Helping to heal

Dr. Viola Robinson (left) and Professor Jennifer Llewellyn unveil the print by Aboriginal artist George Littlechild.

Dalhousie Law has received an award from the Aboriginal Healing Foundation in recognition of its “ongoing role in providing law students with a broad understanding of contemporary Aboriginal issues and challenges and to honour the law school’s contribution and commitment to promoting understanding of Aboriginal Society and the law.”

The award, in the form of a print by Aboriginal artist and Residential School survivor George Littlechild, was presented by the Aboriginal Healing Foundation’s Mike DeGagne and Dr. Viola Robinson, a board member with the foundation and a Dalhousie Law alumna.

In accepting the award on October 30, Phillip Saunders, Dean of the Faculty of Law, stressed the important relationship that exists between the Law school and the foundation.

Chief Justice Michael MacDonald, Supreme Court of Nova Scotia; Mike DeGagne, Executive Director of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation; Dr. Viola Robinson; Dean Phillip Saunders, Dalhousie Law School; Professor Michelle Williams, Director of Dalhousie's Indigenous Black and Mi'kmaq Initiative; Professor Jennifer Llewellyn, Dalhousie Law School; and Mr. Allan Blakeney, LL.B. '47 (former premier of Saskatchewan) gather for a photo during the award ceremony.

Jennifer Llewellyn, whose work was among those honoured, later spoke of the strong interchange between law faculty and Aboriginal issues. Lawyers have had a vital role in the healing process, negotiating everything from treaty issues to settlements for the government’s prior wrongs, she says. Lawyers should “discharge this function in a way that is sensitive and constructive, in a way that demonstrates understanding and commitment,” she added.

Prof. Llewellyn also stressed  it’s fundamentally important that Dalhousie law students graduate with a proper understanding of Aboriginal affairs and history. Combining practical effectiveness with a strong moral imperative, understanding of Aboriginal issues is a vital component of Dalhousie’s legal education.