Indigenous judges establish global assembly in historic step for recognition of Indigenous law

25 May 2026

Indigenous judges from around the world have launched a new international body, the World Assembly of Indigenous Judges (WAIJ), and adopted a founding charter aimed at strengthening relationships between Indigenous judges globally and better understanding of different indigenous legal systems.

The organisation was formed following an international gathering of indigenous judges in New Zealand in October 2025 and brings together Indigenous members of the judiciary from several countries to collaborate, share knowledge and promote justice systems grounded in Indigenous values.

The charter establishes WAIJ as a non-profit, non-partisan global assembly committed to advancing human rights, judicial independence and recognition of Indigenous legal orders.

Membership in WAIJ will be open to Indigenous judges, both serving and retired, from participating jurisdictions, with applications reviewed and approved by the organisation’s executive assembly.

The new executive assembly includes representatives from New Zealand, Canada, Australia, the United States, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands with membership expected to formally open in mid-2026 alongside a new online registration platform. WAIJ is led by co-presidents Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin of the Supreme Court of Canada, an Abenaki member of Odanak First Nation and Judge Aidan Warren of New Zealand’s Māori Land Court, of Rangitāne, Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāi Tahu iwi/tribes. WAIJ will operate out of New Zealand until 2028.

WAIJ’s charter is intended to evolve over time, with a full review planned at the organisation’s next global conference to be held in Kamloops Canada in May 2028 with a possible online conference in 2027.