Indigenous Women for Innovation in Law (IWIL) was established by four Indigenous women lawyers who seek, as their primary mandate, to increase Indigenous women’s voices in the design, drafting, interpretation and implementation of law in Canada.

They bring with them “lived experience”. The purpose of IWIL is to bring together Indigenous women lawyers who wish to engage in the practice of law, legal advocacy, research, training and dissemination of legal knowledge and perspectives amongst the Indigenous community. In achieving this objective, IWIL shall function as a not-for-profit membership-based corporation designed to bring together Indigenous women in dialogue, education and collaboration. IWIL will advance the right of self-determination of Indigenous peoples, and responsible and democratic governance at all levels of government, including Indigenous government.

As a full-service firm, the Guild delivers contemporary projects, from the client-oriented creative process to the latest building methodologies and construction techniques applied to building sites. We are proud to achieve that through close collaboration with team members, consultants, contractors, and trades.

The vision for IWIL is to promote the humanity of Indigenous peoples through respectful, inclusive and equitable interactions on legal matters of importance to Indigenous peoples through innovative and transformative ways. IWIL seeks to promote the legal rights, values, cultures and knowledge systems of Indigenous peoples and promote a robust and holistic understanding of the legal systems and laws that affect Indigenous peoples, including customary law. IWIL takes a trauma informed approach; they establish and maintain an environment where people trust and respect each other, and express their views freely. They treat all individuals in a respectful, considerate, and constructive manner while maintaining effective working relationships.

While IWIL is situated in Saskatchewan, the goals of the organization will not be influenced by borders and IWIL shall serve Indigenous women wherever they are able to do so across Canada. In keeping with the eligibility requirements, IWIL seeks to promote Indigenous perspectives
through the advancement of knowledge and understanding regarding existing policy, law and regulations and advance approaches to development of new laws, and implementation of existing laws which are informed by Indigenous women’s voices, needs and perspectives.

Through the establishment of networks, gatherings, meetings and interviews with lawmakers, governments, including Indigenous governments and Indigenous women. Grassroots engagement, policy analysis and individual, community and governance capacity will be targeted. As Prime Minister Carney advances a One Economy approach in advancing Canada’s future, the revitalization of traditional Indigenous economic relations, trade relations, culturally-based approaches to development must be understood and promoted. Indigenous women must be brought into the level of dialogues that creates real influence and change in the design and implementation of existing legal frameworks. The barriers which must be removed in building one Canadian economy must also include the barriers which keep Indigenous women in lower socio-economic situations and poverty.