My name is Michelle Lee, and I was called to the Ontario Bar in June 2025. I recently completed my Juris Doctor at Queen’s University and am now returning as an LLM candidate to deepen my research in Indigenous law, international law, and human rights. My academic and professional path has been driven by a long-standing commitment to justice, particularly in addressing Canada’s treatment of Indigenous Peoples. During my JD, I completed courses on Indigenous and Aboriginal law and helped organized the Queen’s Conference on Indigenous Reconciliation. I have also held roles at the Department of Justice, Natural Resources Canada, and articled at a person injury litigation firm. My personal commitment to this work is strengthened by my connection to Indigenous communities through my fiancé’s family. I hope to support Indigenous Peoples in advancing and protecting their inherent and constitutionally recognized rights, including title and Treaty rights. My long-term goal is to work alongside Indigenous communities in litigation and negotiation, contributing to a future grounded in justice, self-determination, and respect for Indigenous legal traditions.
Supervisor: Danielle Lussier
Focus: Indigenous law, Aboriginal law, International law, Human rights law
Provisional Title of thesis: ‘Unmasking Genocide: A Critical Examination of Canada’s Policies Toward Indigenous Peoples’