Indigenous Jurists and Academics Tour

This October, Aotearoa welcomes a distinguished delegation of Indigenous judges and legal scholars from Canada, the United States, and Samoa for a nationwide speaking tour. The tour is hosted in partnership with Te Kapuinga Whakawā Manatōpū (Māori Judges Incorporated Society), with support from the Borrin Foundation and the New Zealand Law Society.

In Aotearoa for the inaugural International Indigenous Judges Conference, six global thought leaders will share powerful insights into the complex intersections of Indigenous and state law. Central to the kōrero is the provocative question:

“Indigenous judging – or judges who happen to be Indigenous?”

As our country actively explores and debates the role of tikanga within the legal system, this tour provides a timely opportunity to engage with international perspectives and deepen our collective understanding of Indigenous jurisprudence.

Join us for an inspiring series of public events that will challenge, inform, and elevate the conversation on the place of Indigenous law in society.

SPEAKERS

The Honourable Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin
Supreme Court of Canada

The Honourable Judge Karen Whonnock
Provincial Court of British Columbia, Canada

Professor Leilani Tuala-Warren
Former Supreme Court Judge, Samoa; Dean, School of Law, University of Waikato, Aotearoa

The Honourable Justice Johanna Price
Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, Canada

The Honourable Judge Peggy L. Bird
Former Chief Judge, Pueblo of Pojoaque Tribal Court; over 19 years’ service as a tribal judge across multiple Pueblo Indian Nations, United States

Associate Professor Naiomi Metallic
Chancellor’s Chair in Aboriginal Law and Policy, Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University, Canada

Please see attached document for speaker profiles.

EVENT FORMAT

5:30pm: Guests arrive
5.45pm: Guests are seated
6.00pm: Lecture
7.00pm: Kai & mix and mingle
7.45pm: Event closes