In June of 2022, judges from coast to coast to coast attended a dynamic, informative conference in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, hosted by the Canadian Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges (CCIAWJ). The theme of the conference was “Innovation and Innovators.”

Participants enjoyed the endless sunshine (23 hours a day over the summer solstice) and the warmth of the northern people in the Yellowknife community. Attendees explored the beauty of Canada’s far north by hiking, boating and/or taking float plane excursions. They celebrated National Indigenous Peoples Day by attending a community gathering in a local park.

The conference commenced with scientific presentations from innovators beyond the courts describing the “innovative collaborations” approach that they use to enhance the development of treatments for viruses, including COVID-19. Attendees were invited to consider how that approach might be applied in the judicial context. 

Next, legal innovators from across the country described the various approaches that they engage in to support indigenous knowledge and reconciliation in the judicial context. One day focused exclusively on legal innovation in the north.

Susan Glazebrook, President of the International Association of Women Judges, attended in person and spoke about the many current initiatives of the Association. Afghan judge Wahida spoke about the struggles that she endured while living in Afghanistan once the Taliban seized power in August 2021. She also described the challenges she faces as a new immigrant and the enormous support that she has received from the Canadian judges, both before and after she arrived in Vancouver.

One of the highlights of the conference was the visit to the Artic Wellness and Healing Centre. Dene indigenous elders warmly welcomed participants and spoke about Dene law. Later in the week, a small coalition of judges accepted an invitation to prepare and serve breakfast to indigenous homeless persons at the Healing Centre. It was a humbling moment of community engagement.

Conference participants went home reconnected to their sister judges, their luggage filled with treasures from the silent auction and their hearts filled with inspiration.

-Contributed by CCIAWJ Member Catrina Braid-

*Visit the Photo Gallery in the Members section to view photos of this and other CCIAWJ events!