Igniting Indigenous Law: Writing a Law that Uplifts Our Laws

In 2025, the Tŝilhqot’in Nation enacted the Tŝilhqot’in ʔEsqax & Desniqi Dechen Ts’edilhtan, or Tŝilhqot’in Children and Family Law under the framework created in the federal Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children, youth and families [C-92]. The Tŝilhqot’in law is more broadly described as Tŝilhqot’in ʔEsqax Sutsel Jeniyax, or Tŝilhqot’in children growing up in a good way.

This law is particularly noteworthy amongst the laws enacted under the C-92 framework, as it includes many components reflective of the Nation itself, and not seen in most legislation, such as Tŝilhqot’in stories, artwork, diagrams, and other teachings.

The Wahkohtowin Law and Governance Lodge is proud to welcome the team behind the drafting of this groundbreaking piece of legislation: Renee Racette, Marilyn Charleyboy, and Todd Koverchuk. This team will be visiting the University of Alberta Faculty of Law on November 5, 2026 for a public panel discussion entitled: 

Igniting Indigenous Law: Writing a Law that Uplifts our Laws.

Drafting an Indigenous law asks something different of lawyers. In this session, the panel will share what they learned while drafting a law that truly reflects a Nation's culture and legal traditions, braiding together land, language and people. They will explore new approaches, why this process differs from any other drafting, how culture, traditional protocols and ceremony shape the work itself, and the shift from being the expert to being the learner and engaging in co-development with Language Speakers and Knowledge Keepers. Participants will leave with practical lessons for their own work with Indigenous communities.

Register now for either in-person (lunch provided) or virtual attendance.