Anishinaabe Law with Elders Sherry Copenace and Harry Bone

Professors Aaron Mills and Mark Walter, in collaboration with the Indigenous Law Association de droit autochone (ILADA) welcome Anishinaabe elders Harry Bone (Keeseekoowenin Ojibway Nation) and Sherry Copenace (Ojibway community of Onigaming), to the Faculty of Law for a public lecture.

The elders have declined to give their presentation a title, but have said its purpose will be to explain Anishinaabe law, with elder Copenace saying she will offer an Anishinaabe woman's perspective on Anishinaabe law.

Both of these elders have considerable experience in governance, community, and academic contexts. Their leadership is widely recognized by indigenous communities across northwestern Ontario and Manitoba. Most importantly for us, they are both wonderful supporters of students.

Elder Sherry Copenace:  Born and raised in the Ojibway community of Onigaming, Elder Sherry Copenace is known for her experience in Indigenous social services as well as embracing her Anishnaabe traditions. Currently employed at the University of Manitoba in the MSW-Indigenous Knowledges program, Copenace holds a Masters in Social Work (MSW) which has enabled her to effectively help her community. She has offered and hosted coming of age teachings and ceremonies for young Anishinaabe women. Moreover, she has helped with the GCT3 Women's Council work on developing a water declaration. She is a board member at Wiijii’idiwag Ikwewag and Animikii Ozozon Family Services and has over 25 years of experience working in Indigenous social services. Elder Sherry Copenace is a rising voice for her Indigenous community.

Elder Harry Bone: Member of Keeseekoowenin Ojibway Nation where he served as a Chief and Director of Education, Elder Harry Bone has worked tirelessly throughout his life to bolster Indigenous rights. While a graduate student at the University of Manitoba, he was a Student Advisor and Lecturer. Elder Bone worked as a CEO at the West Region Tribal Council, as a Director of the Manitoba Indian Education Authority, as Director of Native Programs for the Federal Government and as a Vice-President of Aboriginal Cultural Centres of Canada. Elder Bone’s expertise in First Nations governance at all levels of government is well regarded. His delegations have been instrumental in furthering many projects for the benefit of all Manitobans as well as Indigenous communities across Canada. By and large, Elder Harry Bone is recognized for his tireless and trendsetting work that continues to advance Aboriginal education in Canada.

This event is made possible through the support of the Dean's Office, the F.R. Scott Chair held by Prof. Mark Walters, and ILADA.