Authors Bios

Dr. Muhammad Asadullah is an Assistant Professor at the University of Regina’s Department of Justice Studies. Prior to joining UofR, he taught at Simon Fraser University, the University of the Fraser Valley, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University. He is the recipient of multiple awards and scholarships, including Neekaneewak Indigenous Leadership Awards, Contemplative Social Justice Scholar Award, ACJS Doctoral Fellowship Award,, Liz Elliott Memorial Graduate Scholarship, President’s PhD Scholarship, and Law Foundation Scholarship in Restorative Justice. Asadullah is deeply grateful to the Elders in Treaty-4 territory who guided him to walk on this land with humility and respect.

Charmine Cortez is an undergrad student currently pursuing a Bachelor of Human Justice with a Certificate in Law and Society. She is an advocate towards racial and transformative justice in an intersectional and decolonial lens. Charmine previously presented in MCC’s Advocacy Peace Conference (2019) about Engaged Citizenship through social media platforms. She aspires to bring about positive change and decolonization of the current justice system.

Stephanie Dyck completed her undergraduate degree in Human Justice at the University of Regina. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work through the same institution. Stephanie has grown up and lived on Treaty 4 territory her entire life, living in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, before moving to Regina to pursue higher education. She is passionate about social justice and advocating for decolonial frameworks within the justice system. Stephanie hopes to one day work with individuals suffering from addictions and substance abuse problems to reduce barriers and promote a life of dignity and respect.

Geena Holding is a first-year student at the University of Saskatchewan College of Law with an undergraduate degree from the University of Regina in Human Justice. She grew up on a farm in rural Saskatchewan on Treaty 4 territory and is interested in sustainable agricultural practices, human rights and decolonization. Geena hopes to make a difference within the justice system through the recognition of Indigenous sovereignty and the promotion of equal access to justice services.

Nicola Kimber is an undergraduate student at the University of Regina currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Diploma in Justice Studies. Nicola grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan on Treaty 4 territory. She is passionate about human rights, the justice system, mental health, and how criminology, psychology, and decolonization fit into our current world. Nicola hopes to work in the human justice field in the future with a focus on psychology and mental health.

Megan Korchak is a 5th year undergraduate student at the University of Regina pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Human Justice and Psychology with a certificate in Non-Profit Sector Leadership and Innovation. She grew up on a farm in rural Manitoba on Treaty 2 Territory before moving to Regina on Treaty 4 Territory for school. Megan is interested in human rights, equity, and helping people. She hopes to do work with rehabilitation in the future and also create progressive and positive change in the human services sector.

Kudzai Mudyara is an undergraduate student in her final year of the Justice Studies degree program at the University of Regina and holds a diploma in Business Studies from Niagara College.Her pursuits include a strong quest in the eradication of poverty and decolonization. Kudzai is extremely passionate about Pan-Africanism and reforming the negative narratives concerning Black Indigenous and People of Colour in her society. Outside of her academics she is one of the co-founders of the Princess of Hope Foundation Trust that assists single parents, widows, and orphans in Zimbabwe. She aspires to work as a researcher with the United Nations and hopes to one day write a best-selling novel of the year.

Hamza Said or Hamza Said Abdullahi is a fourth-year student at the University of Regina; he is majoring in both Human Justice and English Literature. Hamza is a Somali-Canadian who grew up in both Somaliland and Toronto. He is passionate about helping people and animals, and after graduation is planning to apply to law school. Throughout his university years, Hamza has, and continues to work alongside the Toronto District School Board, Ontario Court of Justice, the University of Regina Justice Department, and Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Justice in several projects that aim to incorporate a bottom-up-approach, diversity, and inclusion.

Kayla Schick is currently completing undergraduate degrees in Human Justice and Psychology (Honours) at the University of Regina. Kayla is passionate about human rights, trauma-informed interventions, and understanding how to improve and support practices and policies at all levels of the Justice system. She hopes to one day work with victims and witnesses of crime as a clinical psychologist and conduct research in the area of forensic psychology. Kayla was born and raised on Treaty 4 Territory in the city of Regina, Saskatchewan.

Noor Shawush graduated with a Bachelor in Human Justice from the University of Regina in 2021. Noor is Libyan-Canadian and grew up on Treaty 4 territory. She is a certified Gladue Writer and works at the Integrated Justice Program as a Gladue Project Associate. She worked at the Regina Open Door Society during her undergraduate studies and developed a passion for working with marginalized children and youth. Noor is a social justice advocate with a specialized interest in environmental and climate justice. She is involved in the SpurChange program and has recently presented on Climate Justice as it relates to human rights. Her notions of justice and equality have become further nuanced through her experiences in the workforce as she recognizes the divergent experiences of marginalization.

Jenna Smith is a fourth-year student at the University of Regina and is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Human Justice. Jenna grew up on an acreage within Treaty 4 territory and has a vast range of interests that include decolonization, forensic science and nurturing teaching practices. Outside of academics, Jenna spends a lot of time with her family and is an assistant coach for the Special Olympics in Regina, Saskatchewan. It is Jenna’s aspiration to lead others in creating a justice system that is more accessible and nurturing for the betterment of all. She can be reached at jennarozlin@gmail.com.

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Decolonization and Justice: An Introductory Overview Copyright © 2022 by Muhammad Asadullah is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book