Indigenous Law & Aboriginal Law: About

 "Canadian Aboriginal law is the body of Canadian law that explores issues related to Indigenous peoples in Canada. Indigenous law refers to the legal traditions, customs and practices of Indigenous peoples and groups" (Banks, "The Rise of Aboriginal Law").

This research guide includes information on both areas of law. Ebooks provide a valuable starting point for research. Loose-leaf texts which give a broad and up to date overview of legal issues, and texts by Indigenous and legal scholars provide subject matter expertise.

The encyclopedias are also a good starting point for research, and these resources link directly to relevant primary source material in the two major legal databases Westlaw Next Canada and Lexis Advance Quicklaw. 

There are numerous online resources available, including research guides, non-governmental information, Truth and Reconciliation documentation, international resources, and an online course.

The top case law in Aboriginal law is available, as are treaty resources and sources of legislation.

Databases that are specific to Indigenous research are listed, as well as legal research databases. Top journals in this area are important for reviewing recent scholarly publications.

Finally, check out these search tips to make finding resources more efficient. For questions about research, contact the Law Library for research help.

Research help is available for students, faculty, and staff Ryerson with legal research questions.

Research help appointments: For one-on-one assistance in refining a legal research topic, finding legal information, and using databases and other resources, book a research appointment. Currently, all Law Library research help appointments are being conducted virtually through Zoom. Email the law librarians or book a time directly in their calendars during office hours (John Papadopoulos is available at john.papadopoulos@ryerson.ca, with bookable office hours, and Lisa Levesque is available at lisa.levesque@ryerson.ca, with bookable office hours).

Email: please email lawlibrary@ryerson.ca for assistance with accessing or using legal information resources and one of the Law Library staff will respond to you.

For the most recent service information during COVID-19, see the updates for students, instructors, and researchers.