Douglas Sanderson to receive honorary doctorate from Concordia University

Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii), a professor, Prichard Wilson Chair in Law and Public Policy and decanal adviser on Indigenous issues at the Faculty of Law, will receive an honorary doctorate from Concordia University. 

The university awards honorary doctorates recognizing the exemplary contributions of distinguished individuals. Sanderson is recognized for his expertise and leadership in Indigenous and Aboriginal law.

Sanderson, who is Beaver Clan from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, completed his juris doctor (JD) at U of T and went on to become the managing editor of the inaugural edition of the Indigenous Law Journal. He has served as a senior advisor at what is now Ontario’s Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, as well as Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General.

He's also the co-author of the award-winning book, Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian Reserve, a White Town, and the Road to Reconciliation, co-written with his former student, Andrew Stobo Sniderman.

“As the decanal advisor on Indigenous issues at our faculty, Douglas's work has had far-reaching impact beyond the classroom to the very core of our community and the law's role in reconciliation,” says University Professor Jutta Brunnée, dean of the Faculty of Law and James Marshall Tory Dean’s Chair. “An honorary degree from Concordia University is a wonderful recognition of his expertise and scholarship.”

Sanderson will address graduates and receive his honorary doctorate at Concordia’s Faculty of Arts and Science ceremony on Oct. 15.