Jessica Buffalo

Jessica Buffalo is an Assistant Professor and Academic Director of the Indigenous Community Legal Clinic (ICLC) at the Peter A. Allard School of Law, University of British Columbia. She holds a JD from UBC (2016) and a BA in Political Science from Simon Fraser University. Her career focuses on Indigenous legal advocacy, criminal defense for marginalized communities, and advancing reconciliation through legal education and policy. She previously served as Indigenous Initiatives Counsel at the Law Society of Alberta, leading initiatives addressing systemic barriers faced by Indigenous peoples in the justice system.

Her research examines the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in criminal justice and child welfare systems, emphasizing the Gladue Principle and cultural competency in legal practices. She teaches Law 489, a course centered on decolonizing law, and has contributed to intercultural competency training for legal institutions. Jessica actively participates in committees such as the Alberta Court’s Gladue Report Committee and the Wîyasôw Iskweêw - Restorative Justice Committee.

Jessica’s approach to teaching prioritizes inclusivity and creative problem-solving, aiming to equip students with skills to advocate effectively for Indigenous communities. She emphasizes trauma-informed legal practices and the importance of integrating Indigenous legal perspectives into mainstream systems.