University of Saskatchewan Native Law Centre
The
Native Law Centre, established in September 1975, is Canada's principal training and research program for Aboriginal law and lawyers. The University of Saskatchewan created the Centre to promote the development of the law and legal system in ways that would better fit the advancement of Aboriginal communities in Canadian society. The Centre undertakes many activities in fulfilling its objective, including a pre-law orientation and screening program. The program prepares Aboriginal students for first year in property law, legal writing and study skills.
The Centre also has an active research and publication program; a legal pleadings collection; seminar series; acts as a community resource Centre; and facilitates a youth international internship program. Research activities focus on issues in Aboriginal, human and treaty rights both in the national and international contexts. National policy organizers often call upon staff members to attend conferences. The Centre publishes the
Canadian Native Law Reporter, Justice As Healing, and many technical monographs, and organizes interventions in major cases on Aboriginal and treaty rights in the courts.
Program of Legal Studies for Native People
This is an eight-week pre-law orientation and screening program which many students take as a condition of their admission to law school under a special admissions category for Aboriginal students. Unconditionally admitted Aboriginal students may take the program if space is available. The program is designed to introduce students to the process, substance and demands of the first year of law school, with particular emphasis on the skills required to succeed in law school. Skills are taught in the context of Property Law curriculum. Successful students may receive credit for first-year Property dependent on individual law school policies.
In order to be considered for admission to the program, a student must have successfully completed two years of academic work at a recognized university or its equivalent. This requirement is flexible. An applicant who lacks this requirement but who, by reason of maturity and experience, possesses the potential and ability to successfully complete a law program, may be considered for admission.
Registered Indian students may be eligible to receive financial assistance to attend the program and law school through the Department of Indian Affairs or band education authorities. Metis and non-Status students may receive student loans in some provinces, and are encouraged to apply for any scholarships and bursaries for which they qualify, including the Federal Department of Justice's LSAP funding.
For further information on the Program for Legal Studies for Native People and funding, contact:
The Native Law Centre
Program of Legal Studies for Native People
University of Saskatchewan
Room 160, Law Building
Saskatoon SK S7N 5A6
Tel: 306-966-6189
Fax: 306-966-6207
Roger Carter Scholarship Trust Fund
Four scholarships, valued at $250 each, are awarded annually to students of Aboriginal ancestry entering second or third year law at a Canadian law school. The fund was established in honour of Roger Carter, Q.C., the founder of the Native Law Centre and the Program of Legal Studies for Native People.
Harvey Bell Memorial Prize
It provides one or more awards up to $1,000 to one or more students of Aboriginal ancestry receiving his or her LL.B. degree in Canada. The scholarships are in memory of the late Harvey Bell who practiced law in North Battleford, Saskatchewan for many years.
For further information on these awards, contact the Native Law Centre.