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Congratulations to third-year Schulich Law student Katherine Silins and the Dalhousie Black Law Students’ Association, who were honoured at Dalhousie’s 15th annual Impact Awards on March 25.

Hosted by the Dalhousie Student Union in collaboration with Dalhousie University, the awards celebrate outstanding individuals and student groups that impact our community.

Katherine Silins – Faculty Leadership Award

Faculty Leadership Awards recognize undergraduate and graduate students in good academic standing who demonstrate exceptional passion for their discipline. Recipients show initiative in creating new opportunities and positively impact both their peers and the reputation of their faculty.

Throughout her three years at the Schulich School of Law, Katherine Silins has consistently demonstrated her commitment to her peers. the law school, and the wider university community through her steady leadership and dedication. A member of the Dalhousie Mature Law Students’ Association, she previously served as a captain in the Canadian Armed Forces and worked for the federal government for more than 11 years.

"I am delighted to receive the Law Faculty Leadership Impact Award,” Silins shares. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I've had as a member of the Weldon community over the past three years, both in and out of the classroom.”

Her nominators say her commitment to the Weldon Tradition of unselfish public service is evident from her extensive involvement with the Dalhousie Student Advocacy Service, multiple LSS Committees, the Senate Discipline Committee, and as a Pro Bono Dalhousie volunteer throughout law school. She also served as a peer mentor and trained as a member of Dalhousie’s varsity rowing team, where she earned the honorary title of ‘Team Mom.’

“The most meaningful and enriching experiences I've had during law school stemmed from extracurricular involvement,” Silins says. “I am immensely appreciative of this community that prioritizes unselfish public service and exemplifies excellence in all aspects of student life."

Silins also distinguished herself academically. Her achievements include winning Best Respondent Factum as a 2L at the Harold G. Fox Intellectual Property Moot, working as a research assistant in 2L and 3L, serving as lead teaching assistant for two courses, and co-authoring an article published in the Intellectual Property Journal, among many others.

“I am indebted to the members of the administration and faculty who have been supportive of my scholarship and receptive to initiatives for change within the law school. My peers continually humble me with their diverse perspectives and commitment to a broad range of projects at Schulich Law.”

Dalhousie Black Law Students’ Association (DBLSA) – Award for Most Impactful Social Justice & Advocacy Society

The award for Most Impactful Social Justice & Advocacy Society is presented to a Dalhousie University society that upholds social justice principles by its actions, advancing equity, awareness, and advocacy work on campus through campaigns, education, or direct support for marginalized groups.

The Dalhousie Black Law Students’ Association (DBLSA) has demonstrated sustained and meaningful impact through its unwavering commitment to advocacy, community engagement, and the advancement of Black law students at the Schulich School of Law, while contributing to the broader Black community in Nova Scotia. This was their second win in three years.

During the summer of 2025, DBLSA was honoured to be invited to support efforts seeking the reversal of the wrongful 1933 conviction of Daniel Perry Sampson, an African Nova Scotian man unjustly convicted of murder and subsequently executed, marking the last execution in Nova Scotia. DBLSA drafted and sent a formal letter in support of a Ministerial Review application, advocating for justice grounded in legal integrity and historical accountability. They are continuing this advocacy through an active fundraising initiative to support the legal costs of overturning the conviction and by raising awareness through public education.

“This award is deeply meaningful to DBLSA. It not only recognizes the real impact we are making within the law school and Black communities but affirms what we have always known: that we are a force. A force built on resilience, driven by purpose, and grounded in community,” says Quintina Rolle, DBLSA president, and Brooklynn Johnson, DBLSA vice president, on behalf of the Executive Team. “We do more than show up – we uplift, we advocate, and we create space where there was none, standing together through every challenge and rising stronger in every success.”

Congratulations to all this year’s nominees and recipients. The full list of winners can be found here.