Reconciliation in Action: Cultural Competency Certificate launches

In September 2017, the Allard School of Law launched its Cultural Competency Certificate – a cultural competency training program designed to start a dialogue on issues disproportionately affecting Indigenous peoples and communities, with an emphasis on the interaction between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian legal system. This training program was initiated as a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, which specifically called on law schools to implement “skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.” Through various experiential learning opportunities, students, faculty, and staff of the Allard School of Law engaged in six modules of self-reflection, discussion, and exposure to Indigenous traditions and laws, with an aim to foster cultural competence. The training focused on distilling what decolonization means to the practice of law and recognizing the differing perspectives that each individual brings to the legal community.

The training began on September 18, 2017 with a Musqueam welcome from Victor Guerin at a one-day Indigenous Awareness Retreat. Enrollment in the program involved participation in monthly modules that spanned the academic year, with corresponding Talking Circles and journaling reflection periods. Modules included watching We Were Children, a film on Indian Residential Schools, a speaker series on oral history, elder-led teachings by the Musqueam First Nation Elder Grant, and attending events during Indigenous Awareness Week. Finally, the program closed with a field trip to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and a banquet to award each participant with their certificate.


UBC Crest The official logo of the University of British Columbia. Urgent Message An exclamation mark in a speech bubble. Caret An arrowhead indicating direction. Arrow An arrow indicating direction. Arrow in Circle An arrow indicating direction. Arrow in Circle An arrow indicating direction. Chats Two speech clouds. Facebook The logo for the Facebook social media service. Information The letter 'i' in a circle. Instagram The logo for the Instagram social media service. Linkedin The logo for the LinkedIn social media service. Location Pin A map location pin. Mail An envelope. Menu Three horizontal lines indicating a menu. Minus A minus sign. Telephone An antique telephone. Plus A plus symbol indicating more or the ability to add. Search A magnifying glass. Twitter The logo for the Twitter social media service. Youtube The logo for the YouTube video sharing service.