Indigenous Legal Studies Program

University of British Columbia1822 East MallVancouver BC V6T 1Z1

Canada

Tel: 604-822-3151Fax: 604-822-9486www.law.ubc.ca

C EN T R E F O R I N T E RNAT I ONA LI ND I G ENOUS L E GA L S T UD I E SThe Centre for InternationalIndigenous Legal Studies (CIILS) is the research arm of the IndigenousLegal Studies Program. CIILS strives for the advancement of Indigenousconcerns at UBC Law and beyondthrough collaborative research projectswith Indigenous communities.

Indigenous Student SupportThe Indigenous Legal Studies Program endeavors to ensureIndigenous student success at theFaculty of Law. Accordingly, the Program provides academic, cultural and career support toIndigenous students.

Contact: DANA - LYN MACKENZ I E

Indigenous Legal Studies ProgramAssociate DirectorPhone: 604.822.2177Email: mackenzie@law.ubc.ca Office: Allard Hall, Room 157,Vancouver BC, V6T 1Z1

How to Apply to the Indigenous Legal Studies ProgramApplicants who self-identify as aCanadian Aboriginal within the FirstNations, Métis or Inuit communitiesare encouraged to apply in theIndigenous Category. These applicantswill automatically be consideredwithin the regular category as well.

The Faculty of Law is a leader

in Aboriginal legal education

in North America. Since

1975, hundreds of Indigenous

students have graduated

from the Faculty of Law.

Many of these graduates are

now leaders who have

helped to redefine Indigenous

legal issues in Canada.

The primary objective of

the Indigenous Legal Studies

Program is to enhance

Indigenous involvement in

the legal profession by

providing legal education

relating to Aboriginal

issues and supporting the

legal education of

Indigenous students.

To apply as a Indigenous applicant,you will need:

1. To fill out an application form whichis available online at:https://apps.law.ubc.ca/application/welcome.asp.

2. A competitive Law School AdmissionsTest (LSAT) score. LSAT information isavailable at www.lsac.org.

3. A competitive grade point average(GPA). Prior to applying to UBC Law,candidates must have successfullycompleted a minimum of 3 years ofuniversity towards an undergraduatedegree. The calculation of your GPA isbased on all years of university studyleading to your first undergraduatedegree. Courses from the year in which an applicant is currentlyenrolled will not be included.

4. A personal statement. The personalstatement should be written in anessay format and is typically 2 to 3pages in length. You should highlightyour past, present and future connection with the Indigenous community, work history, communitywork, academic achievements, and non-academic achievements.

5. Two reference letters. The referenceletters can be sent to UBC LawAdmissions either directly from thereferees or with your applicationpackage. The reference letters mustbe in a signed and sealed envelope.

Reference letters should highlightyour connection with the Indigenouscommunity, as well as your academic strengths.

6. Proof of Aboriginal status. All applicants are required to provide evidence of their eligibility to apply in the Indigenous category by supplying a photocopy of theirIndian status card, Métis card, orGovernment of Canada or respectiveprovincial or territorial governmentdocumentation supporting their self-identification. Examples includelong form birth certificates, parents’status card, treaty beneficiary lists,etc. Non-status Indians should contact the Associate Director of the ILSP for additional information.

7. The Deadline for applications isDecember 1st. Supporting documentation must be in by January 31st, following the application deadline. The last sitting of the LSAT that will be accepted is theFebruary sitting.

Contact: DANA - LYN MACKENZ I E

Indigenous Legal Studies ProgramAssociate DirectorPhone: 604.822.2177Email: mackenzie@law.ubc.ca Office: Allard Hall, Room 157,Vancouver BC, V6T 1Z1

Indigenous Legal StudiesProgram CurriculumThe heart of the Indigenous LegalStudies Program is the broad range of courses covering Indigenous legal issues, taught by professors whoproduce leading research in Aboriginal law. Topic areas includeAboriginal and Canadian law,Aboriginal and treaty rights, FirstNations and the administration of justice, and Indigenous legal issues.Professors in the law school teaching and researching in the fieldof Aboriginal law include DarleneJohnston (Anishnawbe, Chippewas ofNawash), Gordon Christie (Inuvialuit/Inupiat), Michael Jackson and Douglas Harris.

I N D I G ENOUS COMMUN I T YL EGA L C L I N I COne particularly innovative courseoffered by the Program is the Indigenous Community Legal Clinic.The Clinic provides students withpractical experience delivering legalservices to disadvantaged members of the Indigenous community. The Clinic is located on Vancouver’sDowntown East Side.

Contact: SARAH RAUCH

Indigenous Community Legal ClinicDirector and Supervising LawyerPhone: 604.684.7334Email: rauch@law.ubc.ca Office: 101–148 Alexander Street,Vancouver BC, V6Z 1B5

KAWASK IMHON [ A BOR I G I NA LR I GH T S ] MOOTThe Indigenous Legal Studies Program also participates in theKawaskimhon (speaking with knowledge) Aboriginal Rights Mooteach year. This moot is a culturallysensitive national forum where issues regarding Aboriginal rights are debated by students from across Canada.

Contact: GORDON CHR I S T I E

Kawaskimhom (Aboriginal) Moot CoachPhone: 604.822.9872Email: christie@law.ubc.ca Office: Allard Hall, Room 445,Vancouver BC, V6T 1Z1