Reaching out to professors, staff, instructors and students via email, he described the day as “a time to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Turtle Island.”

This time of year following convocation and the conclusion of the academic term also offers an opportunity to look back and examine what steps the Faculty of Law has taken along the path towards Truth and Reconciliation.

In an episode of the Robson Radio podcast, Marc Kruse, Director of Indigenous Legal Learning and Servicesgives the law school a decent report card but admits there is more work to be done. Here is a glimpse of some events held at the Faculty of Law this past year, which barely scratch the surface of changes being made to move legal education in Manitoba towards Reconciliation.

Second Annual Conference of the Interdisciplinary Journal of Indigenous Inaakonigewin: Engaging in Economic Reconciliation

Law student Cody-Wyoming Clark introduces Dennis Meeches at the 2nd Annual Conference of the Interdisciplinary Journal of Indigenous Inaakonigewin

The second annual conference of the Interdisciplinary Journal of Indigenous Inaakonigewin was held in the Moot Courtroom at Robson Hall on September 20, 2024 and also served as the Faculty of Law’s annual Homecoming event. As such it served to focus alumni attention on this important topic of Reconciliation, reaching a significant audience throughout the legal profession in Manitoba.

 The conference theme was “Engaging in Economic Reconciliation”, and brought together academics, members of the legal community, Indigenous community leaders and business partners. Panelists discussed several major projects currently ongoing in Manitoba with academics filling in theory and history behind the overall need for Economic Reconciliation. The keynote speaker was Angie Bruce, VP Indigenous at the University of Manitoba, and co-hosts along with the Faculty of Law included the Manitoba Bar Association, the Law Society of Manitoba, and the Manitoba Law Foundation.

Panelists and guest speakers included Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) Grand Chief Jerry Daniels; Ryan Bear, Senior Business Analyst at SCO; Dennis Meeches, former Chief of Long Plain First Nation and current President of Business Relations, Tribal Councils Investment Group of Manitoba; Maeengan Linklater, Director of Operations, Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council; Richard Tuck, CEO of Wakopa Financial Workers Co-op; Noah Wilson, a member of the Indigenous Young Entrepreneurs team at Futurepreneur; Yvan Guy Larocque, Indigenous business lawyer specializing in Indigenous Economic Development and Governance; and Derek Nepinak, Chief of the Minegoziibe Anishinabe (Pine Creek First Nation) and a former grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

The conference was facilitated by Marc Kruse, Director of Indigenous Legal Learning and Services at the Faculty of Law, with assistance from staff member Jenna Chemerika, law students Cody-Wyoming Clark, and Janell Jackson, along with participation from SCO Youth Chiefs Tréchelle Bunn and Joshua Gardiner.

Manitoba Indigenous Law Students’ Association National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Lunch and Learn

Kiersten Sanderson, MILSA VP Professional Development helped organize the law student group’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation event.

The Manitoba Indigenous Law Students’ Association (MILSA) received funding from the Province of Manitoba from the Orange Shirt Day Fund to support the organization of an event to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On September 27, 2024, MILSA hosted a lunch followed by educational discussion panel examining the importance of Truth and Reconciliation and the further need to educate about the harms of Residential Schools. Guest speakers included Wendy Whitecloud, retired Faculty of Law Instructor, former Director of Academic Support, former Commissioner on the Aboriginal Justice Implementation Commission and member of the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation; Tréchelle Bunn, law student and organizer of an annual Reconciliation Run in her home community of the Birdtail Sioux First Nation (and now its Chief); Jerilee Ryle, Crown Attorney at Manitoba Prosecution Service at the time, now a Judge in the Provincial Court of Manitoba and member of the Lake St. Martin First Nation; and Bradley Regehr, Partner of Maurice Law and member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation.

Symposium to Decolonize the Academy & Shape Legal Education in the Spirit of Reconciliation

January 30 and 31 saw Marc Kruse, Director of Indigenous Legal Learning and Services, travel to Toronto to lead discussions on the future of Indigenous Legal Education. Representing the UM Faculty of Law, Kruse worked to co-organize this two-day symposium  to review progress of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action number 28, to  require that all law schools teach their students about Indigenous peoples and the law. Attendees included representatives from Canadian law federations, law Deans, and law societies.

The first day of the symposium focussed on the Indigenization and Decolonization of the Legal Academy, with the second day looking at “Collaborative Futures: Walking Together to Shape Legal Education in the Spirit of Reconciliation.” The symposium brought together key individuals in legal educational roles who have major influence and impact on the development of legal education curricula in Canada. The gathering offered major opportunities for these individuals to network and have concrete discussions on further evolving legal education in Canada towards Reconciliation. A final report arising out of the symposium’s discussions and workshop outcomes is forthcoming.

Manitoba Indigenous Law Students’ Association Louis Riel Day Celebration

Members of the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students’ Association with guest speakers Andrew Carrier, Sean Oliver, and Will Goodon. The Honourable Minister Renée Cable attended via Zoom.

On February 13, MILSA hosted Louis Riel Day celebrations at Robson Hall, sharing traditional food, music, dancing, and a discussion panel with Métis leaders about their experiences growing up Métis and living with that heritage.

