Dr. Cynthia Westaway

Biography

Cynthia Westaway is a part-time Professor at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Law, where she teaches Indigenous Law with a focus on negotiation and litigation. She leads directed research projects that involve experiential learning related to land consultation with Indigenous peoples. As Senior Counsel at Peoples Law LLP in Ottawa, Ontario, she is a Certified Specialist in Aboriginal Law as recognized by the Law Society of Ontario. Cynthia has represented Indigenous clients in significant consultations, rights, Title and Treaty matters, and economic development projects. She has managed large negotiations and has been involved in various litigation cases. Her experience includes working with Canadian ministries, serving as a Director General of Legal Services at Global Affairs, and as Senior Counsel for the Department of Justice. Cynthia also served as a law clerk at the Federal Court of Canada and the Supreme Court of Canada. She holds a Master’s Degree in Comparative Aboriginal Law from the University of Ottawa, where she has gained substantial expertise in legal matters concerning Aboriginal law across Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the US.

Research Interests

Experience