Fall 2017

Palbinder Kaur Shergill: Her inspirational journey to ’s Supreme Court

College launches Law Program

The mighty Hughes returns

Student Siera Bearchell’s commitment to helping others Fall 2017

Published by the College EDITOR of Law at the University Cat Bonner of , of NOTE Communications and Alumni contains news and updates Relations Officer from the college as well College of Law as information relevant to our alumni and all of our University of Saskatchewan college community. 15 Campus Drive, , SK S7N 5A6 To submit information Email: [email protected] or articles for of NOTE, or to send us your latest Contributors news, whether personal Lindsay Royale is a communications or professional, please contact: coordinator at the U of S. Jessica Elfar is a development communications specialist at the U of S. table of contents

2 Dean’s Message Alumni News 12 Catching up College News 13 Find your grad photo on 3 Around the College our website 4 College launches 13 Save the date – Nunavut Law Program alumni receptions 5 M cKercher LLP Lecture 13 In Memoriam Series: Winter 2017 Highlights 14 Alumni Notes 6 Public, justice, 14 Law alumni profiled in healthcare and library U of S Nation Builder list sectors come together 15 The Mighty Hughes for access to justice Returns 6 W estern Moot Student News team victorious at 2017 16 Law student Siera Sopinka Cup Bearchell: committed to 7 Home for a half-century helping others 7 C ollege hosts Second 16 Spring 2017 Annual Commercial Law Convocation Symposium 17 Students negotiate their Faculty News way to victory 8 News in Brief 17 La w student receives Aboriginal Student 8 Videos highlight Achievement Award faculty research 18 Q and A with students 8 Larry Chartrand of the Program of Legal appointed Academic Studies for Native Director of Native Law People Centre 19 LLM News 9 C ollege names Northern 20 The gift of support Director for Nunavut through difficult times Law Program 21 College of Law 9 Professors Heavin announces refugee and Keet develop scholarship risk assessment 21 A ntwi Frimpong: profile methodology for of an LLM graduate lawyers 9 P rofessor MacLean joins faculty 10 Feature: Palbinder Kaur Shergill: Her inspirational journey to British Columbia’s Supreme Court

Fall 2017 www.law.usask.ca University of Saskatchewan Home for a half-century 7

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College launches Nunavut Palbinder Kaur Shergill Mighty Hughes Law Program

The program brings a law degree to Her inspirational journey from the Alumnus Ted Hughes (BA’48; LLB’50) the territory for the first time in over College of Law to British Columbia’s returns to the college for a book a decade. Supreme Court. signing in his honour.

College of Law Alumni Magazine www.law.usask.ca Fall 2017 dean’s message

Northwest Territories, and , the first Dean’s Message: Inuk lawyer to be called to the Nunavut Bar. Stay tuned for updates! I celebrated my first With the launch of the Nunavut Law Program, birthday as dean of the the college had the honour of holding two college on July 1, 2017, first year welcoming ceremonies this year. On and although there was September 19, we gathered in Convocation no cake, it was a great Hall to celebrate the 129 students joining the opportunity to reflect on college here in Saskatoon. I am delighted to say what a fantastic year it has this means the college has 154 new students been! this year - by far the largest class we have ever With a fresh academic had! We look forward to uniting these two year, we welcomed two cohorts in every way we can, so they can share new faculty to the college. their experiences as they go through law school Assistant Professor Jason together. MacLean, whose research expertise includes I hope you will enjoy catching up on what’s and climate change policy, been happening at the college over the last few joined us from the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law months. Featured in this edition, we have stories at . We were also very on two of our distinguished alumni. Ted Hughes fortunate to welcome Professor Larry Chartrand (LLB ’50) and his family travelled to the college as Academic Director of the Native Law Centre. in October to attend a special reception to mark Professor Chartrand is one of Canada’s leading the Saskatchewan launch of a biography in Ted’s Indigenous law academics and earlier this year honour, The Mighty Hughes, which is a detailed was awarded the Law Society of Upper Canada account of his life, his work as a Saskatchewan Around Medal. We are also proud of the fact that he is a judge and BC conflict-of-interest commissioner, graduate of the Native Law Centre’s Program of and his significant achievements during his Legal Studies for Native People. career. Our cover story is a feature on Justice Now the fall term is upon us, which brings new Palbinder Kaur Shergill (LLB ’90), who was the College students, changing weather, and a full calendar! recently appointed a judge of the Supreme One of the college’s proudest achievements Court of British Columbia. Justice Shergill, who to date, was the launch of our Nunavut Law also visited the college in October to co-deliver Plains/ Woodland singer and Program. On September 11, I had the privilege the Saskatchewan Law Review Lecture, is the songwriter Joseph Naytowhow of travelling north to attend the First Year first turbaned Sikh Supreme Court judge in the performs a blessing and traditional song at the reception for alumnus Welcoming Ceremony in , to bring country. greetings to the program’s 25 new students. Ted Hughes on Oct 12, 2017. As always, we are delighted to be sharing our It was truly a special occasion, with over alumni’s extraordinary achievements. Our 150 community members attending. I was alumni are key to the future success of the touched to see the number of family, friends college, and I encourage you to stay connected and dignified guests (including Madame with us. I was delighted that many of you could Justice Côté from the SCC) who joined us join us for our 2016-17 alumni receptions across to wish the students well. The program is a the country, and I look forward to seeing faces partnership between the college, Nunavut new and old in the coming year. I thoroughly College and the Government of Nunavut, enjoyed visiting our alumni for the and represents further evidence of the first time as dean on October 30, and I eagerly college’s continuing commitment to creating anticipate my visits to and in opportunities in Indigenous . 2018 (details on page 13). News from Iqaluit is that our students are doing Stay in touch… very well; they visited the Nunavut Legislative Sincerely, Assembly in September to be recognized by the MLAs, and have formed the Nunavut Law Students Society. They also recently organized an all candidates forum in the Nunavut election.

The program has welcomed a number of Martin Phillipson distinguished guest speakers so far, including Dean, College of Law Senator Dennis Patterson, former premier of the

2 Fall 2017 www.law.usask.ca University of Saskatchewan Students chat at orientation. college news

Student prize winners with Dean Martin Phillipson at the 2017 Around convocation reception on June 7. the College

Students at the 2017 Canadian Bar Association Lawyer, college alumnus and One Bad Son drummer Kurt Dahl Saskatchewan Branch reception. guest lectures in the entertainment law course on Sept 29, 2017.

College of Law students take part in the U of S Graduation Guests come together in the Native Powwow on May 31, 2017, to celebrate the academic achievements Law Centre for a book gathering and of graduating Métis, and students. conversation.

College of Law Alumni Magazine www.law.usask.ca Fall 2017 3 college news

College launches

Program Director Stephen Mansell Nunavut Law Program speaks at the welcoming ceremony

The program, which brings a law degree to Molloy, formerly the Government of Canada’s Just a few months into the program, and there the territory for the first time in over a decade, chief negotiator for the Nunavut Land Claims is much to report from Iqaluit. officially welcomed 25 new students at a Agreement, and College of Law Dean Martin unique First Year Welcoming Ceremony on Phillipson. Inuit scholar and advocate Aaju Peter, graduate Sept. 11. of the Akitsiraq Law School and Order of Reflecting on the success of the ceremony, Canada recipient, joined the program as Over 150 community members attended Program Director Stephen Mansell said “I am cultural advisor. Peter is also lecturing on Inuit the ceremony in Iqaluit, Nunavut, which was very excited to be working with 25 amazing law, culture and perspectives in the first-year conducted in Inuktitut and English. Nunavut students over the next four years courses. as they progress through their legal studies. For the students, it was a chance to celebrate The potential for these students, and this The program has also welcomed a number of their entrance into law school, and the program, to shape the future of the legal distinguished guest lecturers, including Dennis beginning of a highly anticipated four-year profession and access to justice in our territory Patterson, senator for Nunavut and former journey in legal studies. is immeasurable.” premier of the Northwest Territories, and Paul Okalik, the first Inuk lawyer to be called to the The ceremony opened with a traditional On Sept. 13, the program’s students, faculty, Nunavut Bar, and the first . blessing and Qulliq lighting ceremony, and and Elder were invited to the Nunavut dignified guests brought greetings to the Legislative Assembly to be recognized by the Students have taken opportunities to extend class. Speakers included Nunavut Minster of MLAs. Each student was acknowledged and their learning experience by connecting with Education Paul Quassa, Supreme Court Justice congratulated for their success in entering the lectures and events happening at the College Susan Côté, Senior Judge of the Nunavut law program, and the faculty were thanked for of Law via livestream. They have also formed Court of Justice Neil Sharkey, University of their role in delivering it. the Nunavut Law Students Society, which Saskatchewan Chancellor Emeritus Tom organized a forum to question candidates from the four ridings in Iqaluit running in the Oct. 30 Nunavut general election.

