About Me

Benjamin Piabiko-kabo n’dizhnikas. Niin Anishinaabe inini, Makwa dodem niin da’ow. Tootinaowaziibeeng n’doondsay.

My name is Benjamin Ironstand, I am Anishinaabe and a member of the Bear clan. My home community is Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve in Manitoba. I am a proud husband and father and enjoy spending time with my wife and son.

I am committed to advancing the recognition of inherent Indigenous rights, Indigenous legal orders, and the true spirit and intent of treaties. My work focuses on Indigenous self-determination, economic development, and resource management.

I am in my third year at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Law, currently on exchange at Osgoode Hall. I serve on the Saskatchewan Law Review Board of Editors and work as a consultant supporting First Nations enter and implement self-governance arrangements. I am completing my final term of law school through Osgoode Hall’s Intensive Program in Indigenous Lands, Resources & Governments. After graduation, I will begin articling at MLT Aikins in Regina.

Before law school, I earned a Bachelor of Indigenous Education from the First Nations University of Canada and worked in First Nations education, supporting communities in negotiating self-governance agreements in the area of education.

I am a practicing artist and am interested in the role of the arts (visual, documentary, storytelling) in changing public perceptions and influencing social change and the law.

Outside of law, I enjoy the outdoors, hunting, fishing, drum making, and bow making. Spending time on my traditional territory and returning to my reserve to visit my family, particularly nimishoomis, is one of my favourite things to do.