Indigenous Law Student Scholarship

Winner

Tennile Ermineskin

First and foremost, I give thanks to Kisemanitô (God) for the life, opportunities, and responsibilities with which I have been blessed. My name is Tennile Ermineskin, and my Cree name is Peycitahk Peysis Iskwew (Thunderbird Woman). I am a grateful member of Ermineskin Cree Nation in Treaty 6 Territory.

Genealogy is central to Cree ways of knowing and being because our identities, knowledge, and responsibilities are rooted in our family systems. My maternal grandparents were Margaret Redcrow and Robert Threefingers; my paternal grandparents were Celina Lightning and George Ermineskin; and my parents are Laurreen and Stephen Ermineskin. Naming my family acknowledges where I come from, whose teachings I carry, and the relationships I remain accountable to.

For 19 years, my husband and I have built a life together grounded in sâkihitowin (love), wîcihitowin (supporting one another), and wâhkôhtowin (relational responsibility). Our marriage is one of my greatest sources of strength and grounds us in our shared responsibilities to one another, our family, and future generations. From an early age, I was taught how to carry myself as an iskwew—a Cree woman. I learned that my words, actions, and decisions reflect upon my family, community, and the generations yet to come. I was taught to remain accountable, make the most of the life I was given, and use my gifts and education in service of others.

Before entering law school at the University of Alberta, I spent more than 13 years serving Indigenous children, youth, and families. I reconnected children involved in the child welfare system with Elders, Cree names, cultural activities, relatives, land, and community, helping restore their identity and sense of belonging. Rooted in my commitment to community well-being, this work affirmed that culture is fundamental to an Indigenous child’s identity, safety, and best interests. It also inspired me to pursue law and advocate for systemic reform that reflects community priorities.

I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been selected as the recipient of the 2026 First Peoples Law Scholarship. I accept this recognition with the sacred understanding that I do not walk this path alone. This achievement reflects the prayers, sacrifices, strength, and teachings of my family, ancestors, and community. I will carry this honour with gratitude and remain accountable to those who came before me, those I serve today, and the generations yet to come.

Photo Credit: Mark Elder, Jasper's Studio

Finalist

Alexis Miedema

Alexis Miedema is a nêhiyaw iskwêw from Peepeekisis Cree Nation in Treaty 4 Territory. She is entering her final year of the Joint Degree Program in Canadian Common Law and Indigenous Legal Orders (JD/JID) at the University of Victoria. Alexis’ areas of focus center around the wellness of Indigenous youth and aiding Indigenous communities to legally achieve self-determination in a manner recognized by the colonial government. She aims to hold governments at all levels responsible for the promises made to Indigenous Peoples and, in doing so, giving back power to Indigenous communities. Upon graduation, Alexis looks forward to clerking with the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan.

Beyond her legal education, Alexis drafts legislation for the Peepeekisis Treaty/Justice/Governance Committee, is a member of the University of Calgary Veterinary Medicine Indigenous Advisory Committee, and instructs three courses for the University of Calgary’s "Towards Truth and Reconciliation Certificate" program. Alexis would like to acknowledge the Elders, knowledge-holders, community members, scholars, lawyers, and youth who have supported her legal journey thus far. kinanâskomitinâwâw!

Photo Credit: Ray Morning Owl  (Morning Owl Media)

Honourable Mention

Kendall Tabobandung

Kendall "Yontonkwe’tanónhnha" Tabobandung is a Bear clan woman from the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and is entering her second year of law school at Queen's University. In 2025, she graduated from Wagner College in Staten Island, NY, with a degree in history while competing in NCAA Division I lacrosse. During her time at Queen's Law, she has served as Communications Coordinator for the Indigenous Law Student Association and has since been named Co-President. Additionally, she has been selected as a Co-Commissioner for the Queen's Law I-EDIAA Committee. This past summer, she worked with the Six Nations of the Grand River Justice Department through the Debwewin Summer Law Program, gaining experience in restorative justice, bail, and the intersection of Indigenous perspectives with the Canadian justice system. She looks forward to continuing to build her legal education and pursuing a career focused on Indigenous law and advocacy.