Finally, two Inuit students, Alanna Copland and James Takkiruq, received funding to attend the Indigenous Bar Association’s annual conference in Halifax. At this meeting, Copland was elected Inuit vice-president of the National Indigenous Students Association.

The Nunavut Law Program was born in August 2016, when the Government of Nunavut awarded the design and delivery of a law The Nunavut Law Program students with Stephen Mansell (right) and Dean Martin Phillipson (left) degree for the territory to the College of Law.

4 Fall 2017 www.law.usask.ca University of Saskatchewan college news

The Gertler family lecture Developed in partnership between the in law was college, and the McKercher LLP presented by the Rt. Hon. Government of Nunavut, the program Beverley Lecture Series: Winter McLachlin, PC, is specially designed to meet the needs Chief Justice of Nunavut students, incorporating Inuit of Canada on March 6, 2017. legal traditions and teachings. With classes 2017 Highlights taught in Iqaluit, students can remain in their home territory while completing their The 2016-17 McKercher Lecture series law degree. concluded with five lectures covering a diverse range of topics, from the role of law in The program aims to increase the storytelling, to designing new court systems number of practicing lawyers in Nunavut, around family violence cases. with particular demand for those with The Wunusweh lecture in Aboriginal law was knowledge of and languages. delivered by college alumnus Grand Chief It is hoped that addressing the shortage Derek Nepinak (LLB ’08), of the Assembly of of lawyers in the territory will ultimately Chiefs, to a full house in the Gordon improve access to legal services for Oakes Red Bear student centre on Jan. 16, Nunavummiut. 2017. For the U of S, the program represents a Raised in Pine Creek Commission, and how renewed commitment to Indigenous and First Nation, on Treaty to return to the original northern education. 4 territory, Chief intent of the treaty Nepinak reflected on “Building educational partnerships such as relationship with the federal the significant ways in this serves to provide opportunities that government. which his and other will benefit the entire territory of Nunavut communities have been Free and open to the public, in the future,” said Phillipson. impacted by western the McKercher lectures engage a wide range of “I am delighted to see the program come culture, including audiences from both legal to fruition, it is the culmination of a lot of that he was the first and non-legal backgrounds hard work by dedicated people from these generation not to attend on a multitude of topics. three organizations.” residential school. He presented on the Videos of past lectures can The students now face four years of hard recommendations of the Grand Chief Derek Nepinak be found at youtube.com/ work. While the program prepares them Truth and Reconciliation delivered the Wunusweh lecture CollegeOfLawUsask. at the Gordon Oakes Red Bear for legal studies in the first year, it will Student Centre on Jan. 16, 2017. follow the same rigorous curriculum as the

College of Law over the remaining three. The college welcomed Shannon Salter, Chair of the Civil Resolution Tribunal, for an interactive session to explore the digital side of dispute resolution.

The Hon. Judge Anne Dugas-Horsman, alongside Linda Neilson, spoke on building a new court model for use in family violence cases.

Students are cloaked at the ceremony Hollywood screenwriter Justin Winters at the college on Feb. 6, 2017, talked about the representation of lawyers in Those who successfully complete the popular culture and the role of law program in 2021 will receive a U of S Juris in storytelling. Doctor (JD) degree, and join the college’s community of distinguished alumni.

College of Law Alumni Magazine www.law.usask.ca Fall 2017 5 college news

Public, justice,

healthcare and A pop-up presentation with Prof. Archie Kaiser kicked off the Second Annual Saskatchewan library sectors Access to Justice Week. CREATE Justice at the College of Law, and Forum on Access to Justice and Dispute come together Saskatchewan’s access to justice coordinator. Resolution, which engaged the U of S College “It is complex to solve, and for this reason, we of Medicine. for access to must engage a wide range of stakeholders, including the public, and work together to “More research is needed into the potential move the conversation toward solutions.” benefits of health-justice partnerships,” justice explained Lowenberger, “however, we have Access to Justice Week highlighted the already engaged provincial health partners in On Oct. 16, the Saskatchewan Ministry of importance of collaboration, including the the discussion, so it is an exciting example of Justice officially proclaimed Saskatchewan’s developing relationship between healthcare the importance and promise of collaboration Second Annual Access to Justice Week. and justice. Partnerships between health and in solving access to justice issues.” A pop-up presentation on improving access justice organizations are being hailed as a The week also marked the first birthday of to justice for people with disabilities kicked potential solution to alleviate negative health the College of Law’s CREATE Justice research off the week of events, which brought issues caused by legal concerns, and vice centre, established in response to calls for together law students, those in legal and versa. A lecture by Michele Leering, executive increased research and understanding other diverse professions, and members director of the Community Advocacy and of the barriers people face in accessing of the public, to continue discussions on Legal Centre in Belleville, Ont., reflected on Saskatchewan’s justice system. CREATE improving access to justice in the province. the topic. addresses known gaps in research data and The week’s activities engaged a wide range Leering spoke of justice-health partnerships develops a clear view of access to justice of organizations, including the Law Society as a proactive approach in communities challenges, and has played a key role in of Saskatchewan, Pro Bono Students Canada, to relieve the health disparities caused by bringing justice partners together to work on Saskatchewan Public Libraries, and CLASSIC legal problems. While these partnerships are solutions. (Community Legal Assistance Services for common in the United States and Australia, In response to the recent events, Saskatoon Inner City), and the variety of they are just beginning to appear in Canada, Lowenberger is delighted with the level of events sent a clear message: access to justice but they have huge potential to impact engagement. “I am particularly pleased with is an interdisciplinary topic. access to justice in Saskatchewan. the interest shown in events aimed at the “Access to justice is a hugely diverse issue, The lecture was a continuation of discussions public,” she said. “It is extremely encouraging and different communities face different on expanding engagement between justice and I have no doubt that we will build on the barriers,” said Brea Lowenberger, director of and health services in Saskatchewan, initiated input we have received so far, to continue in March at the College of Law’s Dean’s working towards access to justice solutions.”

Western Canada Moot team victorious at 2017 Sopinka Cup

This is the third time the team from the Ashley Smith serving as coach. In College of Law has won the national addition to the team accolades, Yuk won title in the last seven years, and the fifth best opening address and Carter won time it has placed in the top three in the best examination in chief. last seven years. The U of S is now tied The Sopinka Cup is a bilingual jury for the most Sopinka Cup wins by any trial moot sponsored by the American school in the history of the competition. College of Trial Lawyers and established Madam Justice Karakatsanis (far left), , with The winning team comprised law to honour the memory of the late members of the Western Canada Moot Team: Ashley Smith (coach); Sarah Loewen; Zachary Carter; Anita Yuk; and Brady Knight.) students Zachary Carter, Brady Knight, Mr. Justice John Sopinka, Justice of the Sarah Loewen and Anita Yuk, with Supreme Court of Canada.

6 Fall 2017 www.law.usask.ca University of Saskatchewan college news

J. W. T. Spinks, President of the University of Saskatchewan Home for a speaking at the official opening of the Law Building. half-century The historic ‘old’ part of the Law Building celebrates its half-century birthday this year.

