Wahkohtowin Lodge legal council Gavin Cazon-Wilkes receives national recognition

The University of Alberta Faculty of Law is proud to congratulate Gavin Cazon-Wilkes, ‘23 JD, on receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

The award recognizes those who “have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada”. Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament representing the Northwest Territories, nominated Cazon-Wilkes for his commitment to Indigenous justice work in the North and as recognition of his achievement as the first lawyer from the Liidlii Kue First Nation. Cazon-Wilkes currently serves as legal counsel for the Wahkohtowin Law and Governance Lodge (WLGL).

“I am honoured to receive this medal because it represents something larger than myself,” says Cazon-Wilkes. “It represents what the Dene, Dehcho Dene and Liidlii Kue First Nation Dene have hoped for since decades ago; to have one of their own be a part of this profession.”

After graduating from the U of A’s Augustana Campus in 2018, Cazon-Wilkes came to the Faculty of Law and graduated with his JD in 2023. His work as legal counsel for WLGL focuses on Indigenous law, and creating and changing laws that better reflect Indigenous Nations and their communities. Cazon-Wilkes is also an engaged member of the Liidlii Kue First Nation, where he continues to advocate for the hopes and goals of the Dehcho Dene.

For Cazon-Wilkes, this award is bigger than one person. “I feel seen, not just formally from the federal Government of Canada, but by those back home in the North” he says. “I will also continue to advocate for the changes and needs of the Dene people. This award kind of calls me to do so.”

Cazon-Wilkes also recognizes the importance of the role his great grandfather, Baptiste Cazon, has played in his journey. “He was a huge advocate for our people in the Dehcho and the Liidlii Kue First Nation. I am told I am a lot like him, and I have him to thank for inspiring me and the gifts he passed on to me.”

Being an advocate and supporting the next generation of leaders and change-makers is something Cazon-Wilkes takes seriously. He’s excited that one day, hopefully soon, more band members from one of the Dehcho Nations or the Liidlii Kue First Nation will become lawyers. “We need more Dene lawyers from the Dehcho, and I know there are brilliant minds who can do it. I want to support those dreams, for they are also my dreams.”