Faculty and staff from the University of Windsor Faculty of Law gather beneath the Sky Woman installation in the Ianni Law Building where they will host the Kawaskimhon Moot on March 13 and 14. (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)
By Sara Meikle
The sound of prayer will rise before the first argument is made.
When the Kawaskimhon Aboriginal Moot takes place at Windsor Law from March 13 to 14, the proceedings will begin with ceremony — a welcoming to the territory, a call to the ancestors and a powerful affirmation that Indigenous Peoples are still here and Indigenous laws continue to live.
For the first time, the Kawaskimhon Moot will be hosted inside Windsor Law’s newly renovated Ron W. Ianni Faculty of Law Building, marking a milestone for both the national competition and the Faculty.
With 24 teams from across the country participating, this year’s Moot is one of the largest in its history.
Leading the event are Professors Sylvia McAdam and Janice Makokis, who ensure Indigenous legal perspectives remain at the centre of the moot.
“The fact that we have 24 groups — that's incredible in itself,” McAdam said, highlighting the national reach and growing impact of the competition.
But numbers alone do not define its significance.
Kawaskimhon — Cree for “speaking with knowledge” — is unique among Canadian law school moots. Rather than focusing solely on Canadian statutory law, it requires students to engage directly with Indigenous legal orders, world views and governance systems.
Participants are challenged to consider how Indigenous laws can be recognized and privileged when they intersect, and at times clash, with Canadian state law.
“It’s a sophisticated exercise that flips the conventional legal script, asking future lawyers to rethink how complex national issues are framed and resolved through the lens of Indigenous law,” Makokis said.
Hosting the moot in Windsor carries deep significance.
The University of Windsor is situated on lands traditionally cared for by the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee Peoples, within the Three Fires Confederacy — Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi.
“We are recognizing and honouring the Indigenous territories of this area, which is unique,” said Makokis. “Hosting the Moot here allows us to bring people together in a place of historical and continuing significance.”
Situated along the Detroit River, the region has long been a gathering place — a site of diplomacy, dialogue and decision-making about lands and waters that continue to sustain communities today.
That spirit of gathering will be reflected in the presence of local First Nations leaders and youth. Chiefs and delegates from Caldwell First Nation, Walpole Island First Nation, Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Munsee Delaware Nation, Chippewa Nation, Delaware Nation at Moraviantown and Oneida Nation of the Thames have been invited to observe the moot.
The Chiefs of Caldwell First Nation and Walpole Island First Nation will deliver welcoming remarks, formally greeting participants to the territory. Leadership from Walpole Island First Nation — whose community is directly impacted by current federal legislation — will also attend and may sit in on arguments.
Organizers say the intention is not only to host a national moot, but to deepen relationships with First Nations across the region — opening doors to collaboration on governance, Indigenous law and community-led initiatives.
The setting itself underscores that commitment.
“Hosting this year’s moot in the renovated Ianni building is part of the draw,” McAdam said. “It is likely why we have such a large group joining us, because they want to see our beautiful Indigenous themed building.”
The newly renovated building reflects meaningful consultation with Indigenous faculty, staff and students.
Two art installations depicting Sky Woman — central to Indigenous creation stories — anchor the space. A Wampum belt installation pays homage to laws, treaties and significant events.
The space has smudging capability and views of the river recognize the cultural and spiritual importance of water.
The Indigenous student lounge was named by students — Naadamadawin Student Lounge, meaning “we help others because that’s who we are” in Anishinaabemowin.
“We’re highlighting the work that is related or tied to the Indigenous Legal Orders Institute at Windsor Law,” added Makokis.
All Indigenous programming at the Faculty is supported through the Indigenous Legal Orders Institute which advances curriculum, research and community engagement related to Indigenous legal orders.
The weekend will culminate in a gala celebration featuring Anishinaabe Woodland dancers and a Haudenosaunee dance troupe, highlighting the cultures rooted in this region.
As Windsor Law welcomes students and guests from across Canada, the message is clear: Indigenous laws, voices and nations are not relics of the past. They are vibrant, present and essential to the legal conversations shaping this country.
And at the Kawaskimhon Moot, they will be at the centre of the dialogue.