The building was officially opened during Canada’s centenary year on Sept. 22, 1967. The opening ceremony was the focus of a two-day gathering, which included guided tours of the building, alumni and class reunions, and panel meetings with respected legal professionals from across Canada. Notable guests present at the celebrations included U of S Chancellor Chief Justice Edward M. Culliton, who opened the building, Dean Emeritus Walter Cronkite, former Prime Minister From there, the college moved on campus to On opening, the Law Building included four John G. Diefenbaker, and U of S President John the College Building (now Peter MacKinnon classrooms, four seminar rooms, a dean’s office, W.T. Spinks. Building), then to Qu’Appelle Hall, and finally administrative space, a student lounge, a It was a momentous occasion, with the college to the Murray Memorial Library in the 1950s. library, and offices for graduate students, the finally able to move in to its own building. Through the decades, and with the growth student society, and the college’s journal, the Over its almost 50-year history, the college’s of the college, deans and faculty complained Bar Review. of inadequate space and library resources. By facilities had changed dramatically, having A U of S press release from Sept. 22 described 1967, student enrolment had grown to 185, so been located in downtown Saskatoon office the building as ‘designed to express structurally the opening of a building to house the college buildings in its early years, to accommodate the majesty of the law’, and ‘one of the most was a triumph. the workday schedules of students who were striking buildings on campus’. Then dean of the articling while they studied. Part of the law and commerce complex college, Otto Lang, described the library as “the designed by Holliday-Scott Desmond Paine centre and heart of the structure, around which construction, and taking around two years to everything else is built.” build, the Law Building was constructed in a At the time, the library had stack space for cubist style popular at the U of S during the 60,000 books, basement storage capacity for 1950s to 70s. another 30,000 books, and seating for 150 The building had interesting features including students. a cupola on the roof to draw light into the The building welcomed Information courtesy of library, in a manner reminiscent of medieval University of Saskatchewan, its first occupants in the cathedrals, and a moat running around its University Archives & Special Exterior of the spring of 1968. Collections, A-4267. Law building circa. 1967 perimeter (which was later filled in).

College hosts Second Annual Commercial Law Symposium

On Sept.30, the college welcomed around 50 The one-day meeting involved a series of paper The first symposium in the series, held in 2016, alumni, students and legal professionals for the presentations and discussion on a variety of was hosted by the College of Law to honour Second Annual Commercial Law Symposium. relevant topics including bankruptcy, sale of Cuming’s 50 years of teaching and scholarship The event was organized by a group goods, secured transactions, insolvency and at the University of Saskatchewan. Future of professors from the universities of judgment enforcement. symposia will be held annually in the fall, hosted Saskatchewan and , and coordinated In addition to Cuming and Bangsund, guest by willing law schools on a rotating basis. by Distinguished Professor Ron Cuming and speakers included Roderick J. Wood, Anna The final form of the papers presented at the Professor Clayton Bangsund of the College Lund, and Tamara Buckwold from the University 2017 symposium will be published in the of Law. It was the second in a series of annual of Alberta, and Elizabeth Edinger from the Canadian Business Law Journal. events designed to facilitate sharing of work and University of British Columbia. exchange of ideas in the area of commercial law.

College of Law Alumni Magazine www.law.usask.ca Fall 2017 7 faculty news

News-in-brief

Clayton Bangsund received the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan Dwight Newman has been named as a MacDonald-Laurier Institute Faculty Research Fellowship for 2017-18. The $10,000 fellowship can (MLI) Munk Senior Fellow in Constitutional Law. The Munk Senior be used to both support research and to pay for up to one course Fellows program brings together the best academic minds in teaching release. Canada on issues that are vital to the country’s security, prosperity and freedom. Newman is a regular contributor to MLI, publishing Professor Emeritus Ken Norman has been appointed to the Panel extensively on Indigenous legal issues. In addition to being a of Human Rights Experts under the Moscow Mechanism of the professor at the College of Law, Newman holds the Canada Research Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), for Chair in Indigenous Rights in Constitutional and International Law. a five-year renewable term. With 57 participating states in Europe, North America and Asia, the OSCE works for stability, peace and democracy for more than a billion people, through political dialogue about shared values.

Larry Chartrand Videos highlight appointed Academic faculty research Director of Native The college has developed a ‘Discover our Research’ series of videos, which highlights some of the timely and relevant legal issues College of Law faculty are exploring. Law Centre There are four videos in the series: As a former graduate of the Native Law Centre (NLC) Program of Community-Engaged Research Legal Studies for Native People, Chartrand’s appointment, effective featuring Prof. Sarah Buhler; July 1, 2017, renews a significant personal connection with the NLC and the college. Natural Resource and Development featuring Prof. Ibironke Odumosu-Ayanu; “Professor Chartrand is one of the leading Indigenous law academics in Canada and brings an outstanding record of Mortgage Law Reform in Saskatchewan scholarship and teaching to the NLC,” said Dean Martin Phillipson. featuring Distinguished Prof. Ron C.C. Cuming; and “I am delighted to welcome Larry back to the NLC and look forward to working with him to help shape the next evolution of the Simple Framework for Risk Analysis NLC and the College of Law’s efforts to respond to the Truth and featuring Profs. Heather Heavin and Michaela Keet. Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.”

Chartrand is currently on leave from the Faculty of Law at the University of , where he has been a faculty member since 1994, and assumed the role of full professor in 2013.

His research interests include Indigenous law and Constitutional law, particularly Métis rights and Indigenous peoples’ laws.

In 2017, Chartrand was awarded the distinguished Law Society Medal of Upper Canada, in We invite you to watch the videos and learn more recognition of outstanding about our research at http://law.usask.ca/research/ service in accordance faculty-research/research-highlights. with the highest ideals of the legal profession.

8 Fall 2017 www.law.usask.ca University of Saskatchewan faculty news

College names Northern Professors Heavin Director for Nunavut Law Program and Keet develop risk

College of Law alumnus Stephen Mansell (JD ’07) was appointed assessment to the role of northern director for the Nunavut Law Program effective May 8, 2017. methodology Mansell has a strong record of leadership within the legal profession for lawyers in Nunavut, as past president of both The tool, called ‘a simple framework for risk the Law Society of Nunavut and the analysis’, allows lawyers to communicate a Nunavut Branch of the Canadian Bar comprehensive risk analysis to clients and give Association. Outside the legal realm a clear indication of the risks associated with a he has a strong record of public particular legal course of action. service in Iqaluit, including serving as a city councillor and chair of the “In today’s justice climate, where the costs of Iqaluit Public Safety and Finance Heavin Stephen Mansell getting to a trial are higher now than ever, it is committees. Mansell spent much of his even more important for lawyers to be open – childhood in Nunavut having attended and precise – about the risks in a legal action,” Keet elementary and high school in Iqaluit. said Keet.

As an alumnus, Mansell is familiar with the college’s approach to In consulting with practitioners, Heavin and Keet legal education, and he brings significant experience in legal and found that the complexity of risk analysis was a government issues in Nunavut and Canada’s north. deterrent for many lawyers, and for this reason, they decided to develop a more accessible Prior to his appointment, Mansell was director of the Policy and approach. Planning Division with the Government of Nunavut Department of Justice. He has served in many legal and policy roles within the The tool aims to make lawyers more efficient Department of Justice since joining the government in 2009, and in their work, so they can easily identify the previously practiced law in Yellowknife. strengths and weaknesses in their case, evaluate and prepare settlement Professor MacLean joins faculty proposals, and concentrate their efforts while negotiating Assistant Professor Jason MacLean and the Supreme Court of the State and managing litigation steps. joined the College of Law on July 1, of New York, among other courts and “We believe our simple framework for risk 2017. Prior to joining the college’s administrative tribunals. He is called to analyisis provides a transparent way to faculty, MacLean was an assistant the Bar in and the State of New communicate risk and valuation to the client,” professor at the Bora Laskin Faculty of York. said Heavin. “It makes them part of the decision- Law at Lakehead University. Primarily focused on making process, and gives them the information MacLean began his legal interdisciplinary approaches they need to be able to make good decisions career as a corporate to Canadian climate change about how time and resources should best be and commercial litigator and sustainability law and spent within the litigation framework.” with the Wall Street firm policy, MacLean’s research The research has been of direct benefit to Shearman & Sterling LLP has been published in a College of Law students, as the tool has been in New York, and later number of leading academic used in negotiation courses. With negotiation joined the Bay Street firm journals, including the McGill increasingly at the centre of a lawyer’s work, the Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt Law Journal, Dalhousie ability to perform risk analysis equips students to LLP in Toronto. Law Journal, Journal of be better negotiators in the profession. Environmental Law and As a practicing lawyer, he has appeared Practice, and Canadian Business Law Learn more about Heavin and Keet’s work in the before the Supreme Court of Canada, Journal, among others. Discover our Research video series. the Ontario Superior Court of Justice,

College of Law Alumni Magazine www.law.usask.ca Fall 2017 9 faculty news

Feature: Palbinder Kaur Shergill: Her inspirational journey to British Columbia’s Supreme Court

By Cat Bonner Returning to the College of Law, and Saskatoon, for the first time in 12 years, Justice Palbinder Kaur Shergill marvelled at how much has changed.