Champion Métis fiddler Jason Lepine performed while guests filled the Common Room to share a feast from Bistro on Notre Dame. A Bannock Bake Off showcased law students’ baking talents, and champion Métis Jiggers Jordan Flett and Sarah Shuttleworth (2L) performed.

A Métis Leaders panel in the Moot Courtroom consisted of Andrew Carrier, Manitoba Métis Federation Minister; Renée Cable, Manitoba Member of Legislative Assembly for Southdale and Minister of Advanced Education and Training; Will Goodon, MMF Minister, and Sean Oliver, Métis Educator. All answered questions from law students about being Métis, and experiencing Métis culture and heritage in Manitoba. Each speaker had compelling and moving stories to tell which served to educate and enlighten audience members in meaningful ways.

Concluding Message from the Director of Indigenous Legal Learning and Services

Marc Kruse, Director of Legal Learning and Services, Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba.

As we mark National Indigenous Peoples Day, we reflect not only on the rich cultures and histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, but also on the responsibility we carry as legal educators and future lawyers to respond to the Calls to Action with clarity, humility, and purpose.

This past year at Robson Hall has been filled with moments of deep learning and growth. From national symposia to student-led events, we have continued to open space for Indigenous voices, experiences, and legal orders within our academic community. We have celebrated, questioned, listened, and taken steps toward reshaping legal education in a way that honours the spirit of Reconciliation. These steps are just the beginning. True reconciliation demands not only inclusion but transformation. It calls us to move beyond acknowledgment into action, to ensure that Indigenous perspectives are not only present but are shaping the future of law in Manitoba and Canada.

To our students, staff, faculty, and partners: thank you for walking this path with courage and curiosity. Let’s keep going—with commitment, with integrity, and with the understanding that reconciliation is a living process, not a finished destination.

Tansi. Miigwetch. Thank you.

— Marc Kruse
 Director, Indigenous Legal Learning and Services
 Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba

Littlechild’s visit came about due to earlier connections he had with Manitoba law students. Two Youth Chiefs of the Southern Chiefs Organization, Tréchelle Bunn (2L) and Josh Gandier (2L), had met and worked with him in the summer of 2024 at the 17th Session of the Expert Mechanism on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Geneva, Switzerland, and spent some time with him later at the Olympics in Paris. He was also the guest speaker at the Indigenous Bar Association conference this fall. Gandier knew Littlechild would be the perfect guest speaker for Robson Hall’s Indigenous Methodologies course and recommended him to his instructors, Assistant Professors Daniel Diamond, Leo Baskatawang, and Marc Kruse, Director of Indigenous Legal Learning and Services. The instructors especially asked Littlechild to speak to law students about Governance and his time at the UN.

Kruse had the opportunity to spend some time in private conversation with Littlechild while driving him from his hotel to Robson Hall. “I was particularly interested in his time in the UK where he brought the “Divisible Crown” case in 1981,” said Kruse.

The case, the full title for which is The Queen v The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, ex parte Indian Association of Alberta,”  was presided over by the legendary Lord Denning, and was monumental in Canadian Constitutional Law. It established that the Government of Canada was “a successor State to the British Crown” and therefore it, and not the Government of the United Kingdom was now responsible for upholding the treaties and obligations entered into by the Crown with Indigenous peoples in Canada.

“[Chief Littlechild] told me about spending months with Lord Denning, who heard the case and chose it as his final decision before his retirement,” said Kruse. “He spoke about the “suprise” of seeing the judiciary in the UK wigs and the differences in practice. He noted that the Nation had a few lawyers, where the Crown had over 25 legal counsel to argue their case. The case itself took several months and he was able to talk to the class about his experience.”

Importantly, before starting the class and upon arriving on campus, Gandier and Kruse offered a smudge to the Chief. “He told us, and the class, that he was thankful for the opportunity to have a smudge before speaking about Treaty,” Kruse noted. “He said, the Elders have always said that one must have smudge, and ask for permission and guidance, before speaking on Treaty so he was happy that Robson Hall offered him, and understood, the ILO [Indigenous Legal Orders] protocol.”

Kaitlyn Clarke (2L), who serves as MILSA VP Communications was one of the 15 members of the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students’ Association to join the noon-hour meeting prior to the class lecture where Littlechild noted that when he was in law school, there were only five Indigenous students in law school across Canada. Here, he was with over 15 in one law school alone. “He shared how sport took him to law school and joked about the grudge he used to have against the U of M because their hockey team went to the World University Games the year the U of A was supposed to attend, but the rules changed,” Clarke said.

Clarke recalled Littlechild’s teachings in the mandatory second-year Indigenous Methodologies class, where he spoke about Treaty 6, and shared what it means to his home, the Ermineskin Cree Nation: “He highlighted the four elements of the treaty: (1) written text, (2) oral testimony and the understanding in Cree, (3) sacred ceremony, and (4) the legal aspect – what courts have to say. He also emphasized that it is an international treaty, a sacred nation-nation and government-government agreement.”

Past and present members of MILSA present Chief Wilton Littlechild, with a Winnipeg Jets WASAC (Winnipeg Aboriginal Sports Achievement Centre) Jersey.