Winner

Julie Albert

Tánsi, Nitisinihkáson Wapihkaniw. Ohci nína inniniw iskwéw Kinosao Sipi. 

My name is Julie Albert, my spirit name is Snowy Owl and I am from Kinosao Sipi-- Norway House Cree Nation in Treaty 5 territory. I’m in my final year of law school at Robson Hall, and everything I do has been shaped by the teachings I’ve received as a Swampy Cree woman growing up in Norway House, in Northern Manitoba. 

I’m proud to be from Kinosao Sipi. I carry immense gratitude for my community—for the people who have guided me, and who continue to teach me the values and lessons that have grounded my path. I am the granddaughter of Bugoose and Mona Clarke, Jo Ann, and the late Ken Albert. Three of my grandparents survived the Indian Residential School system. I say this because their strength and resilience are the reason my family is here today. Kischi ninaskomon nôhkomak akwa nimosômak. 

This year, I’m entering my final year of law at the University of Manitoba’s Robson Hall, where I’m continuing to balance and merge the worlds of both Cree and Canadian legal traditions. My heart’s work is to stand with my people, listen to the wisdom of our Elders and youth, and help protect the lands and waters that sustain us all. I’m also honoured to serve as a Northern Representative on the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Youth Council and as an executive council member for the Assembly of First Nations Youth Council.

One of the most meaningful and grassroots parts of my journey has been organizing Oskatsak Sokakopowak: a land-based healing and leadership gathering for youth displaced by wildfires across Manitoba. After working to help evacuate thousands of people during the 2025 wildfire season, I saw firsthand that our young people needed more than just an emergency response. They needed ceremony. They needed to come back to the land. They needed real connection. So we brought together elders, knowledge keepers, and 40 First Nations youth for several days of cultural teachings, healing, and community-building out on the land. This event was a powerful reminder that our strength comes from the land itself, and from each other.

To be chosen as the 2025 recipient of the First Peoples Law scholarship is deeply humbling. This support means a great deal to me on my path in law. More than that, I hope this recognition shows other Indigenous youth—especially other “rez” girls—that they belong here too, and that their dreams are possible. We need you in these spaces. 

Thank you to my family, my community, and every single person who has lifted me up along the way. I’m only able to walk this path as a Cree law student because of your support—your prayers, your kind words, even your Facebook comments. I never walk alone. Kinanáskomitináwáw for all the love you’ve given me, for helping me continue this journey. 

And a heartfelt Ekosi to First Peoples Law for creating opportunities that lift up Indigenous law students, honour our paths, and help us carry our responsibilities to our Nations and future generations. Kinanáskomitináwáw.

Photo Credit: Gin Ouskun Photography

Finalist

Emily Sabourin

Emily Sabourin is Dehcho Dene from the Northwest Territories (NWT), raised in Yellowknife, and a proud member of Łı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ First Nation. She is in her fourth year of the Joint Degree Program in Canadian Common Law and Indigenous Legal Orders at the University of Victoria. Her pursuit of legal education is deeply connected to her roots in Denendeh – also known as the NWT. 

Emily’s interests focus on climate action and environmental justice, recognizing their inherent connection to Indigenous rights and the advancement of self-determination. She regularly participates in speaking engagements on Indigenous-led environmental stewardship initiatives, including as a youth representative with the Arctic Athabaskan Council. In addition to her legal studies, Emily is actively involved in the arts community in the NWT. While away at school, she turns to her art to maintain balance in her spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being. Her dog, Cornell, is a big help, too, in supporting that balance.

Photo Credit: Jamie Stevenson Photography

Honourable Mention

Joshua Gandier

Joshua Gandier is a Peguis First Nation member and is entering his third and final year of law school at the University of Manitoba. During his time in law school, he has served as the Vice President of Finance for the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students Association and recently completed his term as Youth Chief for the Southern Chiefs Organization. This past summer he worked as a summer student at Hall & Larocque LLP, learning to support Indigenous Nations on legal matters related to land, governance, and economic development. He looks forward to returning to Hall & Larocque LLP as an articling student and building a practice focused on supporting Indigenous self-determination and nation-building.