Back on campus to co-deliver the Saskatchewan Law Review lecture, the class of 1990 graduate joked about how she barely recognized the college as she posed for photos in the Law Society of Saskatchewan wing, opened in 2008. Fresh from her June 2017 appointment to the British Columbia Supreme Court in New Westminster, Shergill’s visit was a chance to reflect on how much things had changed since her student days. Her call to serve as a Supreme Court justice signalled the first for a turbaned Sikh judge in Canada, an achievement which was widely celebrated by the Sikh community in both India, where she was born, and Canada, which she has called home since the age of four. Raised in Williams Lake, BC, by parents with a strong social conscience, Shergill was taught to advocate for those in need from an early age, and her decision to study law seemed like a natural path. “My mother, who had never gone to school herself, was committed to seeing her daughters get a good education,” she said. “I think my parents were just relieved that I had found a positive outlet for my ‘debating’ skills, which had gotten me into trouble more than a few times!” In September 1987, Palbinder Kaur Sandhu took her place at the College of Law. An interest in international studies Cover and article photo by David Stobbe Official headshot by Roger Mahler and a recommendation from her UBC honours professor had drawn her to the college.

10 Fall 2017 www.law.usask.ca University of Saskatchewan faculty news

Despite troubles adjusting to the ‘shockingly “Because of this, on more than one occasion, cold’ Saskatchewan winter, a challenge for I had to prove myself before business clients “ I think my parents were any BC native, Shergill recalled the warm would agree to having a woman represent welcome from the college’s students, them.” just relieved that I had professors and staff. As female lawyers became more prevalent, found a positive outlet With a first-year class just over 100 strong, attitudes changed, and gender became for my ‘debating’ skills, the intimate atmosphere of the small college less of a concern. Shergill’s professional soon made her feel at home. She and her challenges shifted to personal ones, and which had gotten me classmates bonded over favourite courses how to balance a busy legal career with into trouble more than and professors. parenthood. “Professor Howard McConnell was a favourite “Being a full-time lawyer, mother of three, a few times!” for all the students,” she said. “We were also and running my own firm, meant that I had fortunate to have Professor An-Na’im as the to learn to juggle work and family life,” she Sallows Chair in Human Rights. His courses said. “I may not have always got it right, but on international human rights law were very fortunately, I have been able to lean heavily enlightening and popular.” on my husband, who has been more than an The Saskatchewan charm peaked in her final equal partner in raising our children.” year at the college, when she finally saw Challenges notwithstanding, Shergill’s the northern lights. “They were even more journey from law student to Supreme Court magnificent than I had imagined,” she said. justice has been an impressive one. Graduating from the college in 1990, Shergill A dedicated human rights lawyer renowned returned to her home province, and was for her pro bono work with the World Sikh called to the BC Bar in 1991. Organization of Canada, Shergill has played During law school, Shergill had developed a pivotal role in shaping Canadian human a passion for academia. With a love of rights and religious accommodations law. writing and teaching, she aspired to pursue Prior to her Supreme Court appointment, she a graduate degree in law and become a was a lawyer and mediator with the firm she professor. founded, Shergill and Company, in Surrey, BC. In 2002, she received the Queen’s Jubilee However, her first job practicing law brought Medal for Community Service, and she was a dramatic change of heart. “Early in my appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2012. career, I was fortunate to be surrounded by some of the best lawyers in BC,” she said. With her appointment as the first turbaned “Through them, I learned to love the practice Sikh Supreme Court judge in Canada hailed of law, and quickly lost any desire to go back as a victory for diversity, Shergill is quick to communities, where people from all types to school to teach.” point out that while her cultural background of background are living together. And and personal experiences have shaped her according to Shergill, Canada is fortunate to With her career in its infancy during the early identity, in her role as a judge, she has a duty have a justice system that has evolved with nineties, Shergill faced both opportunity to remain impartial. its society. and challenge at a time when the number of practicing female lawyers, and those from “As judges, we are required to make our “Diversity in its many forms has long visibly different cultural backgrounds, was decisions based on the evidence and the been recognized as part of the fabric still growing. issues before us,” she said. “While I may bring of this country,” she said. “ some unique perspectives and experiences, have recognized the need for our “I was fortunate to arrive on the cusp of as do others, I am ultimately required to institutions to reflect a broader spectrum change,” she said. “Law firms were increasingly do what every judge in a trial does - listen of our communities. This is healthy, and moving towards greater inclusivity, so I never carefully to the evidence before me, and then important for all of our institutions.” had difficulty finding work.” make my ruling based on the evidence and Her Supreme Court appointment serves as the applicable law.” Reflecting on her time as a criminal defence an inspiration to many in her community and lawyer, Shergill said her clients never cared Shergill’s Oct. 3 lecture reflected on the role beyond, but Shergill remains humbled by the that she was a woman – they were always of diversity in Canadian law, including the warm and supportive response to her new grateful to have someone in their corner. importance of striking a balance between a role. However, convincing corporate clients to take more representative bench, and ensuring an And her advice to the law students who sit on a female lawyer was altogether different. independent and impartial judiciary. where she once sat? Pursue what you love, “The corporate culture had a harder time Diversity is no longer a big-city issue in rather than what is marketable. “If you enjoy keeping up with changing times,” she said. Canada– it has reached smaller, rural it, you will do well at it,” she said.

College of Law Alumni Magazine www.law.usask.ca Fall 2017 11 alumni news Catching up We are always happy to see our alumni re-connect!

We welcomed the class of 1987 and the class of 1992 to the college for class reunions over the summer, and we hosted alumni receptions in Toronto, Calgary and in the spring (see page 13 for upcoming reception dates!).

If you’re planning a reunion, please get in touch – we can help arrange tours of the college facilities, organize meeting space, and connect you with our dean. The class of 1992

Toronto alumni reception, March 2017

Class of 1987 Ron Franklin (JD ‘10) wins the coveted Dean Phillipson addresses alumni Riders jersey at the Calgary reception at the Toronto reception

Vancouver alumni enjoy the unique barrel room Class of 2016 alumni enjoy the Calgary reception at our May 2017 reception

12 Fall 2017 www.law.usask.ca University of Saskatchewan alumni news Find your grad photo on our website

Throwback to your College of Law days by visiting https://app.oglen.ca/usasklaw/ to find your individual and class graduation photo!

Our digital archive allows you to search for photos by year, program, initials and last name, or browse through photos by graduating year.

Currently, only alumni who graduated more than 10 years ago are included in the archive.

If your photo is on the site and you do not wish it to be, please contact [email protected]. Save the date

Join us at Calgary – Feb 28, 2018 one of our Toronto – Apr 19, 2018 upcoming Venues to be determined – alumni watch your inbox or visit events! law.usask.ca for more details!

