Lafleur returns to Indigenous Law Centre
In August Chris Lafleur will begin his second term at the Indigenous Law Centre in the USask College of Law.
Chris Lafleur is joining the Indigenous Law Centre at the University of Saskatchewan College of Law (USask Law) as interim director.
His term begins August 16. It is his second posting with the centre; he served as acting director in 2016.
Lafleur, a Métis lawyer from Saskatchewan, comes to the centre from his position as General Counsel with the federal Department of Justice in Saskatoon.
“I am looking forward to returning to the Indigenous Law Centre for the coming school year. My hope is to aid in bringing the ideals and values of the centre a step further,” he said.
“Chris brings a strong understanding of the centre and its mission,” said Martin Phillipson, dean of USask Law. “In addition to that, the insight and expertise he’s gained during his career will be invaluable to our students. We’re delighted he’s returning to the centre.”
During his 30-year career with Justice, Lafleur was involved with various files dealing with Indigenous Economic Development, including lead counsel for Justice on the First Nations Fiscal Management Act; the Muskowekwan First Nation Solution Potash Mining Regulations and the addition of the First Nations University of Canada to urban reserve land.
He also worked on numerous Comprehensive Claims, as well as litigation and self-government negotiations across Canada. Lafleur also acted as lead counsel on the Cowessess First Nation Child and Family Services Coordination Agreement, the first under An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families.
The Indigenous Law Centre, then known as the Native Law Centre, was founded in 1975 by Roger Carter, former dean of USask Law. It was the first such program in Canada. The centre is committed to:
- facilitating access to legal education for Indigenous peoples
- promoting the development of Canada’s laws and legal system in ways that better accommodate the advancement of Indigenous peoples and communities
- disseminating information about Indigenous peoples and the law
Together, we will work towards Truth and Reconciliation. We invite you to join by supporting Indigenous achievement at USask.