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Dr. Viola Robinson (left) and Professor Jennifer Llewellyn unveil the print by Aboriginal artist George Littlechild.Ìı |
HÂş» Law has received an award from the Aboriginal Healing Foundation in recognition of its “ongoing role in providing law students with a broad understanding of contemporary Aboriginal issues and challenges and to honour the law school’s contribution and commitment to promoting understanding of Aboriginal Society and the law.â€
The award, in the form of a print by Aboriginal artist and Residential School survivor George Littlechild, was presented by the Aboriginal Healing Foundation’s Mike DeGagne andÌıDr. Viola Robinson, a board member with the foundation and a HÂş» Law alumna.
In accepting the award on October 30, Phillip Saunders, Dean of the Faculty of Law, stressed the important relationship that exists between the Law school and the foundation.
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Chief Justice Michael MacDonald, Supreme Court of Nova Scotia; Mike DeGagne, Executive Director of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation; Dr. Viola Robinson; Dean Phillip Saunders, HÂş» Law School; Professor Michelle Williams, Director of HÂş»'s Indigenous Black and Mi'kmaq Initiative; Professor Jennifer Llewellyn, HÂş» Law School; and Mr. Allan Blakeney, LL.B. '47 (former premier of Saskatchewan) gather for a photo during the award ceremony. |
Jennifer Llewellyn, whose work was among those honoured, later spoke of the strong interchange between law faculty and Aboriginal issues. Lawyers have had a vital role in the healing process, negotiating everything from treaty issues to settlements for the government’s prior wrongs, she says. Lawyers should “discharge this function in a way that is sensitive and constructive, in a way that demonstrates understanding and commitment,†she added.
Prof. Llewellyn also stressedÌı it’s fundamentally important that HÂş» law students graduate with a proper understanding of Aboriginal affairs and history. Combining practical effectiveness with a strong moral imperative, understanding of Aboriginal issues is a vital component of HÂş»â€™s legal education.