In Memoriam It is with sorrow that we note the passing of the following College of Law alumni:

Justine J. Batten (LLB ’80) Bruce A. Gordon (BA ’96, JD ’16) Leonard H. Legault (BA ’57, LLB ’59) d. March 5, 2017 d. Sept. 29, 2017 d. March 17, 2017 William Z. Brown (BA ’53, LLB ’56) Patrick C. Hengen (JD ’65) Edward Plasta (BA ’57, LLB ’59) d. June 9, 2017 d. Aug. 23, 2017 d. Aug. 1, 2017 Barbara J. Cram (BA ’73, LLB ’79) Eugene A. Lewchuk (BA ’55, LLB ’57) Niall G (Garrett) Wilson (BA ’53, LLB ’54) d. April 10, 2017 d. May 11, 2017 d. Aug. 15, 2017

College of Law Alumni Magazine www.law.usask.ca Fall 2017 13 alumni news

Alumni Notes Law alumni profiled in Anthony (Tony) Gerein (BA Chika Onwuekwe (LLM ’02, PhD U of S Nation Builder list ’86, LLB ’89) was appointed ’04) was appointed Vice-President of Assistant Deputy Attorney General, Legal Counsel for Trican Well Service Prosecutions in the SK Ministry of in March 2017. Canada’s 150th birthday was an opportunity to reflect on the Justice on March 13, 2017. Tony significant role individuals from Saskatchewan have played on the On June 1, 2017, Philip Bondzi- also received the Queen’s Counsel national stage and beyond, in championing human rights and social Simpson (LLM ’87) was inducted as designation on May 17, 2017. rector of the Governing Council of justice, and their contributions to building a nation. Lorna Hargreaves (BA ’82, LLB the Ghana Institute of Management. ’85) was appointed chief coroner On Sept. 7, Brent Clark (LLB ’99) Tom Molloy (LLB’64) of Saskatchewan on Tuesday, Aug was named a partner at Fasken Over the past three decades, 1, 2017. Martineau LLP. Molloy has played a leading role On July 12, 2017, Robin Fowler in concluding several key treaty Bronwyn Eyre (BA ’93, LLB ’96) (JD ’99) was appointed a Provincial settlements that changed the face of was appointed Government of Court Judge in Grand Falls-Winsor, the country. Saskatchewan Minister of Education Newfoundland and Labrador. on Aug 30, 2017. William Deverell (JD’63) On July 1, 2017 Benjamin Kormos Donald Morgan (LLB ’78) Many College of Law alumni were Deverell is founder of the British (JD ’08) was elected President of the was appointed Government of recognized in the U of S Nation Columbia Civil Liberties Association, Rotary Club of Calgary West. In this Saskatchewan Minister of Justice Builder list: which has played a prominent role, he is a leader of fellow Rotarians and Attorney General on Aug 30, role in fighting for human rights undertaking numerous local and 2017. (LLB’19) and against censorship since its international projects and initiatives As Prime Minister, Diefenbaker formation in 1962. to make a difference in the world. Daniel Price (LLB ’01) was introduced Canada’s first federal appointed head coach of the Victoria Ken Norman (LLB’65) Lian M. Schwann (LLB ’80) was Bill of Rights in 1960 and amended Royals ice hockey team in June 2017. announced as a judge of the Court Canada’s Elections Act to extend the Norman served as the first chief of Appeal for Saskatchewan on Aug The law office of Cameron Kemp franchise to Indigenous peoples. commissioner of the Saskatchewan 17, 2017. (LLB ’03) received the 2017 Business Human Rights Commission from Emmett Hall (LLB’19) Ethics Award from the Better 1979 to 1983 and was the principal Michele Hollins (LLB’92) was Business Bureau, presented annually Hall is widely recognized as the author of the 1979 Saskatchewan appointed to the Court of Queen’s by the Medicine Hat and District father of Canada’s medicare system. Human Rights Code. Bench in Alberta in March 2017. Chamber of Commerce. Ted Hughes (LLB’50) Raynell Andreychuk (LLB’67) Palbinder Kaur Shergill (LLB ’90) Doug Surtees (LLB ’87) was re- was appointed to the Supreme Hughes is well-known for his hard Andreychuk is the first woman from appointed to a five-year term as Court of British Columbia, New work and achievements as chief Saskatchewan to be appointed Associate Dean, Academic, for the Westminster, on June 23, 2017. adjudicator in the Indian residential to the Senate, and is an ardent University of Saskatchewan College school settlement claims. promoter of human rights nationally Richard (Rick) McHardy (BComm of Law, effective July 1, 2017. and internationally. ’90, LLB ’93) was named Oilman Ellen Schmeiser (LLB’57) On Oct 20, 2017, Vikas of the Year in the Saskatchewan Ralph Goodale (LLB’72) Khaladkar (BA ’72, LLB ’76) was Schmeiser’s recommendations as a Oil Patch Hall of Fame. The Goodale’s nine years as an MP appointed a judge of the Trial special advisor to the Saskatchewan Saskatchewan Oilman of the heading up numerous portfolios Division of the Supreme Court Attorney General’s Department led Year recognizes an individual or have contributed significantly to of Newfoundland and Labrador in to the 1980 Matrimonial Property team currently working in the building Canada. His achievements St. John’s. Act, a law which transformed Saskatchewan oil and gas sector and the legal principles of property in the areas of human rights and making a significant contribution In June 2017, Michelle Baldwin ownership in the context of social justice include expediting the to the growth and success of the (LLB ’06) was appointed a marriage. compensation process for residential industry in the province. Saskatchewan Provincial Court school survivors. Judge in Meadow Lake. Walter Tarnopolsky (LLB’57) Scott Bell (BA ’87, LLB ’91) and A pioneer in Canadian human rights David Arnot (JD’75) David Piche (BA ’09, JD ’15) were Submissions: Send your news for law, Tarnopolsky gained a national Arnot served for a decade as recognized by MD Ambulance at the our Alumni Notes column to law_ reputation for his advocacy and as a Saskatchewan’s treaty commissioner, 2017 Badge, Shield and Star Dinner [email protected]. and and was named chief for saving the life of woman who champion of civil liberties. commissioner of the Saskatchewan had gone into cardiac arrest. Roy Romanow (LLB’64) Human Rights Commission in 2009. On June 5, 2017, Sylvia Domaradzki Current U of S Chancellor and former Read more about these individuals (CBA ’94, LLB ’02) was appointed Saskatchewan Premier Romanow and their role in creating, promoting, a Crown Attorney in the Special drew national attention to the value and defending the laws that Prosecutions section of the of public health care in 2001-02 safeguard the fundamental rights Government of Public as head of the Commission on the of Canadians at http://canada150. Prosecution Service. Future of Health Care in Canada. usask.ca/nation-builder/index.php

