40 under 40 — Brooks Arcand-Paul

Mu Theta, 2012 — Recognized in: 2020

Sîpîysis, meaning little river in nehiyawewin (Cree), is Brooks Arcand-Paul’s traditional name.

Brooks grew up on the Alexander First Nation in Treaty Six territory. His great-great-grandfather catchistahwayskum adhered to this Treaty in 1877 at Fort Edmonton. Brooks recognizes that Treaties are a foundational relationship to the Canadian federation and is dedicated to using his legal and traditional knowledge to advocate for First Nations’ Treaty rights.

As both a lawyer and a technician, Brooks has been committed to furthering First Nation priorities in Treaties Six, Seven and Eight territories within Alberta, and Treaty territories in Ontario. He articled for the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General and, since being called to the Ontario and Alberta bars, has worked for boutique and large law firms. He is currently acting as In-House Legal Counsel and Director of Legal Affairs for his Nation and is the Vice President of the Indigenous Bar Association in Canada (“IBA”).

Brooks is a proud recipient of an Alberta Aboriginal Role Model Award, which has further impassioned him to create transformative change and challenge the status quo.

Joining the Mu Theta chapter of Zeta Psi encouraged Brooks to pursue his philanthropic efforts. Zeta Psi taught him to remain true to himself and to be a tireless advocate, which he does daily for the rights of Indigenous people in Canada. The lessons he has gained as a Zete have supported Brooks with some of the greatest accomplishments in his career, which includes becoming Vice President of the IBA. Brooks remains active as a Zete Elder with the Mu Theta chapter, and continues to help out the actives. 

“One of the best experiences I had as a Zete was traveling across the country to different chapters and being welcomed by our brothers everywhere I went. One of my best memories is the re-chartering of Sigma Epsilon at the University of British Columbia. Meeting fellow Zetes from across the continent who are committed to our principles, and support each other’s success, was as humbling then as it is today. My experiences with Zeta Psi reminds me that we are all in this together. If we ever lose hope in ourselves, we always have a brother who has not.”