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

This year, the Kawaskimhon did a number of things differently. Instead of conducting negotiations between the colonial government and Indigenous people, it involved all Indigenous organizations negotiating a treaty amongst themselves. As well, table awards were given out for the first time to honour team work at each table. Manitoba’s team of Lathlin and Jackson brought home one of those table awards.

The specific problem at this year’s moot involved each team representing an Indigenous community coming together to protect the water. As Dreilich-Girard explained, each table consisted of six teams, each representing different Indigenous organizations and governments, all with the goal of protecting the Lake Winnipeg Watershed. “Throughout the negotiation, we worked to move beyond colonial legal frameworks, and opted to create a Water Treaty inspired by the Buffalo Treaty. This treaty recognized principles such as kinship, reciprocity, respect, relationships, regeneration, and responsibility. It also integrated ceremony as a way of honoring and upholding these commitments.”

“In creating the treaty, we acknowledged and recognized the ongoing work being done in community such as the great work being done at the Turtle Lodge. We emphasized the need for a Grandmothers’ Council and ensured that the treaty, along with all related documents and communications, would be available in the languages of all signatory nations. Additionally, we called for the renewal of relationships and commitments to be marked during the solstice. One of the most significant aspects of our treaty was Article #7, which spoke about the importance of future generations being included in all discussions and decisions, with an open seat at every discussion and gathering to welcome new community members and individuals who wish to join the conversation.”

Dreilich-Girard observed that “This opportunity saw us utilize what we’ve learned in the classroom while integrating ceremony and teachings.”

Kawaskimhon Team Manitoba (left to right): Coach Marc Kruse [JD/15], Director of Indigenous Legal Learning and Services; Mary-Charlet-Lathlin (3L); (back left) Raven Morrisseau (2L); Chloe Dreilich-Girard (2L); Janell Jackson (2L); Coach Daniel Diamond, Assistant Professor, UM Law.

Thanking her teammates, Dreilich-Girard said, “Together, we successfully mirrored the partnership our “clients” have, and navigated the negotiation process while supporting each other’s visions and goals.

The moot’s keynote speaker was Aimée Craft, a Full Professor at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Common Law, who holds the University of Ottawa Research Chair Nibi miinawaa aki inaakonigewin: Indigenous governance in relationship with land and water. Her talk highlighted the “incredible work being done by communities to protect water, including the development of a Water Treaty,” said Dreilich-Girard.

The team thanked their coaches Kruse and Diamond for their support throughout the Kawaskimhon including bringing them Thunder Bay’s iconic Persian donuts.

Finally, Dreilich-Girard extended kihchi marsii to her and Morrisseau’s table moderator, Jamie McGinnis, Manager of Legal Services, Human Rights Legal Support Centre in Thunder Bay. “Her guidance was instrumental in helping us navigate the negotiation with respect, reciprocity, kinship, relationships, regeneration, and responsibility all in mind.”

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).

An Evening of Connection and Community

The event welcomed attendees into the heart of Migizii Agamik, a culturally significant space for Indigenous students at the University of Manitoba. Sarah Shuttleworth (2L), MILSA’s VP Social Coordinator, reflected on the choice of venue, saying, “Networking events can be intimidating, especially for Indigenous law students, so we, as MILSA, wanted to ensure this event felt warm and welcoming—a reason why we chose to host the event at Migizii Agamik.”

From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the space buzzed with conversation, laughter, and a sense of shared purpose as participants connected, shared experiences, and celebrated the strength of the Manitoba Indigenous legal community.

Guests were treated to appetizers and snacks from Indigenous-owned businesses, including Sharecuterie and Bistro on Notre Dame, alongside a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. These thoughtful details set a tone of inclusivity and warmth, ensuring everyone felt at ease.

Reflecting on the event, Chloe Dreilich-Girard (2L), MILSA’s VP External – Métis, shared, “Hosting this networking event for Indigenous law students and lawyers in Migizii Agamik—a space already known to many who have been students at UM—was truly special. As soon as you entered the room, you could feel the energy—the warmth, the connection, the sense of belonging.”

Albert (2L) echoed this sentiment: “For me, this gathering felt like a celebration of connection and belonging—a momentary escape to the familiarity of home while attending the University of Manitoba. It’s often challenging to replicate the warmth and customs of life back on the rez, especially in an institution where practices and values can starkly contrast with the experiences I grew up with in Northern Manitoba, in my community of Kinosao Sipi. Yet, the atmosphere at Migizii Agamik during the event brought a sense of home that I am often missing while attending law school.”