14 Fall 2017 www.law.usask.ca University of Saskatchewan alumni news The Mighty Hughes Returns principles that underpin the best of our The case also served as the catalyst for society, his career carried the weight of his wife, Helen Hughes (BSHEC’54), to go mending unethical politicians; advocating into politics and for the couple to become for children in care; defending equal rights advocates for Indigenous matters. Helen went for women in the legal system; and drawing on to join City Council and the two worked attention to what Hughes believed were together in their respective areas of influence the disastrous effects of colonization on to create change and raise awareness of the Indigenous peoples. effects of colonialism in the community. Hughes believes progress is being made, but When asked about the grandiosity of that there are still improvements needed to the title—of his life—his response is, help the Indigenous community, particularly unsurprisingly, fair. “I never felt any pressure when navigating the judicial system. with the moral compass designation because I’ve always enjoyed my work,” he says. “Any “Lots of good is going on in universities judge that has the ability to take away the and education, but our prisons are freedom of his fellow citizens understands disproportionality represented and the that that is a pretty onerous piece of number of children taken into care from responsibility that no judge takes lightly.” Aboriginal families has not moved since the ‘60s,” Hughes said. “There are some Mighty Hughes touches on a moment of great wonderful long-term things taking place impact for the legal legend—a day in court but I’m concerned for the short term and that redefined his understanding of the legal the suffering that is going on for Aboriginal system. peoples.” Ted Hughes and The Mighty Hughes was presiding over a murder case Hughes author Craig McInnes sign Now in their late 80s and early 90s copies of the book at the event where the defendant was taking the stand respectively, Helen and Ted are still in his own defence. It was apparent, Hughes advocating for change in their communities recalls, that the defendant was very frustrated and encourage students in higher education By Lindsay Royale with the process. to consider how their “I asked him if he would As the leading institution in Canada influence in the world can like to voice what was enact change. “Educate for building reconciliation, it was bothering him,” he yourself. Become a natural fit for the University explained. Hughes said qualified in some way. I the man’s words hit him of Saskatchewan to host one of could have never done hard as he explained that what I had done without Canada’s foremost advocates in within his own culture, getting that paper from the court systems concerning the offence he was the university. Stick with accused of would not it—it’s worth it at the end colonization. have been dealt with in of the road,” he said. the same manner as in Alumni of Influence Ted Hughes (BA’48; Proceeds from Mighty the “white man’s court.” LLB’50) and author Craig McInnes visited the Hughes are being College of Law for a book signing and public “It made me realize donated to the Ted and talk as part of the U of S Canada 150 Book what a difference it had Helen Hughes Prize for Series. The biography, The Mighty Hughes: made in the lives of Excellence scholarship From Prairie Lawyer to Western Canada’s these people to have fund, which was the European system Moral Compass, details the life and career of Ted and Helen Hughes established to recognize Hughes, and as the title implies, there is no thrust upon them by the and reward a Juris Doctor space for mediocrity between its pages. settlers as they had arrived. I came home that or Masters of Law student for their work day and told Helen (Hughes’ wife) about this Hughes’ career has spanned an impressive concerning Indigenous children or youth and experience, and that she should get involved 60 years in the Canadian judicial system. As the law. and see what could be done to ease the a respected senior judge in Saskatchewan, road for the Aboriginal community who had and as deputy attorney general and conflict If you are interested in contributing to their culture taken away from them,” Hughes of interest commissioner for British Columbia the Hughes scholarship, please contact explained. “Of all my time in the court room, and the Northwest Territories, Hughes earned Megan Cantwell, Major Gifts Officer, at 18 years, that was the day that stands out a reputation as someone who would deliver [email protected]. in my mind that I had to rethink my whole the right resolution. Noted for defending objectivity on that issue.”

College of Law Alumni Magazine www.law.usask.ca Fall 2017 15 student news

Law student Siera Bearchell: Committed to helping others

By Cat Bonner And winning pageants, including her victory at Set to graduate from the College of Law in spring the 2016 Canada, has given her a 2018, Bearchell’s commitment to reconciliation, As a pageant queen and lawyer-in-training, Siera golden opportunity to reach out to vulnerable and improving access to justice for Indigenous Bearchell is using her voice to advocate for those groups on a global scale. A passionate advocate peoples, has focused her study on Indigenous who are not always heard. for women and Indigenous youth, two groups law. To Bearchell, participating in beauty pageants that are close to her heart, Bearchell has done “I noticed in my travels across Canada, that there has always been more about a platform for a lot of public speaking to high school-aged is still a sense of ignorance for Indigenous issues,” positive speech than the stereotypical glitz, glam, young women, and has been a keynote speaker she said. “I would like to see more education, and fake tan. at the youth-focused WE day in Saskatoon. particularly in high schools, drawing attention to The first Métis woman to be crowned Miss En route to her crown, Bearchell dealt with her and understanding the First Peoples of Canada. Universe Canada in 2016, Bearchell has used fair share of criticism. The issues Indigenous peoples face should not be her pageant success to champion the rights of ignored.” Answering her critics, she said, “There is beauty women and Indigenous peoples through public beyond size. There is beauty beyond looking Bearchell was recently named a U of S Canada speaking. a particular way. It’s time to realize that true 150 Citizen in recognition of the significant Losing her family home to fire at age 16, spurred beauty, self-worth and validation start from impact her volunteer work and public speaking a young Bearchell’s passion for advocacy. within.” has had in promoting a culture of inclusivity and diversity on campus and across the country. “I could have gone down a path of self-pity,” she It is this type of message that Bearchell is keen explained. “Instead, I used it as an opportunity to to impart—for women to free themselves of the “It’s wonderful to think that my actions and reach out to people.” stigma that they can’t achieve the things they messages have had a positive impact on people,” She began volunteering with the Canadian Red want to, because of what they are, or are not. she said of the honour. “It shows that one person can make a difference in the lives of others, and it Cross, choosing to share her own devastating “Women need to empower women, and that encourages me to keep doing what I’m doing.” life experience to help others overcome theirs. is the greatest challenge we face,” she said “As Shortly after, and wishing to further spread her women, we can be hard on ourselves, and on positive message, she came across the Miss Teen others. We are consumed by criticism, and Saskatchewan pageant. we need to overcome this, to be kinder to Spring 2017 “I didn’t enter the pageant for the typical reasons. ourselves.” There was a glamorous side to it for sure, but for For all the opportunity and world travel Convocation me, it was more a way to see if I could raise my her Miss Universe Canada title has afforded voice a little bit,” she said. her, Bearchell is ecstatic to be back home in On June 7, 121 students graduated Saskatchewan and returning to school full-time. from the College of Law at the U of S Proudly Saskatchewanian, hailing from Moose Convocation ceremony. Included in Jaw, Bearchell has never let being from a small When asked why she pursued law, Bearchell the graduates was Jasmine Lothian, community stand in the way of chasing big explained that it seemed like a natural next step who left the college as the most dreams. in her advocacy journey. distinguished graduate of her class, “I’ve always had that pride that you can be from “When you’re in law, whether you’re a practicing which earned her a gold medal somewhere small, and still do great things,” said lawyer or not, you’re an advocate for others,” award and the Honourable Donald Bearchell. she said. Alexander McNiven Prize in Law.

16 Fall 2017 www.law.usask.ca University of Saskatchewan student news Students negotiate their way to victory

Third-year students Christina Judge and Jacey Safnuk claimed first place in the College of Law’s 2017 negotiation competition on Oct 27. Reflecting on their victory, Judge and Safnuk said The four winning teams with Liam Mooney it was an honour to win the competition, and a of Cameco (far right) and Gord Tarnowsky definite highlight of their law school careers. of Dentons LLP, Calgary (far left) The greatest benefit of the experience for the pair was the opportunity to engage in strategy during the negotiation, how well negotiation without risk to a client, and get the outcome served the client, how well the Law student real-world experience that can’t be replicated in team worked together, relationship with the a classroom. opposing team, and, following the negotiation, receives Judge and Safnuk’s team was one of 20 that the team’s self-assessment of its own Aboriginal took part in the competition, sponsored by performance. The winning team’s negotiation Student Dentons and Cameco, which saw students tackle had the best combination of all these criteria. Achievement a plausible legal scenario for a taste of what they “This competition was a unique chance would be expected to do as business lawyers. for students to get feedback on their Award Joining Judge and Safnuk on the victors list were negotiation performance from experienced, Leon Thompson Antonela Cicko and Kaylee Mitchell, who placed successful lawyers,” explained College of Law received the award second, Mason Scott and Landon Squires, who Prof. Michaela Keet, who coordinated the for his leadership at were third, and fourth place went to Lindsey competition. “We were fortunate to have as a special ceremony Thompson Knibbs and Cheryl Giesbrecht. judges a great mix of lawyers working in the during U of S Aboriginal and his award corporate sector and in private practice, some On the night, teams of two students were paired Achievement Week. with over 30 years of experience, who shared off, and given opposing clients in a business A third-year nehiyaw law student and their perspectives with our teams.” partnership agreement. They were asked to president of the college’s Indigenous Law negotiate the terms of the agreement, with the Law school students from across the country Students Association (ILSA) at the time of simple objective of obtaining the best possible have been competing in similar competitions, receiving his award, Thompson was the first result for the people they were representing. which will culminate in national finals Indigenous University of Saskatchewan sponsored by Dentons and Cameco, at the A panel of three judges* assessed the Students’ Union executive member in its College of Law on March 2 and 3, 2018. teams’ performances against seven criteria; 101-year history. preparedness for the negotiation, ability to adapt Cicko and Mitchell will join Judge and Safnuk Born and educated on the Prairies, as the two Usask Law teams competing against Thompson strives to blend Indigenous and winners from fellow law schools when the non-Indigenous theory and topics in the college hosts the finals next year. broader Canadian context while learning about contemporary Canadian, digital, and * The panel of judges was as follows: international Indigenous issues. He follows George Rob McKinnon, Arjun Shankar, a First Nations worldview and Seventh Antonopoulos, Federated Co-op Bergerman Generation teachings. Dentons LLP Liam Mooney, Smith LLP Jamie Dickson, Cameco Gord A compelling and vocal advocate for Des Nedhe Serena Palmer, Tarnowsky, ILSA, Thompson has worked hard on Development AREVA Dentons LLP administrative matters ensuring his Joe Fingerote, Charmain Patrick Trumpy, successors inherit a strong and vibrant TKB Law Pembina Panko, organization. Kathryn Ford, Panko Pipeline Corp retired lawyer collaborative law Grace Waschuk, Thompson graduated from the college in and mediator and mediation Dentons LLP June 2017. Cameron Klein, Bernie Roth, Clint Weiland, WMCZ Lawyers Dentons LLP PotashCorp Spring 2017 grad Jasmine Lothian

