University of Alberta honours Vanier scholar Hadley Friedland

The University of Alberta recognized the achievements of Vanier Canada Graduate Scholar Hadley Friedland at “Celebrate!”—an annual event that recognizes individuals for outstanding academic and extracurricular work.

Having completed her master’s degree in law, Friedland received a 2011 Vanier scholarship for her doctoral research into the law within Cree stories. As the mother of two Cree children, she holds a deep respect for aboriginal traditions, and believes that applying the principles presented in traditional stories to the legal field will improve outcomes for people involved in the justice system.

“I think law is a resource for reasoning and solving problems, and I think there are Cree legal principles that can be explored as useful tools for today’s issues. I see practical ways to bridge some gaps in how the Canadian justice system interacts with Aboriginal Peoples—even beyond recognized protocols as to what is culturally appropriate.

“My goal is to put aboriginal legal traditions on the same footing as other legal traditions in Canada.”

Friedland’s doctoral thesis explores how Cree legal principles can be applied to modern governance, criminal and family law issues, and used during consultations on aboriginal and treaty rights. Her work builds on her master’s thesis that studied stories of the Windigo—a dreaded figure who brought harm to a community—in the context of child victimization.

“There are stories about group responses to the Windigo that could apply equally today to people who are, for example, struggling with violence or addiction,” Friedland said. “Aboriginal societies had intellectual resources—principled ways of solving those human issues before the Europeans arrived.”

Valued at $50,000 a year for three years, the Vanier scholarship will allow Friedland to provide for her family, while she devotes herself full time to her thesis. “It’s an amazing honour and opportunity for me, a huge gift.”