Our Story
Since December 2021, the Nature's Laws Institute is a Canadian federally incorporated not-for-profit (#1358442-9).
The story of the NLI, however, did not begin here. It builds on extensive work completed almost twenty years ago.
In 2004 a Nature’s Laws Web Site was launched by the Heritage Community Foundation offering 500+ pages of content and 100+ videos of Cree Elders speaking about Nature’s laws that are lived, distinct from man-made laws that are obeyed. The website content was a small portion of the full body of knowledge collected.
Copyright in the original content in the 2004 web site is held by Earle Waugh and the Estate of Chief Wayne Roan who have given exclusive consent to the NLI to restore and maintain the original site and agree with expanding the site by adding laws from many Nations.
In 2008/09 the Heritage Community Foundation transferred 84 Web sites to the University of Alberta on stewardship conditions. The sites were archived, which destroyed functionality.
Since 2020, an NLI Working Group began meeting regularly to renew and advance efforts to accomplish the original intention of the Nature’s Laws Web Site - to support healing of the human and natural world. This working group included the following people:
Since 2020, the NLI has been supported by a diverse working group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners, most of whom (marked below with *) were involved in the creation of the original NLI website:
Catherine Twinn, Q.C.*
Dr. Morris Flewwelling*
Dr. Cecil Chabot
Dr. Adriana Davies*
Dr. Stephen Murgatroyd*
Jerry Gunn*
Dr. Earle Waugh*
Elmer Rattlesnake*
George (Les) Minde*
Laird Hunter, Q.C.*
Fiona Roan, daughter of the late Chief Wayne Roan (the lead founder and knowledge-keeper of the original web site)
Lewis Cardinal
Dr. David Newhouse
Norman A. Wapachee
This group pointed to the need to do more than just recover the original website. They have made very clear the need to establish this institute in order to recover ancient, life-giving laws to heal ourselves, lighten our footprint, act from our intra-connection and source ourselves from love.
In December 2021, the NLI was incorporated as a Federal non-profit with the following co-founding directors: Catherine Twinn, Dr. Morris Flewwelling and Dr. Cecil Chabot.
In July 2021 the University of Alberta granted the NLI the non-exclusive right to use any and all of the content of the 84 web sites. This was one in many steps towards realizing the original Vision for the Nature’s Laws Web Site – to add laws from Indigenous Nations and globally recover and strengthen “common ground” in a world where humanity is on the edge.
From 2022 to 2025, the NLI developed slowly, applying for funding, building new relationships, and planning first initiatives, including an international symposium.
Starting in early 2026, these efforts have been intensified and significant development work has taken place. A planning committee is now in place for the first international symposium, and the date and location will be announced soon.
In 2026, Norm A. Wapachee joined the NLI Board, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise.
Board of Directors
Catherine M. Twinn QC, B.A, LL.B, LL.M (Treaty 8)
Founding Chair
Lawyer, Writer, extensive Public Service/Board & Trustee Experience & Volunteer, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Friend.
Norman A. Wapachee
Director
Norman A. Wapachee is a Cree from Ouje-Bougoumou whose life's work has been guided by the teachings of the land and the values of Eeyou Istchee. A lifelong hunter and trapper, he has devoted more than four decades to advancing Cree governance, environmental stewardship, research, and the protection of Indigenous rights. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies and Politics from the University of Alberta and has studied Aboriginal Law and Advocacy. Through leadership in negotiations, public service, and community research, Norman is committed to ensuring that Cree knowledge and Nature's Laws continue to guide future generations.
Dr. Cecil Chabot
Co-Founding Director
Scholar, social entrepreneur (diverse professional, non-profit, community development, public history and public policy activities), historian informed by interdisciplinary work cinultural anthropology, literature, and philosophy.
Dr. F. Morris Flewwelling
Co-Founding Director
Educator, Leader, Senator U of A, Councillor, Mayor,
Contributor, extensive Public Service/Board Experience & Volunteer.