In March, 2019, the Indigenous Law Students’ Association (ILSA) hosted its inaugural reception and fundraiser at the Peter A. Allard School of Law. The event serves to not only raise funds for bursaries, but also to honour outstanding figures in the local legal community who demonstrate stellar leadership in relation to the fostering of diversity in the legal profession. The ILSA presented three Courage in Law awards to Terry La Liberté, Q.C., Lee Schmidt, and Senator Murray Sinclair in recognition of their commitment to the advancement of legal services for Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Attendees also had the honour of listening to a keynote lecture delivered by Grand Chief Edward John on the history of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The talk was followed by a silent auction where participants could actively contribute to the funding of bursaries designed to encourage the enrolment of Indigenous law students.
The ILSA plays a vital role at the Peter A. Allard School of Law by organizing events throughout the year that emphasize Indigenous legal traditions and issues. The ILSA strives to improve the student learning experience at the law school by hosting events that are not only educational, but also provide a space for individuals to engage with Indigenous law, culture, and community.