Drawing Out Law

'Drawing Out Law is a thoughtful, moving, surprising, and highly original book-as much a work of literature as a study in Indigenous law. It is honest and insightful, funny and serious, tragic and hopeful, blending personal narrative with acute observations about the dilemmas facing many Indigenous peoples and individuals today. A profound symbolism is woven throughout the work, which gives it deeper layers of meaning that engage the emotions and resonate in the mind. There is nothing else quite like this terrific book.' -- Brian Slattery, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University 'In this creative and sophisticated work, John Borrows makes an "academic" type of argument in an Indigenous voice. Weaving together Anishinabek and Western European understandings of the meaning of law, Borrows pursues a unique vision, one that should lead to more fruitful and enlightening ways of thinking about and understanding the Aboriginal-Canadian legal and political relationship.' -- Dale Turner, Department of Government, Dartmouth College

Shedding light on Canadian law and policy as they relate to Indigenous peoples, Drawing Out Law illustrates past and present moral agency of Indigenous peoples and their approaches to the law and calls for the renewal of ancient Ojibway teaching in contemporary circumstances.

The Anishinabek Nation's legal traditions are deeply embedded in many aspects of customary life. In Drawing Out Law, John Borrows (Kegedonce) skillfully juxtaposes Canadian legal policy and practice with the more broadly defined Anishinabek perception of law as it applies to community life, nature, and individuals.

This innovative work combines fictional and non-fictional elements in a series of connected short stories that symbolize different ways of Anishinabek engagement with the world. Drawing on oral traditions, pictographic scrolls, dreams, common law case analysis, and philosophical reflection, Borrows' narrative explores issues of pressing importance to the future of indigenous law and offers readers new ways to think about the direction of Canadian law.

Shedding light on Canadian law and policy as they relate to Indigenous peoples, Drawing Out Law illustrates past and present moral agency of Indigenous peoples and their approaches to the law and calls for the renewal of ancient Ojibway teaching in contemporary circumstances.

This is a major work by one of Canada's leading legal scholars, and an essential companion to Canada's Indigenous Constitution.