Indigenous Legal Studies

We are proud to have one of the highest enrollment numbers of Indigenous law students in Canada. Since 1975, hundreds of Indigenous students have graduated from the law school. Many of these graduates are now leaders who have helped to redefine Indigenous legal issues in Canada. Our alumni include Jody Wilson-Raybould, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada; the late Judge Alfred Scow, the first Aboriginal lawyer and judge in British Columbia; and The Honourable Steven Point, former Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and recently appointed Chancellor of UBC.

With strong support from faculty members, staff, and students associated with Indigenous Legal Studies, the Allard School of Law recruits and supports Indigenous law students, offers courses in Aboriginal and Indigenous law, conducts research often in partnership with Indigenous peoples and nations, provides legal assistance to Indigenous peoples through the Indigenous Community Legal Clinic in the Downtown Eastside, and generally fosters a greater understanding of the place of Indigenous peoples in Canadian society and abroad.

Apply now under the Indigenous applicants category

View ILS Brochure (PDF)

Browse our scholarships, awards and bursaries

Read our response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action

Specialization in Indigenous Legal Studies

Provides JD students an opportunity to be recognized for concentrating studies on courses related to Indigenous legal issues.

Kawaskimhon (Aboriginal Rights) Moot

Students gain valuable insights by being coached by practicing lawyers and experiencing multi party consensus based negotiations on Indigenous legal issues with teams from across Canada.

Indigenous Community Legal Clinic

The clinic provides students with the opportunity to gain practical hands-on experience , while serving a historically under-served and marginalized community.

Student Support

We offer a diverse range of academic, cultural, and career support to Indigenous students.

Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre

Indigenous Cultural Competency Certificate

Participants in this program are exposed to concepts and materials on decolonization, Indigenous laws, and Elder-led teachings.

Indigenous Features at Allard Hall

Allard Hall includes several features designed to reflect Musqueam culture and the role of Musqueam.

Contact Us

There is a dedicated team of faculty, staff and students here to answer your questions. Explore ILS committee member and Indigenous faculty profiles.

Featured Articles

Welcoming Jessica Buffalo back to Allard Law as Academic Director, Indigenous Community Legal Clinic

Jessica Buffalo is from Samson Cree Nation/Nipisikohpahk, and her Cree/nehiyawak name is Maskwa Iskwêw, meaning Bear Woman. Jessica obtained her Juris Doctor from Peter A. Allard School of Law at UBC in 2016 and was called to the Alberta Bar in 2017 after completing her articles at Calgary Legal Guidance. In 2022, Jessica moved to the Law Society of Alberta as the first Indigenous Initiatives Counsel. In this role, she led initiatives aimed at advancing Reconciliation, particularly focusing on ensuring Call to Action 27 is adhered to.

The practice and ethics of Aboriginal law: Meet Assistant Professor Scott Franks

Scott Franks is a citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation and an expert on Canadian Aboriginal law and Indigenous legal theory and practice. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Peter A. Allard School of Law as an assistant professor. Professor Franks' research focuses on the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian state and the legal histories of the modern period of Aboriginal law jurisprudence.