2010 of NOTE - College of Law - University of Saskatchewan

In January 2008 the Native Law Centre (NLC) relocated to the Law Foundation
of Saskatchewan Wing of the College of Law, after being off campus for eight
years and then being housed in the Diefenbaker Centre on campus for 25
years. Having our own separate space within the College of Law enhances
the visibility of the NLC and the programs and projects we undertake, while
maintaining and projecting our unique national/international identity. The design
of the NLC, with its highly visible ceremonial room and meeting room, the
Provincial Court of Saskatchewan Room, warm earth tones and natural woods,
brings the Aboriginal identity of the College to the forefront.
The Native Law Centre joined with the College of
Law to celebrate the grand opening of the new
wing on March 14, 2008.
College of Law Welcomes the
Native Law Centre
6 2010 of 6 2010 Note www.usask.ca/law University of Saskatchewan
ofNote www.usask.ca/law University of Saskatchewan
The NLC was founded in 1975 by Roger Carter whose
commitment to Aboriginal and social justice issues convinced
the University of the need for a centre to facilitate
access to legal education for Aboriginal peoples; to
promote the development of the law and the legal system
in Canada in ways which better accommodate the advancement
of Aboriginal peoples and communities; and
to disseminate information concerning Aboriginal peoples
and the law. Roger Carter, a distinguished member of the
university community and the legal profession, served as
Director of the NLC from 1975 to 1981 and remained up to
date and interested in the developments of the NLC until
his passing in February, 2009.
One of the main features of the new premises is the
“Roger Carter Boardroom” in recognition of Roger
Carter’s vision and the role he played in establishing the
NLC as a national, regional and provincial institution of
excellence. The boardroom table designed and custom
built by Creative Wood Interiors displays the Native Law
Centre logo, a very important part of our visual identity, in
a meticulously crafted multi-wood inlay. The naming of the
Roger Carter Boardroom is both functional and honorary.
The NLC’s activities are continuing the tradition and integrity
of Roger Carter’s foresight.
First home of the Native Law Centre.
From 1975 to the present the NLC has advanced its objectives
through teaching, research, and publishing. Today,
the NLC continues to build on that history and remains attentive
to the challenges confronted by Aboriginal peoples
in Canada and internationally so that we can continue to
provide programs, strategies, and solutions that will ensure
the rights of Aboriginal people are protected under the law.
The Native Law Centre has had a very busy, but productive,
year. The Program of Legal Studies for Native People
(PLSNP) continues to be successful although there is still
much work ahead to achieve a representative number of
Aboriginal lawyers in Canada. Our publications appeal to
a diverse readership and are sold to customers largely
throughout Canada and internationally. Our virtual library
is constantly growing to reach a wider audience. NLC
researchers continue to work on Aboriginal legal issues
through lectures, presentations, talking circles, seminars,
papers and special projects. We continue to offer scholarships
to Canadian Aboriginal law students.
– Margaret Brown
The PLSNP recently entered into a partnership with the
Canadian Chapter, International Association of Women
Judges (CCIAWJ). In 2008, the CCIAWJ agreed to provide
support in the amount of $2,000 per year to the PLSNP
for a period of five years (with a commitment to considering
renewal of funds at the end of five years). The funds
are provided as ongoing support for the PLSNP with a
special focus on either direct or indirect enhancements to
the PLSNP for female students.” Pictured here are Margaret
Brown and Ruth Thompson of the PLSNP receiving a
CCIAWJ cheque from Judges Rosemary Weisgerber and
Donna Wilson. n
College of Law Alumni Magazine www.usask.ca/law of Note 2010 7