College of Law Alumni Magazine www.law.usask.ca Fall 2017 17 student news

Q and A with students The PLSNP is an eight-week summer course offered through the University of Saskatchewan’s Native Law Centre that provides Aboriginal students from of the Program of across Canada an opportunity to study first-year Property Law before beginning Legal Studies for law school in the fall. Many students take this course as a condition of their Native People (PLSNP) acceptance to law school.

Rheana Connor Worme Standing Ready

Hometown/territory/reserve: Hometown, Saskatoon; Territory, Treaty 6 Hometown/territory/reserve: White Bear First and Treaty 4; Reserve is both Kawacatoose First Nation and Poundmaker Nation, Saskatchewan. Treaty 4 territory. Cree Nation. Age: 24 Age: 30 years young Previous education & career: I have a Bachelor of Talk about your previous education or careers: Arts from the First Nations University of Canada Before coming to law school I was at Edwards School of Business where and the . I have a major in I received a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in marketing. Political Science and minors in Indigenous Studies Before that I was in the Aboriginal Business Administration and English. I graduated in the spring of 2016 with Certificate Program. distinction and as the valedictorian for the First When did you decide that you wanted to study law? I Nations University of Canada. After graduation, I decided to study law when I was in my second last worked for Regina Treaty Status Indian Services for year of my commerce degree. Both of my parents one year as an Administrative Assistant. are lawyers and they supported me throughout What made you decide to study law? When I was all my education but were especially supportive in high school, I received a 98 in Law 30. Back when I decided to pursue a legal education. then, I had no desire to study law. Throughout my Who are your role models? My parents. My dad undergraduate studies, however, the idea of law graduated from U of S Law school in 1985 and my school became more and more appealing to me. mom graduated in 1995. They have introduced me With the support of my parents and family, I came to so many inspiring Indigenous legal minds but my to the conclusion that it was the logical career parents still take the cake for raising five kids together path for me to follow. while obtaining law degrees and running a successful What do you hope to achieve once you have a law practice together. degree? As an Aboriginal person with a visual Where do you plan to attend law school? Why? I am attending the U of S disability, I hope to become an advocate for Law school. I’m attending University of Saskatchewan because this is my Aboriginal and human rights. home territory. My whole support network is here! What has been the best part about your What do you hope to achieve once you have a law degree? I hope to utilize PLSNP experience? The workload is my undergraduate degree in commerce somehow. Whether that means very challenging for me and going into business consultations or politics I’m not entirely sure yet. I love challenges. I believe hard work definitely builds What has been the best part about your PLSNP experience? The other character. It’s also an students and teaching staff. We could not have had better Teacher honour to spend this Assistants and I’ve made life-long friends. time with the future What has been the most challenging part of the PLSNP program? Aboriginal lawyers of Figuring out how you learn best is the biggest challenge, especially Canada as well. when it comes to new material and the gruelling schedule the program Anything else you would demands to succeed, but it’s so worth it! like to add? I am just so Anything else you would like to add: grateful that I have this I’m so grateful that this program is still continuing. My parents went opportunity to pursue a through this program in 1981 and 1991 respectively, and if it wasn’t for legal education. I can’t imagine this program I don’t think either of them would be as successful as they beginning law school in the fall were in law school. The fact that this program is still here to change my without the skills and knowledge I’ve life as well is so amazing. I’m so happy to have been a part of it. gained since the beginning of the program.

18 Fall 2017 www.law.usask.ca University of Saskatchewan student news

Tyler Gervais

Hometown/territory/reserve: wHo Are your role models? I was born and raised in Regina, Growing up as an only child of a Saskatchewan. However, my Métis single mother, who worked multiple homeland is northern Saskatchewan, jobs while completing her Bachelors of specifically Green Lake and Meadow Education degree from the U of R, I was Lake area. inspired by her perseverance, dedication, What has been the most challenging part and determination. My oldest cousin of the PLSNP program? Moving away Age: I am 32 years old. also became one of my most powerful from friends and family back home and being here alone; learning content and Talk about your previous education role models. He struggled his whole life curriculum that you are so far removed or careers: I have been employed at with Cerebral Palsy, but as he set goals from right down to the navigation Casino Regina as a dealer since 2006. for himself he never allowed anything to of the city and campus adds a factor For many of those years I was an acting get in the way of achieving them, which of difficulty to your daily existence. supervisor and union departmental VP, led him to complete a bachelor’s degree However, the difficulty level and high which helped me develop leadership in Computer Science. expectations makes this program the and public relation skills. I started my wHere do you plAn to Attend lAw scHool? most challenging event of my life. undergrad in education in 2012 as a wHy? I have chosen to attend the The PLSNP has humbled and inspired part-time student at the University of U of S College of Law first and foremost me to keep challenging myself as an Regina, later transferring to the First because it is close to home for me, and I Indigenous man and mentor to our Nations University of Canada, where I am aware that a strong support network youth. recently graduated with my Bachelors of will be necessary to be successful. I also Indigenous Education Degree. chose the U of S based on information wHen did you decide tHAt you wAnted to and testimonials that I read during my study lAw? research of law colleges, as my desire is At the age of 12, I began to watch legal to study Indigenous law. LLM News documentaries with my mother and I wHAt do you Hope to AcHieve once you HAve always found them quite interesting; Christina Abbott successfully A lAw degree?: I plan on working within specifically the segments that displayed defended her thesis Street Checks my Métis community. There are several the lawyers negotiating behind the and Canadian Youth: A Critical areas that I would like to focus on; I am scenes. More recently, I attended a Legal Analysis on September 8, eager to help my fellow Indigenous national political convention where I 2017. Supervisor: Sarah Buhler. community members weave their way actively participated in governance and through a justice system that often does Antwi Frimpong successfully policy workshops. I soon discovered not understand nor care to understand defended his thesis Using Technology through my many conversations our community history or the needs of for Access to Justice in Ghana and with Members of Parliament and our people. Canada: Examining the Digital governmental ministers that if I wanted Divide on August 24, 2017. Supervisor: to be an agent of change in my Métis wHAt HAs been tHe best pArt About your Sarah Buhler. community, that the field of law was plsnp experience? Molla Abey successfully defended his an excellent vehicle for this. It was One of the best and most challenging thesis Anomaly of Existing Intellectual also during this time that the Daniels parts is the course content. Although Property Protection for Software on May Decision was finalized, creating unique I am coming into the program with an 26, 2017. Supervisor: Martin Phillipson. opportunities for the Métis people undergraduate degree in Education, any Clayton Miller successfully defended of Canada to redefine their place in formal education that I have experienced his thesis entitled Judicial Mediation Canadian history and ensure that their so far has not been as challenging nor as in British Columbia: Moving Towards rights are entrenched within Canadian rewarding as this course. Constitution. a More Effective Process on March 16, 2017. Supervisor: Beth Bilson.

