Before law school, Dr. Val Napoleon worked as a community activist with the Gitxsan and Wet'suwet'en Peoples of British Columbia. She learned their legal traditions holistically - from those actively practicing them - an experience that profoundly shaped her approach to law. This foundation continues to influence her work as she reimagines the possibilities for both Indigenous and Canadian legal systems.

A member of the Saulteaux First Nation and an adopted member of the Gitenyau, Dr. Napoleon is a trailblazer in the revitalization of Indigenous law. She began law school as a grandmother and has since dedicated her career to exploring Indigenous legal traditions. As the Law Foundation Chair of Indigenous Justice at the University of Victoria, she founded the Indigenous Law Research Unit and co-created a dual law degree in common and Indigenous law. She also co-founded the National Centre for Indigenous Law and leads efforts to holistically rebuild Indigenous legal orders. Dr. Napoleon continues to shape the teaching, learning, and practice of law in Canada.

Photo: Greg Miller

Resources:

Indigenous Law Research unit: https://ilru.ca/ 

Building justice and shaping the evolution of law is an ongoing pursuit—one that Frank Iacobucci has dedicated his life to. In this episode of Obiter, we explore his remarkable career and enduring impact on Canadian law reform.

A graduate of UBC and Cambridge, Iacobucci began his legal career in New York before returning to Canada to teach law in Toronto. He later became Dean of the University of Toronto’s Law School, moved into university leadership, and ultimately took on key roles in government and the judiciary. His path led him to Ottawa, where he served as Deputy Minister of Justice, Chief Justice of the Federal Court, and then Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada from 1991 to 2004.

Beyond the bench, Iacobucci has shaped justice through the academy, reviews and inquiries, and as the federal government’s chief negotiator for the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement. In this conversation, he reflects on his career, the evolution of law, and the legacy he hopes to leave for future jurists. His insights offer a profound look at law as a force for justice, reconciliation, and progress.

Photo: Torys LLP

Dans cet épisode d'Obiter, Shauna Van Praagh, présidente de la Commission du droit du Canada, reçoit Kim Thùy, écrivaine québécoise d’origine vietnamienne qui a aussi été interprète, restauratrice, et juriste. Kim Thùy partage l’histoire émouvante de son arrivée au Canada et l’accueil des gens de Granby, avant de discuter de son parcours en droit et ses influences sur son œuvre littéraire. Le tout conclu par une réflexion inspirante sur l'optimisme et l'espoir.

Photo: Karine Levesque

Obiter : Vivre le droit, poursuivre la justice, renouveler l’espoir est un balado de la Commission du droit du Canada, animé par sa présidente, Shauna Van Praagh. S'inspirant du terme juridique obiter dicta – des mots d’abord considérés comme secondaires mais qui s'avèrent parfois les plus importants – le balado met en lumière des aspects inaperçus mais significatifs du droit et de la justice.

Chaque épisode propose des conversations stimulantes avec des personnes de tout le Canada qui façonnent, remettent en question et réimaginent le droit de manière novatrice et significative. Qu'il s'agisse de juristes, d'universitaires, d'activistes ou d’artistes, les invités apportent des perspectives uniques sur l’évolution du droit et son rôle dans la promotion de la justice et de l'espoir.

Obiter explore les nombreux espaces où le droit opère en soulignant sa complexité, sa créativité et son impact humain. En remettant en question les hypothèses et en élargissant les perspectives, le balado présente la réforme du droit comme un effort collectif dynamique qui prend de nombreuses formes.

À travers de riche discussions, Obiter encourage les auditeurs à réfléchir, à s'interroger et à se connecter, ce qui en fait plus qu'un simple balado juridique - c'est une plateforme d'enquête, d'inspiration et de compréhension approfondie de la justice au Canada.

Obiter: living law, pursuing justice, renewing hope is a compelling podcast from the Law Commission of Canada, hosted by its President, Shauna Van Praagh. Rooted in the legal term obiter dicta—words initially seen as secondary but sometimes proving to be the most significant—the podcast shines a light on overlooked yet powerful aspects of law and justice.

Each episode features thought-provoking conversations with individuals across Canada who are shaping, challenging, and reimagining law in innovative and meaningful ways. From lawyers and scholars to activists and artists, guests bring unique perspectives on the evolution of law and its role in promoting justice and fostering hope.

Obiter explores the many spaces where law operates, highlighting its complexity, creativity, and human impact. By challenging assumptions and broadening perspectives, the podcast positions law reform as a dynamic, collective effort that takes many forms.

Through engaging discussions, Obiter encourages listeners to reflect, question, and connect, making it more than just a legal podcast—it’s a platform for inquiry, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of justice in Canada.