“My main takeaway from Chief Littlechild’s visit was a profound sense of gratitude—gratitude for the fierce advocates, like Chief Littlechild, who have dedicated their lives to fighting for Indigenous rights,” said Clarke, “When he attended law school, there were only five Indigenous students across Canada, and the Dean told him that being Indigenous was already a strike against him. Today, I am privileged to attend law school with at least 20 other Indigenous students in 2L at my school alone. I can sit in a room and listen to the powerful stories of an internationally respected Chief, personally welcomed and thanked by our Dean. It’s a humbling reminder of how far we’ve come and how fortunate I am to proudly share and celebrate my Métis identity—something my ancestors could not do.”

Janell Jackson (2L) had heard Littlechild speak in the past at various Assembly of First Nations events she attended as a young elected councillor for her community in 2015. “I was so excited when I was told that Dr. Littlechild would be visiting our final lecture for Indigenous Methodologies,” she said. “I had a very hard time understanding his talks back then [in 2015] because I was so young, and so new to the political landscape of Indigenous Relations. Now, after a year and a half of Law courses compiled with an undergrad, I finally comprehend the things he speaks about with the United Nations, Law, and Treaties. So, this was a very special time for me to listen, rather than engage. My appreciation and gratitude were through the roof.”

Jackson emphasized that Littlechild “understands the atrocities that have been imposed on Indigenous peoples, because he is a survivor. He has lived in a way that he represents Legal Order[s], advocates for Justice, while honouring his identity through the Colonial Systems.”

“I just wanted to express my gratitude to him, and tell him how important his role modelling and leadership have been for me on my journey when I began a tumultuous political life at such a young age,” she said, adding, “In case folks don’t know, he does the Land Acknowledgement for Hockey Games in Treaty 6!”

Recent graduate and past MILSA Executive Melinda Moch [JD/24] is an articling student at MLT Aikins, who took time out of her busy day to attend. “The chance to sit and listen to counsel from Chief Willie Littlechild was and is a lifetime opportunity. The life and experiences of an Indigenous trailblazer such as Chief Littlechild are not common. His contributions and positive impact on historical moments such as the implementation of UNDRIP and the founding of the North American Indigenous Games are simply incredible,” she said. “I asked Chief Littlechild about his involvement in one of his many historical accomplishments, that of being on the inaugural Board of Directors for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Chief Willie shared that the decision to place the Museum in its present home of Winnipeg, being the only Federal Museum to be housed outside of Ottawa, was one that honoured Winnipeg as a historical meeting place for Indigenous Nations dating back over 10,000 years.”

However, Moch said, “the biggest takeaway for me was Chief Willie’s investment in Indigenous youth. Despite constantly travelling the world engaging in international political matters, Chief Willie made space and time to travel to Manitoba to engage with and inspire Law Students at Robson Hall.”

Chief Wilton Littlechild will return to Winnipeg in January to help SCO host the United Nations’ Expert Mechanism on the Rights for Indigenous People (UN EMRIP).

Ms. Jennifer Chen, MLA for Fort Richmond, visited Robson Hall on September 4, 2024 to meet with members of the Manitoba Law Students Association (MILSA) who had applied for the Fund, to present them with an official letter from the Province, confirming their successful application for support from the fund. The grant will assist MILSA to host a special event at the law school to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (observed nationally on September 30^th).

According to the Province’s Manitoba Indigenous Reconciliation Secretariat website, the Fund Objectives are “to encourage Indigenous and non-Indigenous Manitobans to reflect on the impacts of the Indian residential school system through activities and initiatives that advance truth and reconciliation.”

Our focus is on promoting education and awareness as the future of the legal profession. We are coming together in honour of NDTR. The event is open to law students, faculty, lawyers, and the general UM community.  – Kiersten Sanderson, 2L

The law students submitted a proposal to host an event that would “contribute to ensuring the legacy and impacts of the residential school system are not forgotten or downplayed” as per the Fund objectives.

The students had previously organized a community event in honour of Louis Riel Day last February, and wanted to ensure that the event in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day would also grow and reach a wider audience.

“Something that influenced us [to apply for the fund and organize this event] was that next year it will be 10 years since the release of the TRC’s Final Report and with the 94 Calls to Action,” said Kiersten Sanderson, one of the applicants for the fund.

“In addition we note that when it comes to Truth & Reconciliation, reconciliation cannot happen without knowing the truth of our shared history and relationship,” said Raven Morrisseau, who worked with Sanderson on the application.

“Our goal is to share and highlight some work that is currently being done involving Truth & Reconciliation.  MILSA will also advertise that attendees wear orange in recognition of Phyllis Webstad and Orange Shirt Day,” explained Sanderson. “We also plan on providing additional resources, such as information sheets and resources for additional learning, to help provide as much information for attendees as possible.  Additionally, there will be a shared meal, and we intend to begin the event in a good way with a prayer by an elder and an opportunity for attendees to smudge if they wish.”

Aims of the funds are to:

• recognize and honour Survivors for their strength and resilience
• commemorate and memorialize the children who never returned home from residential schools 
• foster relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Manitobans
• support activities aligned with relevant legislation and commissions
• enhance understanding of the legacy of the residential school system in Manitoba

The Prize was created to recognize a graduating law student in each of the law schools in Canada who is most likely to positively influence equity and social justice in Canada or globally. 