College of Law Alumni Magazine www.law.usask.ca Fall 2017 19 student news

Becoming a change-maker is high on Wuttunee’s list of goals after graduation, but “I want to give she said she couldn’t get to where she is now without the support of generous donors. back to my She received numerous scholarships to help her complete her law degree, but one that community stands out for her is the Dr. Grace E. Maynard Bursary, which provided her with much- to help First needed assistance during her second year of studies—which she said was “the most Nations people. challenging time of my legal education.” I want to help The bursary, which supports new students each year in programs across campus, was people in any created by Dr. Grace Maynard through a gift in her will. Wuttunee said that being selected way I can.” was especially meaningful to her because it was awarded based on not only financial need, but also academic performance. When she found out she had received the support, Wuttunee said she felt “so much happiness”, because it helped her continue The gift of support in her program and become more ambitious with her goals. “Receiving this award meant a lot to me personally, because I was able to focus on my studies and achieve good marks,” through difficult times she shared. Dr. Maynard’s support also helped her take By Jessica Elfar care of herself and her children. “I am so For Kellie Wuttunee, family is everything. The The pre-law course provided her with a solid grateful for the financial assistance because I University of Saskatchewan graduate credits foundation for her Juris Doctor, a degree that do not come from privilege. Without bursaries the support of both her immediate and holds a significant family connection. Her and scholarships I don’t know if I could have extended families for being able to achieve uncle William Wuttunee, who graduated from done it—it helped me with the everyday her challenging educational goals while also the U of S College of Law in 1952, was the first stresses of being a full-time student and balancing the demands of being a single Cree lawyer to be called to the bar in Western raising three children.” parent. She’s raising three children under the Canada. Now Wuttunee stands at the beginning of a age of 13, all while obtaining two degrees— Wuttunee is now pursuing an articling whole new chapter in her life, but she said she her master’s in social work from Wilfrid Laurier position, and aims to work in a general still has family and community on her mind. University in 2012, and now a law degree from practice that focuses on Aboriginal law, She’s excited to support her children with her the U of S. administrative law and constitutional law. She new career, but she also has her sights set “The biggest challenge has been learning to hopes that by combining these interests with higher. “I want to give back to my community manage my time and energy well,” Wuttunee her background in social work, she can help to help First Nations people. I want to help said of the long road she’s travelled to get make societal changes through law, admiring people in any way I can.” to her to her 2017 convocation. “There were the work of the First Nations Child and Family some really tough times. My family, friends, Caring Society of Canada. The national non- culture and spirituality helped me and got me profit organization provides policy support Please let us know if you have or are through it.” on legal issues affecting First Nations children considering leaving a gift to the U Growing up an hour west of Saskatoon, on and families. of S in your will. Talking to us now is Red Pheasant First Nation, the Nêhiyawak Cree She said she has been inspired by her children an opportunity to clarify your future woman said she couldn’t imagine pursing in choosing this career path. “Every parent wishes and ensure they can be carried her law degree anywhere but the University and family has unique needs,” she said from out. It also gives us a chance to thank of Saskatchewan. “This is home for me—I experience. “My youngest son has a disability, you personally for your thoughtful wanted to be close to my family,” she noted. so I have had to become an advocate for him consideration. “My children have been by my side the entire in accessing medical and therapy services. Melissa Mann process of obtaining my higher education.” Having to move off of my First Nation to Gift Planning Specialist (College of Law) Wuttunee was also attracted to the Program access these services in an urban centre, I’ve 306-966-5175 of Legal Studies for Native People at the U seen first-hand the inequities Indigenous [email protected] of S. “It’s a one-of-a-kind program in Canada, children face in Saskatchewan and across and I was so grateful to be selected,” she said. Canada.”

20 Fall 2017 www.law.usask.ca University of Saskatchewan student news

The college has also pledged funding towards “As a college training future lawyers, we have College of Law the scholarship and is asking donors and alumni a vital role to play in helping people, and to join the cause. encouraging our partners, students, and announces refugee community to do the same,” said Surtees. “Our alumni and donors are a generous “We also need to ensure that the opportunity community. They continually support our scholarship to undertake a legal education remains open students and our college, and we hope that to as many groups as possible.” The college will fully fund the tuition, student this award will encourage people to support a fees and textbooks of one Juris Doctor (JD) student who hasn’t had the same opportunities Applications for the JD program are now student, who has claimed or is claiming refugee as others,” said College of Law Dean Martin open - those who wish to apply can find status in Canada, for the duration of their three- Phillipson. details at the college’s Applying to Law page. year law degree. The college is hopeful this scholarship will If you are interested in contributing to the Eligible students who apply to the college’s highlight the need to create opportunities for less College of Law refugee scholarship, please JD program through the regular process, and advantaged groups such as refugee students, contact Megan Cantwell, Major Gifts secure a place for Sept. 2018, will be able to and that it will encourage similar initiatives. Officer, at [email protected]. apply for the scholarship. The recipient will be decided by a specially appointed committee at the College of Law. Saskatchewan, and I was very happy to have been Though the college offers a range of financial named a winner in the Access to Justice category. awards and support to its students, including Antwi Frimpong: I was also happy to have participated in the a number of entrance awards which recognize Profile of an LLM graduate inaugural Saskatchewan Access to Justice Week in first-year students, the refugee scholarship is a October 2016. There, I learned of initiatives aimed first. I am Antwi Frimpong, and I recently defended at improving access to justice for Saskatchewan “We saw this as a unique opportunity to make my Master of Laws thesis Using Technology residents. It was a great experience to have a difference to a refugee student. Though for Access to Justice in Ghana and Canada: volunteered for the Community Legal Assistance many university students know only too well Examining the Digital for Saskatoon Inner City Divide to become a the financial burden of tuition and fees, this Inc (CLASSIC) as a research graduate of the University is a chance for us to help someone who, as assistant during summer of Saskatchewan College 2017. During my time a refugee to this country, faces significant of Law. My experience there, I was impressed cultural, financial, and educational roadblocks,” at the U of S has been with how College of said College of Law Associate Dean, Academic, remarkable, and has Law student advocates Doug Surtees. “The scholarship goes some way given me a real boost to were providing basic to removing a barrier that might otherwise my academic and social legal services to clients, prevent this person from realizing their goal of development. The College under the supervision of attending law school.” of Law is a welcoming practicing lawyers. I plan to In a show of generosity and support for their place, and from day one, I promote such an initiative felt at home. I learned and future classmate, the college’s students have in my home country, experienced so many new Ghana. pledged a portion of the ticket sales from their things in a short period student association’s most highly-attended My convocation is slated of time. event to the scholarship. for October 28, 2017, and My LLM supervisor, I am very happy to be a Law Students Association (LSA) President Professor Sarah Buhler, has part of the graduating Lindsey Knibbs was enthusiastic when she first played a pivotal role in my class of 2017. My family heard about the initiative. academic development and friends are delighted “I was excited to bring the idea back to the LSA and throughout my for my success, and I am executive and general council. We unanimously studies. Her dedication, happy to say that my direction, and constructive agreed that this was a worthy cause, and siblings will join me at the criticism have helped me a ceremony. I look forward decided to donate $5 from each ticket sold for great deal, and are worthy to pursuing my doctorate our First Year Formal,” she said. of acknowledgment. program on pro bono legal In so doing, a majority of the college’s student Participating in a research services in the Ghanaian body contributed to the cause, despite busy poster competition that criminal justice system, schedules and tight budgets. was organized during and then I plan to return to Ghana and become a university professor there. “This is a very exciting opportunity and the the 2017 Dean’s Forum on Dispute Resolution and Access to Justice also enriched my academic I am sanguine that the knowledge, skills, and students are proud of the impact we were experience I acquire in Canada will prepare me to able to make,” said Knibbs. “The LSA thanks and social life. It was my first time participating in such an event, and gave me an opportunity become a law professor, and serve Ghana and the the college for allowing us to be a part of this to learn how to visualize a paper to highlight world at large. student’s journey, and our classmates for their the important aspects of research. I also built I will forever miss the walkway along the South generosity in joining us to support this amazing my communication skills through engaging the Saskatchewan River in the university area, where initiative.” audience in a presentation and discussion of my good friends and I used to take a stroll after long work. I met and shared ideas and experiences hours of studies at the Law library. with different people from various institutions in

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