickerempire.ca.

Banner Photo by Ulysse Pointcheval, Unsplash | Art Elements by Storm Angeconeb