Melinda Moch is proudly Red River Métis, with community and family ties to Winnipeg and Manitoba’s Interlake. She sits on the Indigenous Advisory Council of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, and sat as President of the National Indigenous Law Students’ Association for the 2022-2023 term. She is an involved mother of five children, and has had a lengthy career as a Paralegal prior to and while attending law school.  She plans to spend her legal career assisting Indigenous communities in advancement through economic development projects.

Moch graduated from the UM Faculty of Law in 2024 and is currently articling at MLT Aikins LLP.

Norman Meade, Elder-in-Residence at the Indigenous Student Centre opened the event with a blessing and words to focus everyone’s thoughts on the meaning of the forthcoming day that now honours the Father of Manitoba. Unparalleled bannock tacos supplied by Shelly’s Indigenous Bistro disappeared quickly after more than 50 guests lined up.

Logan Nadeau, 1L, moderates a panel of Métis elders including Elder Norman Mead who opened the event, Tyler Blashko, MLA for Lagimodiere, and Jeri Ducharme, Manager of Learning for the EleV Partnership at UM Indigenous Engagement and Communications.

Invited Métis community members included Tyler Blashko, MLA for Lagimodiere, and Jeri Ducharme, Manager of Learning for the EleV Partnership at UM’s Indigenous Engagement and Communications. First-year law student Logan Nadeau moderated questions for the guests regarding their educational and work experiences and contributions as Métis individuals.

Elder Candace Volk led a workshop on traditional beading while first-year law student and champion Métis jigger, Sarah Shuttleworth, taught law students the basic steps of a traditional jig.  

Elder Candace Volk teaches beading to law students and staff, making good use of a Robson Hall classroom document camera.

“The Louis Riel Day event was a great way for the Robson Hall community to celebrate the culture and history of the Red River Métis, and we’re thankful to our invited guests for sharing their experiences and knowledge with us,” said organizer Dominique Gibson (3L). “To be able to host this event only a few weeks after The Louis Riel Act bestowed the honorary title of “First Premier of Manitoba” on Louis Riel is particularly meaningful. Thanks to everyone who joined us for the lunch, the panel, and the cultural activities!”

Jigging champion and first-year law student Sarah Shuttleworth teaches fellow students how to jig.

The event came a week after a visit from The Honourable Michelle O’Bonsawin, Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, who encouraged law students to take the opportunity to attend different cultural events whenever possible as part of their education.

Adam Beach joined CBC to talk about his upcoming conversation with the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students Association.

Listen here

“It was a great few days of learning and connecting with Indigenous lawyers and students from across Canada,” said Dominique Gibson (3L) who attended along with fellow Manitoba Indigenous Law Students’ Association (MILSA) members Melinda Moch (3L), Sarah Shuttleworth (1L), Nadine Plourde (2L), Carlie Kane (3L), Mary-Charlet Lathlin (2L), Shelby Sinclair (3L), and Zackery Anderson (2L).

Shelby Sinclair was re-elected to the position of Vice-President First Nations of the National Indigenous Law Students’ Association for the 2023-24 year.

On Thursday, October 12, MILSA representatives gathered together with all of the National Indigenous Law Students’ Association (NILSA) members attending the IBA Conference for a Student Day. In addition to the NILSA annual election, the students went to a retreat centre on Rama First Nation to learn more about how Anishinaabe legal traditions are expressed through art. Gibson said, “The sessions, which were primarily lead by Chief Lady Bird (an artist and educator) and Jeffrey Hewitt (Associate Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School) helped us to better understand how we can better incorporate Indigenous legal traditions into our own learning and law school experiences. In addition, we engaged in various sessions of land-based learning, which was one of my favourite parts of the conference.”

At the election, Robson Hall 3L Shelby Sinclair was re-elected to the position of Vice-President First Nations of the National Indigenous Law Students’ Association for the 2023-24 year. “I am extremely grateful,” said Sinclair. “I hold this position very near to my heart as I know what it feels like to be one of the only First Nation law students at a school. I will continue to provide supports, resources, and be a voice for First Nation law students across Canada. Although the process may be difficult, it is moments like this that make it all worthwhile. I endeavour to encourage other First Nations people to pursue law. Miigwetch!”

Marc Kruse speaks on TRC Call to Action #28 at the 35th Annual Indigenous Bar Association conference, accompanied by Assistant Professors Daniel Diamond and Leo Baskatawang. Photo by Nadine Plourde.

On Saturday, October 14, Assistant Professors Leo Baskatawang and Daniel Diamond, together with Marc Kruse, Director of Indigenous Legal Learning and Services, discussed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #28 as part of a Breakout Session at the Conference. They discussed the importance of interpreting Call to Action #28 broadly and holistically, rather than as a mere box-ticking exercise. In particular they discussed current initiatives at Robson Hall, and reflections on best practices and strategies for implementing Call to Action #28 at law schools in Canada. Finally, they discussed institutional and structural barriers for the meaningful implementation of Call To Action #28 and the process of Indigenizing legal education, as well as pathways for overcoming these barriers.

“Robson Hall was extremely well represented at this year’s Indigenous Bar Association conference,” Baskatawang observed. “I have no doubt that the innovations we are making in legal education, both as an institution and through our teaching practices, will one day be emulated by every other law school in Canada.”

