RENEWAL

BUILDING CAPACITY FOR A MULTI-JURIDICAL FUTURE

STUDENT DAY

NILSA AGENDA
THE INDIGENOUS BAR ASSOCIATION
35TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS LAW

STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

OCTOBER 12, 2023

GIIWEDIN KI, RAMA
 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Tansi!

It fills my heart with immense pride and gratitude to address you in my

last days as your President. As we navigate through the ups and downs,
the triumphs and challenges, the National Indigenous Law Students’
Association stands shoulder to shoulder in our coordinated efforts
to support our fellow Indigenous Law Students. Our membership is
built upon the principles of connectivity and alliance. Together, we
have stood up for what is just, always remembering that our greatest
Me strength lies in our unity.
linda Moch

First and foremost, to bring the past year to a close, I want to thank our most amazing Executive
Team this year for their constancy and reliability. The knowledge and comfort of being joined by
such incredible folks in this journey was, each and every day, a true source of joy.

I commend each and every one of you for your resilience and unwavering spirit as Indigenous Law
Students. Your present and your future are of such importance to our communities and our people
across Turtle Island. We tread incredibly rough terrain. We often walk these journeys alone – as
“firsts” from our families or communities. My mother (usually in the kitchen, peeling or chopping
vegetables) would wisely remind me that the weight of hope is equal to the weight of a human
child, for children are the future. For Indigenous students, the weight of hope is much heavier. It is
the weight of all future Indigenous students that we carry, for they are the key to our future.

This past year has showcased the unparalleled strength of our community in the face of many
emotional days. Let us continue to support and uplift one another while we break down the barriers
that have been placed in our way and clear the terrain for future students.

Wiichinhinaan kwayesh ka-pimohteehk.

Help us to walk in a good way.

Miigwetch, Marsii,
Melinda

NILSA EXECUTIVES 2022-2023

Melinda Moch, President
Shelby Sinclair, Vice-President First Nations
Sage Hartmann, Vice-President Métis
Megan Reti, Vice-President Finance
Brooke Cross-Worobec, Communications Officer
Kate Anderson, Communications Officer
Vaughn Beaulieu-Mercredi, First Year Rep.
Sarah Schmaus, Second Year Rep.
Sarah Turcotte (Johnson), Third Year Rep.
Kyle Jordan Risby, Black/Indigenous Rep.
Anita Cardinal, Articling Student Rep.
Mayhève Clara Rondeau, Civil Law Rep.
Casey Caines, IBA Rep.
Brendan Schatti, IBA Rep.

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THURSDAY
OCTOBER 12

N I L S A S T U D E N T DAY

8:00 - 9:00
BREAKFAST
*Bus to Giiwedin Ki departs Casino Rama at 9:00

9:30 - 10:00
OPENING REMARKS & PRAYER
Introduction to the “Measuring Revitalization of Indigenous Laws” Project

Lori Mishibinijima, IBA Director & Program Manager, Indigenous Initiatives, Osgoode Hall Law School
Jeffery G. Hewitt, IPC, Associate Professor, Osgoode Hall Law School,
General Counsel and Director of Governance, Chippewas of Rama First Nation

10:00 - 10:30
INDIGENOUS DIPLOMACY - INTRODUCTORY ANISHINAABEMOWIN
Introduce youself in Anishinaabemowin while in Anishinaabe territory

Marsha Shilling, Curriculum Advisor, Mnjikaning Kendaaswin Elementary School,

Chippewas of Rama First Nation

10:30 - 10:45 BREAK

10:45 - 12:30 MEASURING REVITALIZATION OF INDIGENOUS LAWS
Anishinaabe Art & Law - Drawing Revitalization of Indigenous Laws

Chief Lady Bird, Illustrator, Educator & Community Activist, Chippewas of Rama First Nation

Guiding Questions & Field Work (outside)

Lori Mishibinijima, Jeffery G. Hewitt

12:30 - 1:15 LUNCH

1:15 - 2:45 MEASURING REVITALIZATION OF INDIGENOUS LAWS (CONTINUED)
Field Work (outside)

Chief Lady Bird, Lori Mishibinijima, Jeffery G. Hewitt

2:45 - 3:00 BREAK

2:45 - 4:15
MEASURING REVITALIZATION OF INDIGENOUS LAWS (CONTINUED)
Field Work (outside) & Final Thoughts

Chief Lady Bird, Lori Mishibinijima, Jeffery G. Hewitt

4:15 - 4:30 WRAP-UP & TRANSPORT BACK TO CASINO RAMA

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ABOUT THE “MEASURING REVITALIZATION” PROJECT
The “Measuring Revitalization of Indigenous Laws” project seeks to examine and
engage with our considerable and collective efforts to create space for the practice
of Indigenous laws in our Nations and communities. In order to look forward, we will
look at the ongoing barriers we face; what does it mean to revitalize Indigenous laws?
What does it look like? What tools are needed to help Indigenous Nations implement
their own laws? While one of the goals is to create resources for courts and tribunals
to support the practical exercise of Indigenous law, this content is also being shared
to support your legal education. You are encouraged to use your experience here to
advocate for the revitalization of Indigenous law within your respective law schools.

Please note that part of the day involves fieldwork and will be taking place outside.
As such, we ask that you make sure to wear comfortable, warm clothing (including
appropriate footwear) that is both suitable for outside as well as arts & crafts activities.