Program Directors
Renée Pelletier
Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP
Michelle Wood
General Counsel, Civil Law Division, Ministry of Natural Resources Legal Services Branch (Ontario Government)
Eligible for
If your work engages with Indigenous issues, this is the foundational grounding you need to navigate this complex area. Now available On Demand for a limited time.
This is a concise, deep dive into the knowledge and practical strategies you need to be able to work more thoughtfully and effectively. Over 6 intensive modules, acquire the key information, strategies and insights you need to effectively navigate legal issues involving Indigenous Peoples.
Learn at your own pace from a truly outstanding faculty of experts from across Canada – representing government, Indigenous and industry perspectives – with in-depth discussions about foundational issues, focusing not just on the law itself, but also those practical considerations that are key to understanding the rapidly changing environment.
This self-paced program is a recording of the Certificate in Fundamentals in Indigenous Peoples and Canadian Law that ran live October – November, 2026. Registrants will have access to all of the program lectures and materials. There will also be live (via ZOOM) drop-in sessions where you can ask questions and engage with colleagues and our Program Directors.
The program launches February 22, 2027 (at which time registrants will get access to the ondemand content). Registration closes March 29, 2027.
Registration includes 120-day unlimited, online access to the recorded program.
What You’ll Learn
The aim of the program is to give you a practical and foundational understanding of Indigenous rights and title; the Constitutional framework; reserve lands and developments on reserve; treaty interpretation; modern treaties; and the duty to consult framework and practical strategies.
The historic narrative and Constitutional framework
An overview of the case law and key legal concepts from the last 40 years
Understanding historic treaties – the context, perspectives and contemporary realities
The Indian Act: key issues for practitioners and policy makers
“Section 35” – understanding its purpose, framework and emerging issues
Understanding modern day treaties using case studies and a Canada wide comparative analysis, including First Nation, Inuit and Métis perspectives
Addressing overlapping territories, private lands, submerged land and waterways
The Duty to Consult and Accommodate – its origins, recent case law developments and practical strategies
Consultation approaches, policies and perspectives across Canada, including best practices
Indigenous self-governance
UNDRIP and what it means going forward
Who Should Attend
Lawyers practicing in the areas of Aboriginal law, natural resources, environmental and Constitutional law
Government lawyers/officials – federal, provincial and municipal sectors
In-house Counsel, particularly those working in the energy, resource and infrastructure development sectors
Leaders, councilors and advisors of Indigenous governments, nations and communties
Negotiators and mediators for industry, government and Indigenous governments, nations and communties
Faculty
Program Directors
Renée Pelletier
Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP
Michelle Wood
General Counsel, Civil Law Division, Ministry of Natural Resources Legal Services Branch (Ontario Government)
Advisory Board
Keith B. Bergner
Lawson Lundell LLP, Vancouver
Christopher Devlin
Devlin Gailus Westaway Law Corporation, Victoria
Katherine Hensel
Fogler, Rubinoff LLP
Peter W. Hutchins
Hutchins Legal Inc., Montréal
Thomas Isaac
Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, Vancouver
Robert Janes K.C.
JFK Law Corporation, Victoria
Peter R. Lemmond
Counsel, Ministry of the Attorney General, Crown Law Office – Civil
Naiomi W. Metallic
Burchells LLP, Halifax
Instructors
Chester Langille
Director, Strategic Coordination & Claims Services/Indigenous Affairs & First Nations Economic Reconciliation
“This is an excellent program for Indigenous leaders, practitioners and government workers involved in Indigenous affairs. It provides a greater understanding and awareness of the foundation of Canadian and Indigenous relations and current legal framework.”
Agenda
Register
Please Note:
We offer this certificate in two formats. To view our available dates for the live certificate offering, please visit this page.
Program Launches Feb 22, 2027
The program launches February 22, 2027 (at which time registrants will get access to the On Demand content). Registration closes March 29, 2027.
Q+A Drop-Ins (Optional): February 25, March 23, April 13 & May 4, 2027 (all scheduled for 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET)
$3,995 + TAX
Time
Printable Registration Form
If a downloadable form is required, please contact osgoodepd@osgoode.yorku.ca.
Bursary – Indigenous Learners
OsgoodePD Bursary for Indigenous Learners OsgoodePD offers financial assistance to individual learners who identify as Indigenous (defined as Status, Non-Status, Métis, and Inuit). A limited number of bursaries are available, and these will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
TO APPLY: Bursary Application (yorku.ca)
“Is financial assistance or funding available?”
As law evolves, we know how important it is to stay up to date. We also understand the financial implications of continuously upgrading your professional skills and knowledge. For more information on available options, including Job Grants, OSAP, please visit:
Certificate Requirements
To be eligible for the Osgoode Certificate, participants must complete all six modules and receive a passing grade on each of the post-program day multiple choice assessments. All must be completed by May 10, 2027.
Kenn Ross
Sr Manager Indigenous Relations, OPG
“This program will enhance the acumen of anyone engaged on the Indigenous Relations space; it will help you do your job better. ”
CPD and Accreditation
OsgoodePD is an accredited provider with the LSO, the Law Society of BC and NY CLE Board. Select your location to view the eligible hours you may claim.
| Substantive | 38h 15m |
|---|---|
| Professionalism | 2h 30m |
| EDI | 4h |
| Total | 44h 45m |
| LAWPRO Risk Credit Management | Yes |
|---|
Are you reporting hours from a previous date?
View our CPD & Accreditation page to see previously calculated hours for this course.
LAWPRO
This program is approved for LAWPRO Risk Management Credit.
Deeper Learning Opportunities
LLMs
Are you a law graduate or an executive/senior professional with at least 5 years of specialized experience? Consider a full-time or part-time LLM degree.
Part-time LLMs Full-time LLMsSingle Course Enrollment
Do you have an LLB/JD? Consider taking a single LLM course for deeper learning in a specific area of practice – all credits will apply towards a Professional LLM.
Explore LLM coursesFrequently Asked Questions
Client and Technical Support
Have questions? Get advice in person, by email or over the phone.
Program content questions
Alison Hurst, Program Lawyer
ahurst@osgoode.yorku.ca
Registration questions
Technical support
Online Technical Requirements
To ensure you do not encounter any issues that will impact or limit your learning experience, please review the following information.