Faculty of Law Professor Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii) (JD 2003) has been named the recipient of the Ludwik and Estelle Jus Memorial Human Rights Prize – Influential Leader, one of the University of Toronto's prestigious Awards of Excellence.
Professor Sanderson is an internationally recognized expert in Aboriginal and legal theory, historic injustice to Indigenous peoples and possible avenues for redress. With a focus on Aboriginal institutions, post-colonial reconciliation and rebuilding community, he is a champion of the complex and vital issue of reconciliation.
An associate professor in the Faculty of Law, Sanderson has inspired dozens of students to pursue careers in aboriginal and human rights policy and litigation. He has also guided his colleagues in responding to Call 28 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, finding ways to introduce Indigenous legal issues into the curriculum.
Prior to his academic career, Sanderson was pivotal in the 2006 overhaul of Ontario’s Human Rights Adjudication System. With his tireless advocacy, intellectual strengths and consensus-building skills, he played a foundational role in reforming Ontario’s system, now widely acknowledged as a model of human rights adjudication.
Since coming to U of T in 2009, Sanderson’s scholarship, teaching and outreach have inspired students, scholars and policymakers to find creative solutions to the human rights challenges that are the legacy of Canada’s colonial past. He is applauded for his unique ability to speak to both the general public and the legal and judicial academy.
While a law student at U of T, Sanderson was managing editor of the inaugural edition of the Indigenous Law Journal. He went on to earn his LLM from Columbia University as a Canada-U.S. Fulbright Scholar.
A member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Sanderson co-chairs U of T’s Truth and Reconciliation Implementation Committee. Like many who are firsts in their fields, he is frequently called upon for his expertise by students, campus colleagues, policymakers and the wider community. His peers have the highest praise for his willingness to navigate these heavy demands with wisdom, grace and good humour.
About the Awards of Excellence
The Awards of Excellence program, distributed by the University of Toronto Alumni Association (UTAA), dates back to 1921 with the creation of the John H. Moss Scholarship, awarded to outstanding student leaders. In 1990 the Faculty Award and the Chancellor’s Award were added to the program. Since 1990, seven more distinct awards or scholarships recognizing exceptional students, faculty, and administrative staff members of the University have been launched.
Though the criteria differ for each award, recipients all share a commitment to enhancing the university experience of their peers and leave a significant impact on the University through their efforts.
Republished from the Awards of Excellence website
