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.
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.