Winner

Tréchelle Bunn

Tréchelle Bunn is a Dakota winyan, a proud citizen of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, and a second-year law student at the University of Manitoba’s Robson Hall. Tréchelle serves as the Youth Chief of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, representing youth across 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations in southern Manitoba. She is also the Vice President of Internal Relations (First Nations) of the Manitoba Indigenous Law Students Association.

Han, my name is Tréchelle Bunn, and I am a Dakota winyan from Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation.

I am profoundly honoured and grateful to be the 2024 recipient of the First Peoples Law scholarship. The support and encouragement from First Peoples Law is invaluable as I continue my journey toward completing my legal education.
From a young age, I was inspired to pursue a law degree to become an agent of change and address the myriad challenges faced by my people and our nations. Whether through my education, advocacy, or leadership roles, at the core of everything I do is my deep commitment to fulfilling my responsibility to my community. It is the honour of my life to be in a role that allows me to serve and advocate for my people. Wherever my law degree leads me, I intend to use the knowledge and skills I have acquired through law school to continue serving and advocating for my people, my community, and the collective interests of all Indigenous Peoples.

I want to thank my family, community, and all those who have supported and continue to support and guide me along my journey. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to First Peoples Law for creating this opportunity for Indigenous law students to be uplifted and supported.

I am humbled to be recognized among previous recipients, as well as all applicants who are continuing to take up our rightful place in these spaces, while building on the legacy of the Indigenous law students and lawyers who came before us and paving the way for the next generation who will follow.

May we continue to rise together. Mitakuye Owasin. Wopida.

--Tréchelle Bunn

Photo Credit: Gin Ouskun Photography

Finalist

Andrew Ambers

Andrew Ambers is Kwakwaka’wakw from the ‘Namgis and Ma’amtagila First Nations on Vancouver Island. He is a Juris Doctor (JD) and Juris Indigenarum Doctor (JID) student at the University of Victoria’s Faculty of Law. He contributes to various Indigenous-led research projects at the University of Victoria on coastal Indigenous law, Indigenous rights, and Indigenous justice, and he holds advisory positions with Indigenous organizations in British Columbia. Ambers’ research interests include aquatic Aboriginal title, coastal Indigenous rights, and Indigenous international law.

Photo Credit: Chad Hipolito Photography

Honourable Mentions

Teneisha Noble

Aanii, my name is Teneisha Noble. I come from a rich tapestry of cultural heritage: my mother is Ojibway from Michipicoten First Nation, located along the Lake Superior territory in Ontario, while my father is Afro-Jamaican from the Parish of Clarendon. Raised in Toronto, I proudly navigate my dual heritage, which profoundly influences my personal and professional life.

As a proud mom to a vibrant nine-year-old, my commitment to social justice is both personal and profound. My academic journey reflects this dedication. I hold a diploma in Social Service Work with an Indigenous Specialization and an undergraduate degree in Indigenous Social Work. I am entering my second year as a law student in the Common Law Program at York University, where I am focused on integrating my social justice interests into my legal education.

I am particularly passionate about child welfare reform, specifically focusing on fostering meaningful reconciliation within Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. This passion drives my pursuit of legal knowledge and practice as I aim to advocate for transformative changes that honour and support the rights and well-being of Indigenous children and families. Through my studies and future legal career, I aspire to contribute to meaningful and impactful reforms in this crucial area.

--Teneisha Noble

Tyler Ermineskin

Miyo Kisikaw Nitotamitik,

Nitisikason Kanikamot Peyisis - Singing Bird my English name is Tyler Ermineskin. Neyaskweyahk ohci niya ota tapayikan nikotwasik askiy. Ni pewiciwicimawaw kamiyosot niwicawakan, tepakop-sap Epewicawak. Ninipawin oma maskawatisin ekwa sohkahtawin Epemikosiyan oyakihcikewin ohci nitisanak. Moya oma ota kakiyiyan. Osam ohci ekipe kitimakisiyan ekwa emayata pimatisiwin epimatisiyak, maka namoya nikanikon. Nipimitisahen tahpwewin kispin napew apo iskwew kamanatisicik. Nihtawikin nehiyaw, nipimatisin Nehiyaw, ekwa Nehiyaw mamitoneihcikan. Namoya wihkac nikiy tapasin, Kakikay ehmiwayitaman ehkanakaweymakik kotakak iysinowak. Kayas ohci kapey nanatawihoyan oma nipimatisowin, ninisitoten ekwa awa napew kakitaweymak ohci kapeypisiwiyan; kiskinowapamakan, tapwe pikiskwewin, kasispohtitaw nikaniw kanota Nehiyaw pimatisit oma manatisiwin ekwa kisteyihtakosiwin. 