Innovative Networking Activities

The event featured networking bingo, a creative and engaging activity designed to spark conversations in a relaxed environment. The bingo cards included prompts related to Robson Hall, MILSA, and the legal profession. Attendees eagerly connected to complete their cards, with lawyers like Stacey Soldier [JD/07] enthusiastically participating. Soldier, along with Genevieve Benoit [JD/20] and Janell Jackson (2L), won prizes for completing their bingo sheets first.

Reflecting on the atmosphere, Shuttleworth shared, “It was uplifting to watch everyone in the room talk and laugh—it felt as if we were all one big family.”

A Celebratory Turnout

“In Good Relations” saw an impressive turnout, including a strong presence of 2L law students and representatives from all levels of the Manitoba Indigenous Bar. Attendees included special guests Wendy Whitecloud, Robson Hall’s Elder-in-Residence, and Loretta Ross, Manitoba’s Treaty Commissioner. Their presence underscored the event’s importance in fostering relationships and inspiring the next generation of Indigenous legal professionals.

Sharing big laughs, playing bingo all night, and reflecting on our shared purpose of entering the legal profession to create meaningful change for Indigenous people reminded me why I chose this path, even during moments where I am questioning myself ‘Why am I doing this?’ Events like this are not just gatherings—they are affirmations of why we do what we do. – Julianna Albert, 2L

Albert (2L) reflected on the impact of the evening, saying, “It was a breath of fresh air to meet and connect with role models who have inspired my own journey to law school—trailblazers like Daphne Comegan [JD/21], Jeremy McKay [JD/18], and Alyssa Bird [JD/19]—true Indigenous legal powerhouses. They carved out paths and created spaces in law school where they once had to run, so students like me can now walk. Sharing big laughs, playing bingo all night, and reflecting on our shared purpose of entering the legal profession to create meaningful change for Indigenous people reminded me why I chose this path, even during moments where I am questioning myself ‘Why am I doing this?’ Events like this are not just gatherings—they are affirmations of why we do what we do.”

A Vision for the Future

This event, conceptualized by Chloe Dreilich-Girard (2L), VP External – Métis, and Kiersten Sanderson (2L), VP Professional Development, highlighted the power of informal networking to build community. The MILSA executive team worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, and their efforts paid off in an evening that exceeded expectations.

The success of “In Good Relations” has sparked hope that it will become an annual tradition, continuing to provide a space for relationship-building within the Manitoba Indigenous Bar. Dreilich-Girard said, “While this was our first time hosting an event like this, I truly hope it won’t be the last. We need more spaces where we can come together as Indigenous peoples in the legal profession, where we can be our authentic selves, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships.”

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

Ekosani kinanaskomitinawaw MILSA for the hard work and care that went into creating such a memorable experience. It’s not every day that you can share your mlahs, those big auntie laughs, and speak your rez slang without hesitation or shyness. Thank you for making space for that joy, and for reminding me of the community I carry with me even while away from home. – Julianna Albert, 2L

MILSA extends its heartfelt thanks to the lawyers, students, and graduates who attended, as well as the volunteers and executives who dedicated their time and energy to planning the event. As this initiative grows, it promises to strengthen connections and create lasting impacts on the Indigenous legal community in Manitoba.

Albert offered her gratitude, saying, “Ekosani kinanaskomitinawaw MILSA for the hard work and care that went into creating such a memorable experience. It’s not every day that you can share your mlahs, those big auntie laughs, and speak your rez slang without hesitation or shyness. Thank you for making space for that joy, and for reminding me of the community I carry with me even while away from home.”

With its emphasis on community, collaboration, and mentorship, “In Good Relations” serves as a shining example of how shared spaces and shared stories can unite and inspire.

Supporting the Work: How new lawyers are being trained to overcome A2J barriers

Monday’s event, “Supporting the Work: How new lawyers are being trained to overcome A2J barriers”was presented by The University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law and the Manitoba Bar Association’s Young Lawyers and Internationally Trained Lawyers sections. Panelists shared what legal supports are now becoming available for clients of diverse backgrounds including cultures, languages and faiths. Representatives from the three host organizations addressed what they are doing to train diverse lawyers who can help these diverse clients.

Panelists included Laurelle Harris, K.C., University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law; Kayleigh Lafontaine, University College of the North; and Ayodeji Olunlade, Restall & Restall LLP  (Co-chair, MBA’s Internationally Trained Lawyers Section) with moderator Mercedes Ayala, Mitousis Lemieux Howard (Co-chair, MBA’s Young Lawyers’ Section).

