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Tracey Lindberg, Professor, Faculty of Law, Common Law Section
What is your most important function at the University and why?
My contribution is as an indigenous scholar, mentor and academic, who has an understanding of Canadian law and some fluency in indigenous laws and legal traditions.
How did you come to your area of research?
My respect for indigenous traditions and our people, who adhere to them, led me—quite naturally—to indigenous law. Somehow, this relates to Canadian law. Someday I will be able to understand that relationship.
What would you change in the world today if you could?
I would want a world where kindness and respect for all life (human, plant, animal) are fundamental and observed laws and principles.
Who are the most influential people in your life?
Harold Cardinal, Maria Campbell and Chief Bernard Ominayak of the Lubicon Lake Nation have changed my life fundamentally. Everything I know about humility, courage and the conviction of my beliefs is from them.
What would your co-workers be most surprised to know about you?
I write my own travel guides, learn the functional elements of the language I will be engaged in and memorize maps whenever I travel. The good news is if you travel with me you will never be lost and we will always be able to order a meal in the relevant language. The bad news is who likes a vacation without adventure?
What is your favourite pastime?
Laughing, singing and reading.
You’ve just won a $1 million. What do you do?
For fun, I’d buy a cabin in northern Alberta.
What I would actually do? I’d set up scholarships for our people.
Which five people (living or dead) would you like to invite to a dinner party? Tell us why.
1. Nelson Mandela – Indigenous peoples need to hear about emancipation in the first person.
2. Toni Morrison – The artists will lead all movements.
3. Maria Campbell – Hearing about the eloquent mix of politics, law and storytelling makes for a great dinner guest.
4. Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez – It would be interesting to hear the voice of an indigenous world leader with a commitment to indigenous peoples.
5. Rigoberta Menchu – An indigenous woman committed to women and social reform, she would be a welcome addition to this stellar table.
What is the best kept secret in your faculty?
Every lawyer has two talents that are really exceptional. One is usually law. The other is often surprising: you will find outstanding athletes, musicians, writers and artists who happened to have found a home in the law. It makes for an exciting social mélange.
