Our History

The World Assembly of Indigenous Judges (WAIJ) was founded in 2024 by Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin (Canada) and Justice Joe Williams (New Zealand), two visionary judges, who recognized the need for a unified international voice for Indigenous judges across the globe. Driven by a shared commitment to justice, reconciliation, and the recognition of Indigenous legal traditions, they set out to build a coalition that would bring together Indigenous judges from around the world, connecting those who share a common purpose of transforming justice systems to better reflect Indigenous peoples, their rights, and their laws.

From its earliest days, WAIJ has worked to create a space where Indigenous judges can collaborate, share knowledge, and advocate collectively for the meaningful integration of Indigenous perspectives within national and international legal frameworks.

A landmark moment in the organization’s young history came in October 2025, when WAIJ held its inaugural kickoff conference in New Zealand. Hosted in a country with a profound and internationally recognized commitment to Indigenous rights, the conference brought together Indigenous judges from across the world for the first time. It was a historic gathering that affirmed the global demand for Indigenous judicial representation and set the foundation for WAIJ’s growing international coalition.

Building on the momentum of this milestone, the Canadian Chapter of the World Assembly of Indigenous Judges (CCWAIJ) was incorporated in 2026, establishing a formal presence in Canada dedicated to advancing these same values within the Canadian justice system. Canada, with its rich Indigenous legal heritage and ongoing journey of reconciliation, represented a vital and natural home for one of WAIJ’s first national chapters.

Today, the CCWAIJ stands as a proud part of an expanding international coalition, amplifying the voices of Indigenous judges in Canada, honouring the depth and diversity of Indigenous law, and working toward a justice system that truly serves all peoples.