inansikomitinawaw kanitotawiyek.

--Tyler Ermineskin

Winner

Raven Richards

Raven Richards is a mother and law student from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. Having grown up in her community, Raven has been privileged to live and understand the strengths and challenges many Indigenous communities experience and is keen on using her community and legal perspectives to help her future clients achieve their goals. Her favourite pastime is embarking on new experiences with her three young sons. This fall of 2023, Raven is enrolled in her third and final year of the Juris Doctor program at the University of Manitoba’s Robson Hall Faculty of Law. 

tanisi, 

I would like to express my gratitude to First Peoples Law for making this scholarship available to Indigenous students. I feel incredibly honoured to have been selected as this year’s recipient. Offering this scholarship is a generous investment in the future and prosperity of Indigenous people – whom I and many other soon-to-be Indigenous lawyers anticipate working with and for. 

From a young age, it has been my priority to work in a role where I can contribute to the advancement of Indigenous people’s collective interests. I am entering the profession during a transformative time where the autonomy of Indigenous nations is becoming increasingly prevalent, and the revitalization of Indigenous laws is often at the fore of this work. Our nations are inherently equipped with our own distinct cultural attributes, legal orders, governance structures, and communal knowledge bases, and I look forward to working with nation clients to draw from these systems to address and support contemporary needs. 

This scholarship will significantly help me to reach my goal of returning support to the Indigenous community, as my own community has taught, influenced, guided, and inspired me throughout my life. 

tapwe kiche

Photo Credit: Gin Ouskun Photography

Finalist

Sophia Sidarous

My name is Sophia Sidarous and I am Mi’kmaq from Metepenagiag First Nation. I am in my third year at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, and bring forth a special perspective as a protector of my Nation against all that encroach upon our rights, freedom and dignity. I am very motivated to revitalize traditional Mi’kmaq laws and structures, which can provide a new but ancient way to deal with complex issues for self-government and determination of all Nations. I am very grateful to be honoured and recognized by First Peoples Law, and to stand alongside the winner of this year's award. 

Wela’lioq! 

Photo Credit: Nicole Lapierre Photography

Honourable Mentions

Tyler Ermineskin

Tansi,  

First, I will open this space by locating myself as an Indigenous man who is of Nehiyaw/Cree descent. I come from the traditional territory of Treaty Six; specifically, Neyaskweyak/Ermineskin Cree Nation. Further, my English Name is Tyler Ermineskin; and my Cree name is Nihkamo Pehyesis which means Singing Bird; this is significant to my place and relation to the world around me as I have always been comfortable in changing my environment and holding steadfast to the vision given to me from Kisemanito (God). My past experience and my current work is in the areas of Treaty, Governance, assertion of Nehiyaw rights (given from Kisemanito) and Rights of the Indigenous Child. As shown, when I was honoured to lead my Nation in the areas of industry, social programming development (In Treaty Six and Seven), child law development (under the Act former Bill C92) and the recent acquisition of the highest shares in a schedule 1 bank. I have attended the 83rd and 84th sessions of the Committee on the Rights of the Child at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland as an advocate and as a speaker. It is truly an honour to be chosen as an Honourable Mention with First Peoples Law and my prayer is that more Indigenous people take up space in these areas.  

