Constant wins 2025 USask Indigenous Achievement Award

The awards were presented during the university’s recent Indigenous Achievement Week, which celebrates the success of Métis, First Nations and Inuit students, staff, faculty and alumni.

Constant, a member of the James Smith Cree Nation, is involved with several initiatives in the college, including serving as president of the college’s Indigenous Law Students’ Association (ILSA).

Following the example of her parents, Constant says she’s always been quick to get involved.

“My parents are big helpers. My elementary school was going to close down so my mom organized protests outside the school board. One of my classmates got into a really bad car accident when we were in Grade 8 so my mom and dad immediately organized a silent auction and a big pancake breakfast fundraiser.

“They’re the first to step up and I grew up seeing that, so I’ve always been that way too. I want to help.”

At USask Law, that meant becoming ILSA president at the start of her second year of law school. “We want to support Indigenous law students and ensure that we are heard and supported,” she said. “There’s only so many of us.”  

Constant also wanted to ensure that law students know the group is open and welcoming and has encouraged both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students alike to join the organization and come out to events. “Largely, it was about making ILSA more accessible and more visible,” she said.

Constant is a member of the college’s Indigenous Engagement Committee and also volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC). With PBSC, she worked on a legal education art project for inner-city youth to help them feel more empowered when they encounter the police, since they may feel more more wary than their peers from different neighbourhoods.

She was also co-emcee of Legal Follies, the college’s popular student-run variety show.

Constant, who holds a degree in Human Justice from the University of Regina, was working as a justice worker with the Saskatoon Tribal Council when she decided to apply for law school. Spending time in the courtroom, watching Crown and defence lawyers work collaboratively, was eye-opening and encouraging for her.  

“I realized I actually do want to do this and work on behalf of my people because, especially in the criminal system, there's not as many Indigenous lawyers working there.”

During her application and now as a law student, Constant has been cheered on by the lawyers and court workers she worked with, who are eager to see her succeed. The support has buoyed her and she urges other Indigenous people not to be afraid to approach lawyers to learn more about their careers.

“The Saskatchewan bar is so collegial, don’t be afraid to reach out to people and ask for advice. We need more indigenous lawyers. We need more Indigenous law students. One person getting in is a win for all Indigenous people.”