The three panelists from Robson Hall had recently organized a major conference on September 22 to launch the inaugural Interdisciplinary Journal of Indigenous Inaakonigewin, which featured Ovide Mercredi, O.C., O.M. [LLB/77] as keynote speaker. The new Journal, created with the intention of uniting scholars, community leaders, and artists that have an interest in Indigenous law and remedies for justice, is currently accepting submissions until January 15, 2024.

After the discovery in May 2021 of suspected unmarked graves of children on the grounds of the former Indian Residential School at Kamloops, BC, members of Robson Hall’s Class of 1980 were quick to respond to a suggestion that they do something to encourage and support Indigenous law students. 

Norman Yusim [B.A./77, LL.B./80], a family lawyer at Fillmore Riley LLP, explained that it all started with an email that Randy Bennell [LL.B./80] sent to classmates on June 25, 2021, reminding them that it was 40 years to the day since many of them were called to the Manitoba bar. 

Classmate Lea Baturin [B.A./77, LL.B./80] responded with a proposal inspired by the news of the day. “She thought it would be a fantastic idea to contribute to a bursary for an Indigenous law student for a number of reasons. One, it was to support Robson Hall. Two, it was to leave a legacy. And three, it was to honour, really, the residential school survivors and victims in Canada,” Yusim said. “It was a really big issue for us and when it was suggested by Lea, it didn’t take much arm-twisting.” 

Within days, a committee — consisting of classmates Baturin, Yusim, Mira Thow [LL.B./80] and Frances Bidewell [LL.B./80] — was formed to begin the fund-raising effort. The response from the class was very positive. “I’m really proud of our class,” Yusim said, adding that the initial amount they set out to collect was $7,500. Within the first week, however, they had over $11,000, and then $25,000.

Realizing this could be a long-term bursary available annually to an Indigenous student, they began working with the University of Manitoba’s Donor Relations Department to set up Terms of Reference. Currently, the class has collected over $33,000 and hopes to raise more. 

In a letter thanking the Class of 1980 for their initiative, second-year law student Adam Kowal pointed out that entering the legal profession as an Indigenous student is difficult. “Law academia is not easy in general, and it is while facing further obstacles that Indigenous students face it,” said Kowal, the co-president of the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students Association.

Kowal explained, “Law school for Indigenous students can feel unsafe in a variety of ways. Often many students feel isolated, afraid to speak up in discussion with Indigenous perspectives, or simply that one might see any view as an Indigenous perspective. Another sense can be in physical insecurity, whether that be anxiety over dressing appropriately to fit in or a comfortable environment to study in or go to sleep in at night.”

Most significantly, he told the class of 1980, “A great mitigating factor towards these situations addresses financial security. The creation of a bursary for Indigenous students would add safety to an enriching community. It would help level the playing field and it would allow for resources on hand for an individual or group that deserves to succeed.”

Yusim said Kowal’s letter moved him deeply, particularly his comments that financial security would help students feel safer and more connected. “We wanted to help Indigenous students to achieve their goal of becoming lawyers. Tuition is very expensive now:  $14,000 a year for tuition,” Yusim said. “Then there’s books and there’s the registration costs.  Working in the summer to make money to pay for (all) your tuition, books and registration costs seems to have gone the way of the dodo bird … He (Kowal) felt that this particular bursary would contribute to the success of the Indigenous students by easing the financial burden.”

Yusim said the Class of 1980 has been strongly influenced by the actions and career path of Senator Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, who graduated a year ahead of them in the Class of 1979. Law students in those days were part of a generation taught by professors he described as “probably some of the best,” including Gerry Nemiroff and Barney Sneiderman. “We just had great professors all the way through who helped build the foundation for us as lawyers, at least for me.”

In a letter thanking the Class of 1980, Marc Kruse, a Robson Hall alum of 2015, and Indigenous Legal Studies Coordinator at the Faculty of Law, said Robson Hall doesn’t currently have any internal scholarships for Indigenous students. “Having the ability to award monies to Indigenous students will allow us to be competitive with other larger law schools,” he said.

Kruse also pointed to the barriers Indigenous students face when trying to access post-secondary education, especially expensive professional programs. He said the faculty is currently drafting changes to its Indigenous applicant category, including internal financial support. “At Robson Hall we are committed to respecting and implementing when appropriate, the TRC calls to action.” 

The Class of 1980 bursary is eligible for funding from a provincial government program to encourage private donors to create bursaries and scholarships. The Manitoba Bursaries and Scholarship Initiative will match half the amount awarded as a bursary for three consecutive years, commencing in the fall of 2023. 

To contribute to the bursary fund, please visit the Law Class of 1980 Bursary donation page.

Brewing over at least the past decade, movement towards curriculum Indigenization at the Faculty of Law came to a head this summer when the new Dean of Law Dr. Richard Jochelson, a professor with the faculty since 2016, reinvigorated an advisory group now called the Truth and Reconciliation Action Team. The Team consists of professors, instructors and practicing professional lawyers with deeply-rooted experience and knowledge in Aboriginal law, Indigenous Legal Orders, teaching and practice. Most also have personal family connections to Indigenous communities across Canada.

This Team is working to advise the Faculty and take action to implement long-anticipated changes to the curriculum. The Team builds further on a mandate adopted by the Law Faculty Council (LFC) in 2016 when former Dean Dr. Lorna Turnbull brought a motion to “investigate options for fulfilling elements of Call to Action #28 in existing courses and programs in a more coordinated way.”