Ninanâskamon 

Jaxxen Wiley

St'li kwunnus uy' huy'ch'qa First Peoples Law. I' tsun sme'thun  I'tsun uy honourable mention. Hwunitum Nas Sne, Jaxxen Wylie, Hul'q'umi'num Hwulmuhw Nas Sne, Sialhton exwe'et suniw tu thi lelum. Tu ni tsun utl Stz'uminus First Nation i' snuneymuxw i' Cedar. St'li kwunnus tuymt JD/JID Education hwu-alum snuwuyulh exwe'et mustimuhw i' jurisdiction sc'u'ce qa' i' tumuhw.  
 

I want to say a good thank you to First Peoples Law, as I am proud to be included as an Honourable Mention for this award. My white guy name is Jaxxen Wylie, and my Hul'q'umi'num peoples name is Sialhton which was given to me in the Big House ceremony. I am a member of Stz'uminus First Nation and grew up on our traditional territories in what is now called the Cedar district of Nanaimo and in Snuneymuxw territory in South Nanaimo. I hope to use my JD/JID Legal Education to help in the return and revitalization of our Coast Salish Legal Order and jurisdiction on our lands and waters. 

Mayhève Rondeau

Waciye, my name is Mayhève Clara Rondeau (she/her) and I am a member of Moose Cree First Nation in Treaty 9 territory. I am Cree through my mother and French through my father. I am in my second year of the JD/JID program at UVic, and I didn’t even consider law school as a possibility for myself growing up. I now work to empower other first-gen and Indigenous law students through my Outsider in Law initiative. I’m also drawn to Indigenous Health Governance and human rights. I am unsure where exactly this law school journey will take me, but I know I will use my voice to advocate for Indigenous folks, Nations and organizations. I am honoured to stand alongside this year's winners - thank you First Peoples Law for the honourable mention and for supporting Indigenous students throughout their legal journeys. 

Congratulations to Casey Caines!

Listen to our podcast episode featuring a conversation between Casey and 2021 winners Anita Cardinal-Stewart and Mary McPherson: Reclaiming the Law Part 4: Indigenous Law Students in Conversation.

Casey Caines is a Cree and Dene woman, mother of two young girls, an advocate from Fort Nelson First Nation on Treaty 8 Territory and a third-year law student at the University of Alberta.  

Tansi Nîtôtemtik, 

It is truly an honour to be this year’s recipient of the First Peoples Law scholarship - the encouragement and support that this award provides is immeasurable and I am grateful beyond measure to be recognized in this space and in this way. I stand alongside so many previous and current recipient’s and applicants whose work, activism, and vision for their communities continue to inspire my own.  I have been fortunate enough to work in many of these spaces, alongside many of these incredible leaders bringing awareness to Indigenous issues and finding community-engaged solutions.  

As I look to graduation, Indigenous and Aboriginal law is where my heart is, and where I hope to make a meaningful contribution by working to reduce inequalities and barriers to access within the legal system. By empowering communities to reclaim and revitalize laws rooted in their traditional knowledge I believe that we can begin to appreciate our multi-juridical nation in ways that will dismantle the colonial systems that continue to oppress Indigenous peoples and provide space for true reconciliation. While my future holds many unknowns, I know that wherever my legal education takes me will always be in reciprocity with community, and I will continue to use it to advocate for systemic change. 

--Casey Caines

Photo credit: Cole Crane

Honourable Mentions

Darian Lonechild

Tansi, my name is Darian Lonechild, and I am a Nêhiyaw woman from the White Bear First Nation in Treaty 4 Territory. I am a third-year law student at the University of Saskatchewan. My purpose is to work in Indigenous law and dedicate myself to advancing the interests of First Nations in the prairies. I hope to focus on Treaty/inherent rights, self-government, and economic development.  Thank you to First Peoples Law for an honourable mention and the encouragement to be a part of this important work. 

Sophia Sidarous

Kwe’ msit wen! My name is Sophia Sidarous and I am a Mi’kmaq land defender and water protector from Metepenagiag First Nation. I am in my second year at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, and am particularly interested in reviatlizing Mi’kmaq traditional laws and structures. Advocating for sovereignty, self-governance, and justice for our nations are very critical to me. I am honoured to be recognized by First Peoples Law and to stand alongside the winner of this year's award! Wela’lioq. 

Congratulations to Anita Cardinal-Stewart and Mary McPherson!

