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

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.

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.