“I am most grateful and excited that this group of alumni and advisors have agreed to share their time, talent and wisdom to move the Faculty of Law into the future,” said Jochelson. “Each voice on this team is critical to ensure we are on the right track with Indigenizing our curriculum, improving the student experience and reaching out to untapped potential students. As such, it is equally critical that we include the student voices of the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students Association.”

Team member Stacey Soldier graduated from the Faculty of Law in 2007. “I am so pleased to be a part of a historical endeavor,” she said, regarding her involvement. “The years I spent at Robson Hall had little to offer on Indigenous people and perspectives, with the exception of a portion in Constitutional Law and an upper-level course. I would not have made it through without the support of Wendy Whitecloud, whose steady and constant presence was a lifeline.”

Soldier is pleased with changes made thus far. “Marc Kruse, the new Indigenous Student Support Coordinator is already off to an amazing start and his mentorship and enthusiasm are invaluable,” she added.

Likewise, Team member and Robson Hall alumna Jessica Saunders [JD/2012] said, “During my time at Robson Hall, professors like Wendy Whitecloud and Lorna Turnbull worked in their own ways to advance reconciliation and support Indigenous students. Now, those efforts are being made full circle by Robson Hall. These efforts will go a long way to ensure future lawyers, academics, law and policy makers are advancing reconciliation in their own ways and on a wider scale.”

Given this history, these changes have been a long time coming, and are welcomed by members of the Faculty of Law community. Even as recently as two years ago, “Indigenous content was really missing from the majority of my first-year courses and it was disappointing to see,” said third-year student Katie Rothwell, an active member of the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students Association (MILSA) who is set to graduate in the spring of 2022. “However, it’s encouraging to hear from current first-year students that there is a real prioritization of Indigenous content in their courses.”

One such first-year student, Melinda Moch, was pleased to see consistent commentary being made on Indigenous matters in her first-term courses. “Our orientation days spotlighted many Indigenous voices and many of our first few weeks of classes had Indigenous content shared by outside sources,” she said. “I was pleased to see that a distinction is being made between Aboriginal Law (relating to Canada’s legislation and laws pertaining to the Indian Act and Indigenous persons) and Indigenous Legal Orders (being the laws of Canada’s Inuit, First Nations and Metis peoples) and I believe that each of our professors acknowledged this distinction at one point or another.”

Since the Faculty adopted Call to Action #28 in 2016, a number of dedicated courses have delivered Indigenous content to students at Robson Hall including:

• Aboriginal Law – Criminal Justice and Family Law
• Aboriginal Peoples and the Law
• Indigenous Economic Development and the Law
• Oral History, Indigenous Peoples, and the Law

No less than 24 courses in the Faculty’s catalogue also contain Indigenous-related units of study for a substantial period of the course offering, in addition to doctrinal and clinical learning. These include such mandatory courses as:

• Administrative Law
• Constitutional Law
• Evidence
• Legal Systems
• Legal Profession and Professional Responsibility
• Property

This fall, the Faculty took its first-year curriculum a step further, first, as Moch noted, by incorporating significant content into its orientation days, followed by educational activities implanted into the mandatory first-year Legal Systems course. Dean Jochelson’s orientation address was informed by findings of the TRC. Faculty alumni and Indigenous members of the practicing bar, Stacey Soldier and Sacha Paul, gave a “Welcome from the Bar” address, and brought welcome from their respective Treaty lands. Law Orientation’s Keynote address was given by Canadian Senator Mary Jane McCallum who spoke about her role as a law maker and how her experiences in residential schools informed her perspective and law-making mission.

The Legal Systems course that Moch and her fellow first-year classmates have experienced in their first term was facilitated by the Manitoba Museum and included a modules involving discussion of the original spirit and intent of the Treaties, their foundational importance, and the basis of all kinds of law and how these discussions create the possibility of a moral inflection point in relations with First Nations peoples. Other experiences included elders and teachers from Roseau, Peguis and Berens First Nations, plus guest speakers Elder Harry Bone, Manitoba Treaty Commissioner Loretta Ross, Former Treaty Three Grand Chief Diane Kelly, and UM Faculty of Law alumna and Athabasca University Assistant Professor, Myra Tait. Professor Turnbull is the lead instructor for this course in collaboration with Ontario-based instructor and lawyer, Dr. Rebecca Bromwich-Jaremko.

Learning about these curriculum updates, third-year student Rothwell said, “I think it is crucial to introduce Indigenous content as early on as possible because it is such an important topic. Knowing that professors and instructors are making a point to introduce and incorporate Indigenous content into first-year courses, such as Legal Systems and Methods is a step in the right direction; although there is still much work to be done, it is one positive step.”

In answer to what she hopes to see improve with these initiatives, Moch said, “I look forward to seeing an increase in course content relating to Indigenous peoples in the future and specifically a separate course offering specifically relating to the law and Indigenous peoples.” Further, she added, “I would acknowledge the hard work of our Professors to rethink and reformat their commentary in this regard and have personally (happily) noted their thought-provoking, open-ended questions when discussing jurisprudence that reflects Canada’s colonial foundation.”

