Law and the capital city

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Contemplating a career in law? Consider the University of Ottawa's law program. The university offers prospective Aboriginal students several unique programs and services. The faculty has a number of professors and researchers of Aboriginal law who are regarded as legal experts in their fields. The university also provides financial assistance and scholarships for Aboriginal law students.

The University of Ottawa believes that Aboriginal students have unique needs, experiences and expectations. The school has a student services office staffed with professionals trained to provide services to support the students and to compement their needs in a manner consistent with the culture and values of Aboriginal peoples.

Tina Dewache, employment equity officer for the faculty of common law and former student, said "There are about 20 Aboriginal students in total in Common and Civil Law. The numbers fluctuate from year to year." Dewache notes, "I don't think Ottawa U would take in as many Aboriginal students if it didn't have the Aboriginal programs. There is a large Aboriginal community in Ottawa-Hull, which has grown in the past 10 to 15 years. The University of Ottawa recognizes this need."

The Aboriginal Law Students Association's activities have included regular informal socials, pot lucks and pool tournaments, as well as more academic initiatives, such as hosting guest speakers, including former national chief Phil Fontaine and Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik. The law school also supports a community outreach program. Past events have included a high school mock trial program, inviting Algonquin students from the Kitigan Zibi First Nation to the law school.

The university's Aboriginal Resource Centre is staffed by two First Nations employees-the Aboriginal student counselor and the Aboriginal liaison officer.

Aboriginal student Theresa Bananish said that the counselling and services provided are helpful.

"When I first moved here, the counselor explained what was available in Ottawa. I was told what was required to be successful-a lot of work, dedication and focus. Ottawa University offers opportunities for Aboriginal students to get involved in extra-curricular activities within the Aboriginal community" she said. As the mother of two young boys, Bananish says, "the vice-dean and my professors have been supportive and understanding with my other time constraints. My children are my first priority."

Services provided to the students by the resource centre include academic guidance and counselling, peer support, information on scholarships and bursaries, employment services, Aboriginal legal referral services, guest speakers, and the visiting Elder program. It also offers information sessions to new students and holds monthly student luncheons. There is also a social events committee to organize extracurricular activities.

For Aboriginal law school applicants there exists a separate admissions category. This allows Aboriginal students to apply and be assessed on whether they can succeed in law school instead of competing for a limited number of spots in the general category. There is no quota for Aboriginal students. Some applicants may attend the Saskatchewan pre-law summer program. The university will accept this program as a property course credit which will also reduce the student's first year course load.