University of Manitoba Appoints Brenda Gunn to Phil Fontaine Professorship

• Brenda Gunn appointed as first-ever holder of the Phil Fontaine Professorship in Indigenous Law and Economic Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba.
• Gunn brings extensive experience in community-centered work and scholarship related to UNDRIP, making her an ideal candidate for this role.
• The professorship will focus on identifying and eliminating legal barriers to Indigenous peoples' full participation in the economy on their terms.
• Gunn's research will have far-reaching implications for Indigenous-led economic development projects, particularly those that align with principles of self-determination and revitalizing Indigenous laws.

"Reconciliation requires identifying and removing the colonial and racist foundations of Canada; economic reconciliation begins with recognizing that Indigenous peoples have always engaged in dynamic and diverse economies." - Brenda Gunn

The University of Manitoba Faculty of Law has appointed Brenda Gunn as the first-ever holder of the Phil Fontaine Professorship in Indigenous Law and Economic Reconciliation. The appointment, which took effect on July 1, marks a significant milestone for the university's commitment to Indigenous law and reconciliation. Gunn, an expert member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), brings extensive experience in community-centered work and scholarship related to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

The Phil Fontaine Professorship is a testament to the university's efforts to advance Indigenous law and economic reconciliation. The professorship's mandate aligns with Gunn's contributions to the law faculty, her community-centered work, and her leadership in relation to scholarship and engagement involving UNDRIP. This appointment comes at a critical time, as Canada continues to grapple with the legacy of residential schools and the need for meaningful reconciliation. The professorship will focus on identifying and eliminating legal barriers to Indigenous peoples' full participation in the economy on their terms.

Gunn's appointment is significant not only for the University of Manitoba but also for the broader community. Her research will have far-reaching implications for Indigenous-led economic development projects, particularly those that align with the principles of self-determination and revitalizing Indigenous laws. As a leading expert in this field, Gunn will play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of Indigenous law and its application to economic reconciliation. This appointment is a step towards fulfilling Canada's commitment to UNDRIP and promoting meaningful reconciliation.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for potential opportunities in Indigenous-led economic development projects, particularly those that align with the principles of self-determination and revitalizing Indigenous laws.

Source: Original reporting via University of Manitoba Faculty of Law