More updates are coming. This past summer, the Faculty hired Marc Kruse [JD/2015], practicing lawyer and research scholar specializing in the Indigenization of curricula. Kruse plays several roles at the Faculty including supporting Indigenous students, working with Faculty members to review their course curricula and help improve Indigenous content. Retired Faculty member Wendy Whitecloud, one of the architects of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, has also been retained to support Kruse and students.

“I was hired to continue the Indigenous student support work of Wendy Whitecloud and bring a new addition to the position for curriculum development,” said Kruse. “When I joined the Faculty, the Truth and Reconciliation Action Team had already been formed. With their support we were able to develop a new course which fulfills the TRC Call to Action 28.”

This new course, recently passed by the Law Faculty Council, is set to be mandatory for all second-year law students and was developed with the addition of Indigenous perspectives to first year courses to ensure that it would not be a standalone class. “Our new course continues discussions of Indigenous legal issues started in first year and will help our students develop a deeper understanding of Indigenous worldviews,” Kruse explained. “Indigenizing our curriculum and those of all law schools in Canada is necessary for meaningful discussions about reconciliation.”

He continued, “Non-Indigenous Canadians and Indigenous folk need to see each other as equals and to do so, both sides need to have respect for each other; this respect means learning about each other’s laws and worldviews. Our new class is the next step in developing a curriculum which prioritizes the knowledge students will need to take part in and lead Canada’s reconciliation efforts.”

As the Faculty of Law’s Truth and Reconciliation Action Team rolls out more changes in the coming months, law students at the University of Manitoba and the broader legal community can expect to see such progress as the hiring of teaching staff who will be actively involved in the Indigenization of the law program including developing the Faculty’s teaching and clinical curriculum; the hiring of a Faculty member to help Indigenize the legal curriculum and develop an Indigenous-focused research program with an eye to meeting the TRC Calls to Action; development of an endowed Chair in Indigenous Economic Reconciliation; and implementation of further workshops aimed at educating students and the practicing bar around Gladue principles, and Indigenous People and the Criminal Justice System.

“When it comes to changes being made to implement Calls to Action and to advance reconciliation,” Saunders reflected, “the Hon. Murray Sinclair has said that we must ask, “what will this do to change the relationship between Indigenous peoples and Canada?”. Providing a foundation for Indigenous Laws and Legal Orders, honoring the stories, voices and vision of Indigenous students and their forebears impacted by Indian Residential Schools and the Sixties Scoop systems, are just some of the impactful changes Robson Hall is making to contribute to a relationship based on respect.”

UM campuses are uniquely strengthened by Indigenous student perspectives. The Indigenous campus community includes many student leaders who continue to define new directions and move our nations, province and country forward with their ideas and passions. The following Indigenous students will graduate during UM Virtual Convocation on June 29.

Annie Beach – Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours)

Photo credit: BnB Studios

Since childhood, School of Art student Annie Beach has expressed her creativity, experimenting with different mediums with the support of family and teachers. Now, she marks murals as her medium of choice.

“I love being able to create these larger-than-life images. It feels more immersive as the artist to paint them, and more immersive for the viewer to experience the piece,” says Beach, who has participated in over a dozen community mural projects since 2017.

Her work has also frequently appeared on UM campuses, including a mural at the Centre for Advancement of Teaching and Learning created with assistant professor (then graduate student) Katherine Boyer and curated by Indigenous designer-in-residence Sébastien Aubin. In the mural, Beach and Boyer used desire paths and hoop dance patterns to represent the Indigenous student experience.

“I owe so much credit to the School of Fine Art Students’ Association for helping build a community on campus for student artists,” says Beach, who sat on both the council and the UM Indigenous Students’ Association. “I started to work with brilliant and hardworking Indigenous student leaders and that led me to so many opportunities to learn and connect with folks across campus as well as outside the city.”

Building connections with the Indigenous campus community also helped her connect to her culture, adds Beach, who is Cree/Saulteaux and Ukrainian from Winnipeg, Man., with family from Peguis First Nation. In addition to events like the Annual Traditional Graduation Pow Wow, she counts experiencing her first Full Moon Ceremony and sweat on campus as highlights.

Beach hopes to continue working as an artist, teaching workshops and facilitating programming, and to explore other interests like an Indigenous doula course this summer.

“I never have the same day twice; there’s always something new,” she says. “I’m glad I found my passion and was able to follow it.”

Dayna Bradburn – Bachelor of Nursing

Dayna Bradburn recalls an early childhood memory that helped set her future journey at UM in motion.

Her late grandmother mentioned that Bradburn would make a good nurse – encouragement that fostered Bradburn’s interest in nursing and led to her eventual career path. “I could not imagine myself doing anything else,” she says.

She began her studies with the Aboriginal Nursing Cohort Initiative Pre-Nursing Program, and is now graduating from the College of Nursing in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. “I chose this program at UM because I liked how integrated the Indigenous culture was on campus, and it felt right,” says Bradburn, who is from Norway House Cree Nation, Man.

A personal highlight included attending conferences organized by the College. “That made a huge impact on me and opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of what nursing has to offer,” she says.

Her best experiences at UM stemmed from the times when she stepped out of her comfort zone and moved past her fears. “That is when I truly made accomplishments in myself,” she says. “Every exam, clinical and presentation I went through was worth it, to be where I am now – both personally and professionally.”

