The Schulich School of Law, in partnership with the Faculty of Management, are currently engaged in a two-year project to identify and undertake engagement with potential partners towards the development of a long-term plan for the funding and maintenance of an Lnuwey Dêbludaqan Wiguom (Mìgmaq Law Lodge) at Dalhousie University. The Wiguom (wee-gu-om) will be an interdisciplinary research and training unit to support and assist Indigenous communities in Atlantic Canada in the revitalization of their laws, governance, and economic participation (Indigenomics).

A “wiguom” refers to a wigwam — the style of shelter traditionally used by the Lnùg (the Mìgmaq people). Wiguoml (the plural of Wiguom) could be easily disassembled and reassembled at different locations to support the seasonal land-use patterns of the Mi’kmaq. The portability of Lnu wiguoml and dêbludaqann (laws) will be reflected in the design of our Wiguom. While the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University will be one home for the revitalization work, we by no means intend it as the only home. We will encourage and support the development of Lnuwey Dêbludaqan Wiguom or related complementary units, and engagement in law and governance revitalization projects, within other universities, Indigenous communities and organizations in Atlantic Canada.

Key Activities

Answering TRC Call to Action 50, and bringing a regional focus to established practice models, the Wiguom will be an impact oriented forum for recovering knowledge and developing strategies to support Indigenous communities as they exercise their right to self determination. Specifically, the Wiguom will:

1. Identify and undertake revitalization projects in partnership with Indigenous communities and organizations in the areas of Indigenous law, governance and Indigenomics.

2. Identify, gather and make accessible the various resources that can be harnessed to revitalize Indigenous laws (e.g., stories, language, place names, etc).

3. Promote wise practices and effective methodologies in the revitalization and implementation of Indigenous law, governance and Indigenomics.

4. Provide teaching and training on revitalization and implementation to Indigenous organizations and community members, the legal profession, government and business leaders, students and the general public.

5. Establish and maintain a body of practical public educational resources to support Indigenous governments and organizations in achieving their objectives and to assist Canadian governments, businesses and the general public as they seek to better understand and incorporate Indigenous perspectives.

6. Amplify the diverse perspectives within Indigenous communities, particularly those of women, 2SLGBTQQIA people, elders and youth.

To find out more about the Wiguom, provide questions or comment, please contact wikuom@dal.ca or visit us on Facebook.

To donate to the Wiguom, visit giving.dal.ca/wikuom or click click here.

To read our Interim Report on our work to build the Wiguom, click here.

To learn more about the design of our logo, click here.

Header image courtesy of the Nova Scotia Archives.