Colonial Legal Violence Through Legal Education and Professionalism: Towards First Nations Proper Way Learning and Lawyering

Abstract

This article shares key findings from research that investigated the lived experiences of First Nations law graduates in colonial legal institutions in New South Wales. It adopts an Indigenous Methodological Framework that weaves together Indigenous Standpoint Theory, Dadirri and Indigenous Storywork — adopting one-on-one interview methods, story mapping, poetic transcription and thematic analysis. In doing so, it centres First Nations voices, experiences, values, epistemologies and histories within legal institutions, which have primarily remained absent, excluded, silenced or constrained. This research transcends the gaps in the field by privileging Indigenous ways of Knowing, Being and Doing through centring in-depth storying led by First Nations law graduates, their priorities and values. In these ways, this article contributes to a truth-telling in the field of law that uncovers the ongoing historical and contemporary nature of colonial legal institutions and their long-term and wide-ranging impacts for First Nations peoples. This storying rejects deficit narratives through centring the strengths, resiliency and agency of First Nations law graduates and is grounded in their relationships navigating across these institutions. From this place, collective understanding is nurtured and grown through a knowledge sharing process that allows for deep listening and learning. This article gifts the opportunity to transform selves and institutions towards a pathway forward that is embedded and committed to First Nations law and justice.