College of Law kicks off spring and summer law courses for Indigenous students
On Monday May 10, the College of Law virtually welcomed 26 Indigenous students who will study and receive credit for Property Law and Kwayeskastasowin: Setting Things Right - a course in Aboriginal people and the law – over the next 11 weeks.
The students have been accepted into law schools at universities across the country including University of Manitoba, University of Saskatchewan, Thompson Rivers University, Queen’s University, University of Calgary and Western University.
The virtual orientation began with a welcome from Maria Campbell, cultural advisor at the College of Law. Campbell lit sage for a ceremonial smudge, delivered a prayer in Cree and reminded students that laws are tied to traditional Indigenous spiritual and cultural teachings. Martin Phillipson, Dean of Law, then congratulated the students for being accepted into law school and brought words of encouragement as they set to begin their law school journey. Marilyn Poitras, director of the Indigenous Law Centre, welcomed the students on behalf of the Centre and reminded them of the importance of deep breaths and self-care.
Associate Professor Patricia Farnese will teach the property law course, USask law alum Lawren Trotchie will teach Kwayeskastasowin and sessional lecturer Legal Research and Writing Instructor Leah Howie will assist students with developing legal writing and analysis skills
The courses will be offered remotely with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous delivery. In addition to learning the substantive legal content, an emphasis will be placed on assisting students with developing the skills essential for law school success.