Chiefs dig deep to establish scholarship

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Chiefs from around the province dug into their pockets at a First Nations Summit meeting in North Vancouver on Nov. 30 to contribute cash for the establishment of the Carole T. Corcoran Memorial Award at the University of British Columbia Law School. Corcoran was a co-chair of the Summit from 1998 to 2000. Organizers of the scholarship fund have a target of $20,000 to seed the fund, and any amount above that will be used to fund a second university entrance scholarship, available to a first-year student of Canadian Aboriginal ancestry.

The award will be given to a graduating Aboriginal student in the faculty of law with high academic standing. Community involvement and the ability to serve, work with, and lead both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians will also be considered. The annual award will be made on the recommendation of the faculty of law.

Carole T. Corcoran passed away in February. She was viewed by many as one of Canada's foremost Aboriginal lawyers. She practiced law with the Vancouver firm of Fast & Corcoran. She was Dene from Fort Nelson, B.C. and had extensive experience in Aboriginal government and politics at the local, regional, and provincial levels.

She served on several boards and commissions, including the Royal Commission on Canada's Future (1990-91), the British Columbia Treaty Commission (1993-95), the Board of Governors-University of Northern British Columbia (1993-95), Conflict Management Board- Royal Roads University (1997-2000), and the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (1998-2000). She was appointed to the Indian Claims Commission in July 1992.

Donations to the scholarship fund can be made payable directly to the University of British Columbia. A tax receipt will be provided. Send to: Carole T. Corcoran Memorial Award, University of B.C., Development Office, 6253 N. W. Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1 Tel: (604) 822-8900.