Bradburn encourages other students to pursue their goals – “even the things that [they’re] most scared of” – to build confidence in themselves. “If you fall along the way,” she notes, “get back up and don’t give up.” She also recommends nursing students take advantage of the many resources and opportunities in the College of Nursing and at UM, like mentoring programs and writing tutors, which she calls invaluable. “Always seek guidance when needed,” she advises.

Moving forward, Bradburn plans to continue to gain more clinical experience. “When the time is right, I hope to practice my passion in rural and/or northern areas in the future.”

Genevieve Benoit – Juris Doctor

Community is at the forefront of all of Genevieve Benoit’s endeavours. A Métis student from Winnipeg, Man., Benoit maintained strong ties to the Métis Nation – and the Indigenous campus community – during her time at Robson Hall Faculty of Law.

“I chose to study at Robson Hall to complete my legal education because it was close to my home, allowing me to continue my connections and relationships with my community, friends and family,” says Benoit, whose recent degree follows a bachelor of arts in psychology, also at UM.

Through her studies, Benoit served in several roles on the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students’ Association executive, one of which included advocating for Indigenous students in the faculty to ensure Indigenous voices were heard and students felt safe in the classroom. She also remains involved in numerous Indigenous and law initiatives across Manitoba, Canada and even internationally, recently interning at the Supreme Court of the Navajo Nation in Arizona.

Some of her personal highlights at UM included guest lectures like those from Métis lawyers Jean Teillet and Jason Madden. “It was inspiring to listen to individuals from my Nation lecture about the current state of Métis law in Canada,” she says.

Her best moments at Robson Hall stemmed from taking risks, she notes – advice she passes along to new and current students.

“In my first and second-year summers during law school, I moved to Toronto to work at a law firm that specialized in Aboriginal law,” she says. “The idea of moving for four months initially seemed daunting, but the skills and knowledge I was able to obtain as a result of the real-life experience was well worth it.”

Now in her articling year, Benoit hopes to continue her legal career working for the Métis community in some capacity once she receives her call to the bar in 2021.

Carly McLellan – Doctor of Medicine

Growing up in Thompson, Man., Carly McLellan never had a stable family physician due to high physician turnover in her community. She was interested in a health-related career, but it wasn’t until she attended the Health Career Quest Summer Camp as a high school student that she met an Indigenous physician for the first time. The UM program had a profound impact on her – she decided to pursue a career in medicine, a goal from which she has not wavered.

“I felt that cultural competency and a continuum of care would positively affect the health of my community, and decided that maybe if I became a physician, I could help improve the health-care situation,” she says.

The Cree and Métis student joined the Health Careers Access Program and is now graduating from the Max Rady College of Medicine, her second UM degree after receiving a bachelor of arts in Native studies, a highlight of her UM experience. “It was perhaps an unconventional path to medicine, but I can’t think of a better knowledge base to start medicine with,” says McLellan, who also counts receiving an Indigenous Award of Excellence as a highlight.

McLellan encourages students to place equal value on extracurricular activities and academics, and to take advantage of experiences like the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment during their time at UM.

Her next steps? She will complete her post-graduate medical education at UM and hopes to practice as a family physician in northern or rural communities.

“I will always remember my time at UM fondly; my experience here has shaped me into the person I am today,” she says. “To any Indigenous youth who are considering post-secondary education – you do belong in these institutions. There are a lot of fantastic people working really hard to create an environment where you never have to question that. We believe in you and we need you.”

Kristi Perrin – Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)

Kristi Perrin always knew she wanted to study business. “I feel like I had the personality for it,” says Perrin, who was described as energetic and passionate when she won a Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Achievement Award in 2017.

Through her studies at UM, the Métis student from Portage la Prairie, Man. was heavily involved in campus programming. Upon learning about the Indigenous Business Education Partners (IBEP) prior to starting university, she knew it was a program she wanted to be a part of. In addition to roles on the Commerce Students’ Association, she also volunteered with the Indigenous Commerce Students (UMICS) group, of which she served as president in her graduating year.

“The IBEP/UMICS community is absolutely second to none. I knew I had found lifelong friends very early into my experience with the program,” she says. “Seeing the community of Indigenous students grow [in the faculty] is so rewarding, and I hope each student leans into being involved with IBEP/UMICS going forward. It truly enriched my university experience beyond measure.”

Perrin, who majored in marketing and human resources management, also credits the Asper Co-op Program for developing her skills and facilitating invaluable connections – including one that led to her new role as a business development representative for Philip Morris International. “I couldn’t have asked for a better fit to my skillset and career interests.”

She counts the people she met at UM as a personal highlight. “To the Indigenous graduates especially, thank you for coming on this journey with me and accepting me in your community,” she says. “And thank you to all of the faculty at Asper for making this experience what it was for me.”

Her advice to new and current students is to get involved: “Find something that interests you and really sink into it.”

At its 2020 UM Virtual Convocation, the University of Manitoba will confer degrees, diplomas and certificates on 4,255 graduates. Don’t forget to check our UM Student Instagram to learn more about some of the students graduating on June 29, 2020. You can also join the ‘Convocation conversation’ on social media by following #umanitoba2020.