Watch a recording of “Supporting the Work”.

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Educating and Advocating in Manitoba Prisons

Tuesday’s webinar was on “Educating and Advocating in Manitoba Prisons.” Geared to practicing lawyers and students, this session presented an overview as to what different organizations are doing, parole and record suspensions, resources for clients who are, or may be, incarcerated, and an overview of issues related to prison libraries and literature in provincial prisons.

Panelists included Leif Jensen, University of Manitoba Community Law Centre; Marc Kruse, Director of Indigenous Legal Learning and Services at the Faculty of Law; Liz McCandless, Senior Instructor and Director of Clinical Programming at the Faculty of Law; and Kirsten Wurmann, Manitoba Law Library, Manitoba Library Association. Allison Fenske, Clinical Counsel at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law and Director of the University of Manitoba Community Law Centre acted as Moderator.

Watch a recording of “Educating and Advocating in Manitoba Prisons.”

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Victim Impact Statements and Community Impact Statements

On Wednesday, October 30, the webinar “Victim Impact Statements and Community Impact Statements”featured insights from both Crown and Defense perspectives. This session explored the powerful role these statements play in the justice system, highlighting some examples of how they can be used at sentencing hearings in Manitoba. Participants learned how these statements can give voice to both individual victims and affected communities.

Panelists included Kathrine Basarab, Manitoba Justice, Public Prosecutions; Caleigh Glawson, a criminal defence lawyer with Brodsky Amy & Gould; and Monique St. Germain, Canadian Centre for Child Protection Inc.

Watch a recording of “Victim Impact Statements and Community Impact Statements”.

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Family Law Services: Pathways to Healthy Separation

The final webinar took place on Thursday, October 31, and featured “Family Law Services: Pathways to Healthy Separation.” The panel members represented three different provisions of family legal services and hailed from the Community Legal Education Association, Family Resolution Services and Legal Aid Manitoba. They provided an explanation of the different pathways through the separation process and options available to avoid or at least reduce the conflict and stress of a traditional lawyer / court dispute.   This webinar was of interest to the general public to learn what is involved in the separation process and what alternatives might suit a particular situation.

Panelists included Nina Holatova, Community Legal Education Association; Michael Williams, Manitoba Justice, Family Resolution Services; Peter Kingsley, KC, Executive Director, Legal Aid Manitoba.

Watch a recording of “Family Law Services: Pathways to Healthy Separation.”

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The University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law is home to Manitoba’s Access to Justice Hub, which is an extension of the Director of Access to Justice and Community Engagement’s office at the Faculty of Law. The Hub’s blogspace is a central location for existing participants in the A2J network to connect to their community. 

Kruse presented on “Epistemic Injustice” and common foundational principles of Indigenous legal orders. Harris gave a workshop on anti-racism and equity for legal professionals, and the BC Indigenous Justice Centre gave overview of their work and how they have developed their centres with an access to justice and Indigenous perspective.

In addition to the presentations, 24 A2J stakeholders presented organizational updates which may be found in the most recent A2J newsletter.

This Forum marked the first time since the 2021 establishment of the Manitoba Access to Justice website, a joint initiative of the Law Society of Manitoba and the UM Faculty of Law.

A2J organizations represented at this year’s inaugural Forum included the following:

• Manitoba Court of Appeal
• Manitoba Court of King’s Bench
• Provincial Court of Manitoba
• University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law
• Manitoba Law Foundation
• Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs/First Nations Family Advocate Office
• Manitoba Metis Federation
• The Law Society of Manitoba
• The Manitoba Bar Association
• Legal Aid Manitoba
• Public Interest Law Centre (Office of Legal Aid Manitoba)
• Manitoba Justice – Prosecution Service
• Manitoba Justice – Family Resolution Services
• Manitoba Law Reform Commission
• AJEFM/Infojustice
• Healthy Muslim Families
• Community Legal Education Association
• Legal Help Centre
• Community Unemployment Help Centre
• Manitoba Law Library
• Library Hub Project
• Manitoba Council of Administrative Tribunals
• Mediation Services
• Pro Bono Students Canada

Anyone wishing to stay up to date on Access to Justice in Manitoba and future A2J events, check out the Access to Justice Hub and subscribe to the newsletter.

