THE IBA CONGRATULATES DAVID C. NAHWEGAHBOW, DOCTOR OF LAWS, HONORIS CAUSA (LLD)
For Immediate Release
Thursday, June 16, 2022
Ottawa, ON – Please join the Indigenous Bar Association in Canada (the “IBA”) in celebrating David C. Nahwegahbow, IPC, LSM, as he is presented with a degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa (LLD) on June 16, 2022 at the Law Society of Ontario’s Call to the Bar ceremony in Ottawa, Ontario.
A member of the Whitefish River First Nation, Mr. Nahwegahbow is one of Canada’s leading Indigenous lawyers and the founding partner of Nahwegahbow Corbiere Genoodmagejig. He has represented First Nations and First Nations organizations at the Supreme Court of Canada, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, and at various federal and provincial trial and appellate courts. Mr. Nahwegahbow’s recent work includes efforts to eliminate discrimination against First Nations children in care; and, work on behalf of 21 First Nation signatories to the Robinson Huron Treaty alleging breach of treaty, breach of fiduciary duty and failure to uphold the honour of the crown.
The IBA is proud of Mr. Nahwegahbow and his many accolades, including the National Aboriginal Achievement Award (Now called the Indspire Awards) for Law and Justice in 2008; induction into the Common Law Honour Society for the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law in 2010; Law Society Medal in 2011; and the Advocates Society Award of Justice in 2021.
IBA President Drew Lafond states, “David Nahwegahbow has contributed so much to the Indigenous Bar over the years. His excellent advocacy, mentorship and philanthropy has strongly contributed to the development of Indigenous law and Indigenous legal professionals.” The Law Society awards honourary doctorates each year to distinguished individuals in recognition of outstanding achievements in the legal profession, the rule of law or the cause of justice. “Mr. Nahwegahbow is exceedingly deserving of this award for the work he has done in advancing Aboriginal and Indigenous law in Canada and the IBA sends its sincerest congratulations” says Mr. Lafond.
The IBA is the only national association of Indigenous lawyers (practicing and non-practicing), legal academics and scholars, articling clerks and law students, including graduate and post-graduate law students and paralegals in Canada. The IBA’s mandate includes, inter alia, advocating for the recognition of Indigenous laws, legal traditions, protocols and process; promoting the reform of policies and laws affecting Indigenous peoples in Canada; and fostering public awareness within the legal community in respect of legal and social issues of concern to Indigenous peoples in Canada.
