Research

The Mino-Waabandan Inaakonigewinan Indigenous Law and Justice partners and
collaborates with Indigenous communities and organizations to research Indigenous
laws and governance. We have a particular interest in research that helps to renew
Indigenous laws and governance.

Our approach is community-led and focused on relationship-building. We work by
invitation and collaborate with communities and organizations at every stage of a
research project. We develop research questions that respond to community needs.

The Institute’s focus is on projects that will help communities address current
challenges and promote community wellness. We recognize that justice for Indigenous
communities is often a restorative practice that involves supporting both individual and
community wellness.

Our research is informed by an Anishinaabe worldview which recognizes the
importance of establishing and maintaining kinship relationships. We understand that
kinship—knowledge of one’s relationships and corresponding responsibilities within a
community—is often the foundation of community wellness.

The Institute hopes to use research materials generated from community partnerships
to educate others about Indigenous laws and to help other communities and
organizations articulate and renew their own laws.

We engage law students to assist with our research to build the capacity of future
lawyers and legal scholars to better understand Indigenous laws and to build
relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations. We also help to build the
knowledge and capacity of our Indigenous students with the goal of bringing that
knowledge and capacity back to communities.

For communities and organizations conducting their own research projects, we may be
able to connect you with law students to assist with research and other law revitalization
work.