The Summit was a collaboration between the Faculty of Law’s Director of Indigenous Legal Learning and Services, Marc Kruse [JD/2015] and Perrie Law principal Victoria Perrie [JD/2018], a Métis-Cree criminal defence lawyer whose practice serves Inuit communities in Nunavut and focuses on providing services to Indigenous clients in Manitoba.

The idea for the Summit came about as a result of Perrie’s time working with Inuit in the North. Since 2019 Perrie has practiced criminal defence in Nunavut and throughout that time took note of an often-overlooked issue: when Nunavummiut experience a legal issue outside of the Territory, they face unique barriers with access to justice. She assisted clients with connections to counsel as she was able, but after nearly five years of seeing the same issues pop up across practice areas, she felt it was time to take action and gather the community to discuss this phenomenon and determine the best course of action to assist folks with these issues.

As a non-Inuk, it was important for me to bring the community together and hear from Inuit and organizations who serve Inuit on this issue and whether a clinic was needed. Overwhelmingly, the community response was yes – an independent clinic is wanted and needed. – Victoria Perrie [JD/2015], Perrie Law

“It was important to me for this Summit to be organized because I was not seeing this issue tackled by any other body,” said Perrie. “I reached out to the organizations that serve Inuit in Nunavut and Manitoba and learned there were little to no legal service providers focused on serving Inuit experiencing a cross-jurisdictional legal issue or able to assist a client with legal issues in both jurisdictions. Of particular concern were folks who fall between the cracks: for example, someone who would qualify for Legal Aid in Nunavut, but would not qualify in Manitoba. As a non-Inuk, it was important for me to bring the community together and hear from Inuit and organizations who serve Inuit on this issue and whether a clinic was needed. Overwhelmingly, the community response was yes – an independent clinic is wanted and needed.”

As Director of Indigenous Legal Learning and Services, Marc Kruse, tries to bring the resources of the Faculty of Law to support Indigenous legal projects. “By hosting the event at Robson Hall, we were able to provide in-kind support of our space, tech, and admin staff,” said Kruse. “More importantly we were able to have several Indigenous law students participate in the Summit. Inuit legal orders and issues impacting Nunavut are lacking in our curriculum so this summit was a great introduction for the Director and students to Nunavut Indigenous Legal Orders.”

Attendees included community members from Manitoba and Nunavut who answered the organizers’ requests for consultations. Community organizations represented included the following:

MP Lori Idlout office
The Law Society of Manitoba
University of Manitoba – Faculty of Law / University of Manitoba Community Law Centre
Catriona Dooley Law Office
Kivalliq Legal Services
Manitoba Justice
RCMP Indigenous Policing Services
Kivalliq Legal Services Board- President
Manitoba NDP
Manitoba Law Foundation
Nunavut Law Foundation  
Manitoba Advocate for Youth
Manitoba Human Rights Commission
Legal Aid Manitoba
University of Manitoba
Legal Aid Manitoba
Lafleur & Associates
Wolson Roitenberg Robinson Wolson Minuk Law
Law Society of Nunavut
Manitoba Inuit Association
Tunngasugit Inc
Public Prosecution Service of Canada
Piqqusilirivvik
Nunavut Legal Services
Nunavut Legal Services Board

As well, several esteemed elders attended from Manitoba and the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, whose input guided the conversations and Summit direction.

In keeping with Inuit community gathering traditions, a Qulliq (an Inuit Lamp) was lit at the start of the summit and kept burning throughout the meeting by a designated Fire Keeper, Elder Martha Peet, originally from Taloyoak Nunavut, but now residing in Treaty 1 Territory, National homeland of the Red River Métis.

The Qulliq represents multiple aspects important to Inuit culture and as such, is integral in the Truth-Gathering Process at events such as this Summit. Fire provides heat, light, cooks food, melts ice and boils water, and dries wet clothes.

Elder Martha Peet lights the Qulliq for the May 1 – 2 Summit while Facilitator Catriona Dooley assists.

The Summit involved several panel discussions where stakeholders set out their areas of need as they related to existing community legal needs, followed by breakout sessions to allow for discussion and brainstorming of how those needs could be addressed. A session on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (also known as Inuit Traditional Knowledge, or IQ) and Inuit Law Learning helped familiarize participants with traditional Inuit ways of being and knowing. The Summit’s second day included several panel discussions on available resources, adjacent service providers and post sentence needs of community members involved with the legal system.

The conversations, learning and discussions held at the Summit were taken note of for incorporation into a final report to be published later this summer in order to help determine what shape an Inuit Legal Clinic will take to ensure access to justice for Inuit in Manitoba.