Listen to our podcast episode featuring a conversation between Anita, Mary and 2020 winner Taryn Hamilton: Reclaiming the Law Part 3: Indigenous Law Students in Conversation.

Anita Cardinal-Stewart is Nehiyaw Iskwew, a proud member of Woodland Cree First Nation #474 situated on Treaty 8 territory and a 3rd-year law student at the University of Alberta where she is currently the President of the Indigenous Law Students Association, and also serves as the President of the National Indigenous Law Students Association and sits as a Student Representative on the Indigenous Bar Association.

Tansi, I am both humbled and honored to be a recipient of this year's scholarship from First Peoples Law who are doing amazing work in the legal field. I know I stand among so many other worthy and remarkable Indigenous law students from across the nation and each and every one of them deserves every recognition and every possibility of success and I am just grateful to be one of them. Law school is filled with many experiences, some of them good some of them not so good but when we have a strong community and we stand together as Indigenous law students, we can make a change to legal education and of the practice of law that will be in accordance with our laws and our ways. So, let's walk together in this journey towards Indigenous Nationhood and Sovereignty and pay it forward any chance we get. I promise to always do that and make each day, every day meaningful. Hiy Hiy Kinanaskomiti.

--Anita Cardinal-Stewart

Photo credit: Tristan Talalee

Mary is a daughter, sister, auntie, and an Ojibway member of Couchiching First Nation. She grew up in Thunder Bay, working as an artist while pursuing her undergraduate degree in Fine Arts and Indigenous Learning. Mary is currently in her third year of law at the University of Ottawa.

I am sincerely appreciative to be selected as a recipient of the First Peoples Law Scholarship. I am just one voice of many brilliant Indigenous law students, and I am comforted to see the various ways Indigenous law students are advancing changes for their communities. My people have a unique worldview that offers an entirely different way of understanding the world; however, we continue to face oppression, socio-economic disadvantage, and misperceptions of who we are. I look forward to continuing on a journey where I can assist in the wellbeing of my communities, and I am grateful for First Peoples Law’s support. Miigwetch.

--Mary McPherson

Photo credit: Sarah McPherson

Honourable Mentions

Laura Beaudry

Tansi, my name is Laura Beaudry and I am Nêhiyaw and Métis from Grouard, Alberta. I grew up on the Kapawe’no First Nation, also surrounded by my family’s Métis Settlements; Peavine and Gift Lake. I am a third-year law student at the Peter A. Allard School of Law. I look forward to working for Indigenous peoples, particularly where sovereignty and self-governance are concerned. This includes treaty rights, Métis law, and Aboriginal rights and title. I am honoured to stand alongside the winners of this award! Thank you to First Peoples Law for your recognition of strong Indigenous leaders and future lawyers.

Kaelyn Macaulay

Tanshi! My name is Kaelyn Macaulay and I am a Métis woman from Alberta. I am in the 3rd year of my BCL/JD studies at McGill University and I have been using the transsystemic focus to connect my studies with diverse Indigenous legal traditions. I aim to promote Indigenous perspectives on campus as the VP of Diversity and Inclusion for the McGill Business Law Association and as an active team member for Rooted, McGill’s Indigenous law journal. I am hoping to build my legal career as a bridge that fosters respect and prosperity between Indigenous interests and the corporate sector.

Congratulations to Taryn Hamilton!

Listen to our podcast episode featuring a conversation between Taryn and First Peoples Law articled student Charlotte Rose: Reclaiming the Law Part 2: Indigenous Law Students in Conversation.

Taryn, Nēhîthâwâk (Woodland Cree) is a proud member of the Barren Lands First Nation and a second-year law student enrolled in the Joint Degree Program in Canadian Common Law and Indigenous Legal Orders at the University of Victoria.

I will become a First Nations lawyer who works for and advocates for our youth, missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, men, and boys, and all of our brothers and sisters who continue to be disproportionately impacted by the Canadian justice system. In the future I hope to create effective law reform to help solve the over-representation of Indigenous people incarcerated. As a Nēhîthâwâk Iskwew I value the importance of restorative justice and finding new means of healing and justice through Cree law. I full heartedly believe that our Cree law, our own Nations traditional ways of knowing - will heal our people.

