Dr. Johnny Mack

Biography

Johnny Mack is an Assistant Professor at the Peter Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia. He is a member of the Toquaht Nation (Nuu-chah-nulth) and his research focuses on Indigenous legal traditions in settler state contexts, particularly at the intersection of Indigenous law and economic development. After completing his undergraduate studies, Mack was driven to understand the impacts of Indigenous historical struggles and colonization. His journey through law school was motivated by a desire to comprehend the law as a form of power and its direct influence on Indigenous communities. Graduating as one of the top law students, he continued his education at the graduate level in hopes of securing an academic position, which he achieved in 2014 when he was hired at UBC. His work investigates the connections between Indigenous norms and well-being, emphasizing the self-determined enhancement of Indigenous societal well-being. Mack's research has been supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and includes collaborations with Indigenous Nations, resulting in tools like an online sustainability assessment system for decision-making processes related to development.

Research Interests

Experience