Harry LaForme
: Senior Fellow
Expert Overview
The Honourable Harry S. LaForme, O.C. & I.P.C., is Anishinaabe and a member of the Mississauga of the Credit First Nation located in southern Ontario. Raised primarily on his home reserve, he has remained closely connected to his community throughout his distinguished legal and public service career. LaForme graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1977 and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1979. After articling and practicing at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt, he established his own practice specializing in Indigenous law, constitutional issues, and Charter rights. His work brought him before every level of Canadian court, and into international forums, including Geneva, New Zealand, and the British Parliament, where he represented Indigenous interests.
He has held significant leadership roles in national Indigenous policy. LaForme served as co-chair of the National Chiefs Task Force on Native Land Claims, Chief Commissioner of the Indian Commission of Ontario, and Chair of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Land Claims. He also taught "Rights of Indigenous Peoples" at Osgoode Hall Law School, contributing to the development of Indigenous legal education.
Harry LaForme's work for MLI
