Grace chats with Lindsay Borrows, lawyer, author, and linguist. Lindsay is a member of the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation. Her love for the land, water and story-telling inspire her to explore law as a way to strengthen relationships between humans and non-humans in the spaces we call home. Lindsay talks about her new book, Otter’s Journey through Indigenous Language and Law, detailing the parallels between the revitalization of Indigenous language and the revitalization of Indigenous law and explaining the power of having law written on our hearts. She tells the story of “Waabooz, onginii-waabigwaniin gaye” about the rabbit and the roses, giving us a window into one way to engage with Indigenous laws, and discusses the critical link between Indigenous law and climate justice.
Call to Action
Look up at least one of the resources on Indigenous law that Lindsay mentioned on this episode and then share in with your community! I’ve posted some links below to get you started:
Indigenous Law Research Unit (ILRU)
Otter’s Journey through Indigenous Language and Law
Decision of the Heiltsuk (Haíɫzaqv) Dáduqvḷá Committee
Northern Tribes Buffalo Treaty
Indigenous law: an introduction (6-minute video)