Get Inspired: Innovation in Judging and in the North 2022

Overview

This joint seminar of the Canadian Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) examined a variety of social context topics relevant to the work of the courts: using creative thinking to solve challenging problems, the impact of residential schools on Indigenous children, the unique issues of conservation in the North, and strategies for furthering the goals of reconciliation.

Objective

The objectives of the seminar were to enhance participants' awareness of current social context issues facing courts, particularly in the North, and to develop skills such as creativity and innovation, as well as practical strategies to further the goals of reconciliation.

Summary

This seminar explored how judges can appropriately address emerging issues by thinking creatively and innovating. The program included presentations and discussions with judges, legal academics and multidisciplinary speakers about how they have used innovative methods in their fields to address and overcome obstacles. Led by experienced judges, participants also learned about novel strategies to implement the principles of reconciliation within their courtrooms. Following those discussions, participants had the opportunity to hear an Indigenous author share her perspective on these issues. The seminar also focused on social context and legal issues in the North and included a visit to the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Centre to meet with Dene elders. Finally, the seminar ended with an exploration of the efforts of the IAWJ to support and relocate Afghan women judges.