Dr. Benjamin Ralston

Assistant Professor

Biography

Benjamin Ralston joined the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan in a tenure-track position in January 2023. He previously worked at the University of Saskatchewan in various roles since moving to Saskatoon in 2014. He held term positions as an Assistant Professor in the College of Law and was involved with the Nunavut Law Program in Iqaluit. Furthermore, he contributed to research publications at the Indigenous Law Centre and taught law courses in the Kanawayihetaytan Askiy Program for Indigenous land managers. Currently, he teaches a graduate course on environmental law policy at the School of Environment and Sustainability. Benjamin is completing his PhD in the College of Law, focusing on the intersection of environmental assessment practices and Indigenous rights in Canada. Before coming to Saskatoon, he earned his Master of Laws with distinction at the University of Otago, where he explored the relationship between marine spatial planning and Indigenous rights. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia. Prior to entering academia, Benjamin practiced law primarily as a litigator in administrative law, Aboriginal law, and environmental law, having been called to the British Columbia bar in 2011 and joining the Law Society of Saskatchewan in 2015. His legal experience includes representing Indigenous clients in high-profile cases.

Research Interests

Courses

Current Environmental Law (444 & 844) Kwayeskastasowin, Setting Things Right (232) Administrative Law (340) Aboriginal Law (436) Tort Law (212) Regulation Professions (320) Nunavut Law Program - Foundation Year (398) Aboriginal Self-Government (473) Indigenous Peoples International Comparative Law (480)