(L to R): Dean Paul Paton, UAlberta Law alumnus Mr. Harold Robinson, Professor Catherine Bell, and Student Recruiter / Financial Advisor Courtney Wagner speak to students.
"Inspiring possibilities" was a fitting name for a November 30 event at the Law Centre that saw Indigenous undergraduate students learn more about UAlberta Law.
An initiative of the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Inspiring Possibilities is designed to promote the recruitment of Indigenous students to graduate studies and programs that lead to professional degrees.
"The University of Alberta Faculty of Law was pleased to join forces with the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) to bring Inspiring Possibilities to the law school," said Dean Paul Paton.
Dean Paton offered a personal welcome to the prospective law students, and outlined the Faculty's tradition of graduating Indigenous lawyers like Wilton Littlechild and Koren Lightning-Earle who have gone on to be leading lawyers and community leaders.
"We are committed to continuing that tradition and building on that legacy of excellence," he said, noting that the Faculty has had a separate admissions category for Indigenous students since 1996.
Dean Paton also highlighted the new initiatives undertaken during his Deanship since 2014, including an introduction to Indigenous legal traditions for all first-year students, the hiring of a Visiting Assistant Professor, Dr. Hadley Friedland, the current recruitment of two new tenure stream professors focused on Aboriginal/Indigenous law, and an experiential learning opportunity to be launched in January that will be the first of its kind in Canada.
"From a student resources perspective, our Student Life Coordinator devotes a significant portion of her time to ensuring that Indigenous students have access to the necessary resources - whether within the Faculty, or the wider University community - to be successful in their academic endeavours. The Faculty also provides funding to support the Aboriginal Law Students' Association to assist with their important program of activities and supports, which includes the annual Aboriginal Law Speaker Series, and a program to connect Indigenous students with Indigenous alumni. We have much yet to do to more fully respond to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, but proactive outreach through events like this will ensure that we encourage and recruit the next generation of Indigenous lawyers and leaders to the Faculty."
As part of Inspiring Possibilities, Professor Catherine Bell and Student Recruiter / Financial Advisor Courtney Wagner shared admissions and funding information with students.
Guest speaker - and UAlberta Law alumnus - Harold Robinson (LLB '93) spoke about his career to date, law school journey, and motive for becoming a lawyer. He encouraged students not to underestimate the value of respect and good listening in their careers. Mr. Robinson is the Tribunal Secretary/Director for the Métis Settlements Appeal Tribunal. He is also on the national roster of mediators for the Canadian Human Rights Commission, adjudicated Indian Residential School claims for 12 years, and is now proposing that Alberta establish a provincial secretariat for reconciliation.
Students also had the opportunity to watch a video prepared by UAlberta Law on the Foundations of Law course for first-year students - an inside look at what they might expect as future law students. In addition to providing a brief overview of the first two weeks of law school, the Foundations video also gives a glimpse at the Faculty's first-ever performance of the KAIROS blanket exercise.
Second year Native Studies and Education student Mark Allister Oldershot said that the event inspired him to work hard as he completes his undergraduate degree.
"It has given me motivation to work towards the goal of getting into law school," he said, adding that he plans to apply for admission in the next year or two.
Kelsey Dokis-Jansen, Manager, Indigenous Initiatives at the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), said that Inspiring Possibilities was created to respond to the desire and need to increase the numbers of Indigenous students pursuing graduate and professional degrees.
"I hope students left the session knowing about the many supports and resources available to assist them," she said.
For more information on Indigeneity at UAlberta Law: