Gowling WLG is proud to share that Gwenyth Stadig and Maddi Thomas are the winners of the 2025 Widdifield Award for their article, Estate Planning, Estate Administration, and Intestacy under the Indian Act: Practical Considerations for Legal Professionals.

Given annually by the OBA Foundation, the Widdifield Award recognizes exceptional writing published in the Estates, Trusts and Pensions Journal. Articles are chosen for originality, depth of research, technical merit, creativity and contributions to the field.

The award panel selected Gwenyth and Maddi’s article for its thoughtful analysis of the intersection between estate law and Indigenous legal frameworks, with a focus on the application of the Indian Act and its distinct rules and procedures compared to Ontario’s Succession Law Reform Act. Their piece appeared in Volume 43 of the Estates, Trusts and Pensions Journal; it is also available here.

Gowling WLG partner Gwenyth Stadig works closely with charities, not-for-profits, tax-exempt entities, and Indigenous groups, helping them navigate complex compliance, tax and trust matters. Associate Maddi Thomas practises in the area of private client services, advising organizations and individuals on managing their wealth through personalized estate planning and tax optimization strategies.

Gwenyth and Maddi will receive their award at the OBA Trusts and Estates Law gala dinner on June 10, 2025.