I am immensely grateful to be this year’s recipient of the First Peoples Law scholarship. I would like to acknowledge and celebrate every applicant who applied, I’m so proud of every single one of you. When one of us succeeds, we all succeed. I know how hard it can be to navigate your way through law school, and I’m very proud to be on this journey alongside so many amazing Indigenous soon-to-be lawyers. Our voices are invaluable, we are the catalyst for change and our knowledge can change the world. I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the folks at First Peoples Law, thank you for your support and encouragement, I am grateful for your help.

Kinanâskomitin (Thank you).

--Taryn Hamilton

Honourable Mentions

Jodi Hancheroff

Tanisi, my name is Jodi Hancheroff and I am a Woodland Cree woman from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band in Saskatchewan. I am a second-year law student and currently President of the Indigenous Law Students’ Association at the College of Law, University of Saskatchewan. I am passionate about the Cree culture and academia. I dream of working in the field of Indigenous law (i.e. resource development, Treaty/inherent rights and environmental law) and of eventually returning to my Northern community to open my own practice. I am truly grateful for the opportunity from First Peoples Law, tiniki.

Candace Charlie

‘Uy’ Skweyul (Good Day), my name is Candace Charlie. I come from the Kwa’mutsun (Quamichan) village of the Quw’utsun Mustimuhw (Cowichan People). I am in my third year of part-time studies in the JD program at the University of Victoria’s Faculty of Law, and I work part-time for my First Nation, Cowichan Tribes, in its Lulumexun Lands & Self-Governance Department. I hope to use my law degree in whatever way I can to best assist Indigenous communities to grow and prosper on their own terms and according to their own vision.

Congratulations to Tagalik Eccles and Saul ‘Hazil’hba Brown!

Listen to our podcast episode featuring a conversation between Tagalik, Saul and First Peoples Law articled student Charlotte Rose: Reclaiming the Law: Indigenous Law Students in Conversation.

Tagalik Eccles is from Rankin Inlet (Kangiqtiniq) and in her final year of law school in the Nunavut Law Program in Iqaluit.

For the past two summers, she has worked with Ilitaqsiniq - Nunavut Literacy Council, creating a closer connection with people in her community and learning what is needed for individuals and families to thrive. Tagalik also sits on the Prime Minister’s Youth Council.

I am extremely grateful to be a recipient of the First Peoples Law Scholarship, and look forward to serving Inuit and Indigenous people upon completion of my Juris Doctor in Law. We are often not taken seriously within the justice department, and I hope that Inuit would feel more comfortable working with a lawyer who is Inuk and understands living in Nunavut, ensuring that they are properly represented. Despite the stereotypes and socioeconomic differences of Indigenous people in Canada, we are still here, furthering our education, making changes in our communities and breaking the cycle of intergenerational traumas.

--Tagalik Eccles

Saul ‘Hazil’hba Brown is from the Nuu-chah-nulth and Heiltsuk Nations and a second-year law student in the Joint Degree Program in Canadian Common Law and Indigenous Legal Orders at the University of Victoria.

As food sovereigntist and a student of Heiltsuk Gvi’ilas (laws) and governance, he sees the intrinsic value and necessity of giving effect to Heiltsuk laws out on the water and land. He has worked with elders on numerous files with the intent of breathing life into Heiltsuk ancestral law in the contemporary. Saul is also the former negotiator for the Heiltsuk reconciliation process and has worked as governance advisor for First Nations across the province.

I am immensely grateful for receiving this scholarship from First Peoples Law as I continue my education in making the space for Indigenous legal systems to flourish within what is now known as Canada. I decided to pursue a law degree to give effect to Heiltsuk law out on the waters and lands from which they came. Despite ongoing colonialism and the imposition of the Canadian legal system over Indigenous peoples and territories, Heiltsuk laws have not disappeared: they are alive and well. It is my dream to see Heiltsuk jurisdiction over my Heiltsuk home. To bring balance back to my home and make it whole again for future generations.

--Saul ‘Hazil’hba Brown

Photo Credit: Chad Hipolito