Organizers Marc Kruse and Victoria Perrie firmly believe the clinic should be Inuit operated, and that next steps should be guided by the wisdom of the Elders who brought their knowledge to and participated in the Summit. The Faculty of Law will provide student volunteers to any resulting clinic and provide mentorship on IQ principles.

The Summit was made possible with funding from the Manitoba Law Foundation, Perrie Law, and the Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba.

The organizers extend special thanks to:

• Tara Tootoo Fotheringham for her guidance and contributions to the planning of the Summit
• The Office of MP Lori Idlout for their participation
• Sarah Arngna’naaq for her contributions to the development of the Summit Agenda and her presentation on IQ use in a justice setting
• Marie Josée Lafleur for her presentation grounding the need for the clinic in the every day realities that Inuit face when attempting to access cross-jurisdictional legal assistance

“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.

The hybrid event featured a panel discussion with Darla Rettie, Pitblado Law; Yvan Larocque, Clinical Instructor and Supervising Lawyer at the L. Kerry Vickar Business Law Clinic; and Heather Berthelette, CEO, Spirit Healthcare Group of Companies.

Discussion centred around best practices when working with Indigenous community business leaders and entrepreneurs. In their conversation, Rettie and Berthelette emphasized that relationship-building was of primary importance.

“We are proud to collaborate with our partners to engage Manitoba’s legal community toward reconciliation,” said Michelle Falk, Executive Director of the Manitoba Bar Association.

“This event and its subject matter couldn’t be timelier,” said Larocque who moderated the panel. “Members of the Manitoba Bar will continue to have opportunities to engage in Reconciliations in their advocacy and representation of clients, and those in attendance gained invaluable knowledge that I’m sure will assist them in their contributions to Reconciliation throughout the Province for years to come.”

On October 2, The Law Society of Manitoba introduced a mandatory Indigenous intercultural awareness and competency training course for practicing Manitoba lawyers. The Path provides a basic foundation of knowledge about Indigenous peoples’ history and experiences essential to lawyer competence when dealing with Indigenous clients.

“This year’s event provided an excellent learning opportunity to hear from knowledgeable and compelling speakers on the topic of economic reconciliation, thanks in large part to the connections this partnership event fosters,” said Eileen Derksen, Director of Continuing Professional Development at the Law Society of Manitoba.

Meanwhile, the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba has been working to answer TRC Call to Action #28 by Indigenizing its curriculum and including mandatory content for all first year law students and a mandatory course for all upper-year students that builds on material and skills learned during first year law courses. The 28^th Call to Action calls upon law schools in Canada to require all law students to take a course in Aboriginal people and the law, which includes the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. 

As the Indigenous Legal Studies Coordinator office at Robson Hall, we join hands and arms in celebrating the rich and vibrant cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. This special day provides an opportunity to honor the resilience, wisdom, and enduring spirit of Indigenous Nations across Turtle Island.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) for their tireless efforts in preserving the truth and history of residential schools. It is through their commitment and dedication that we continue to acknowledge the painful legacy of colonization and work towards truth and reconciliation, healing, and justice.

We also express our appreciation to the Vice-President Indigenous Office for their steadfast leadership in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for Indigenous students, staff, and faculty at our institution. Your guidance plays a vital role in creating spaces where Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and voices are respected and uplifted.

Today, let us reflect on the ongoing journey of truth and reconciliation, and commit ourselves to building meaningful relationships based on respect, understanding, and collaboration. May this day serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility to uphold the Treaty rights and obligations of all Canadians.

Wishing you all a day filled with inspiration, learning, and the celebration of Indigenous cultures.

Chi miigwetch. Nakurmiik. Marsee. Thank you.

– Marc Kruse, Indigenous Legal Studies Coordinator

On June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate and honor the rich history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across these lands. It is a day of reflection, recognizing an enduring presence and profound connection to the land.

This occasion reminds us of the injustices faced by Indigenous communities and the importance of genuine reconciliation. Let us work together to dismantle systemic barriers, ensuring equal and equitable access to justice, education, healthcare, and opportunity for all.

National Indigenous Peoples Day calls us to celebrate many remarkable accomplishments, amplify Indigenous voices, and foster a future where Indigenous cultures, and aspirations are cherished, protected, and celebrated. It is a collective responsibility to create an inclusive and equitable society that upholds the shared principles of justice, respect, connectedness and unity.

– Dr. Richard Jochelson, Dean of Law