Faculty of LAW NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 1 2024/2025
Message from the Interim Dean
Happy New Year to all! We are pleased to welcome everyone back after a successful fall semester, which saw the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law (BLFL) welcome our largest class ever of 90 1L students. Although we expected growing pains, not only has the class itself been a delight, having the building full and active creates good energy for learning.
To meet the needs of expanded cohorts, we are in the midst of planning renovations for three new classroom spaces, as well as additional office spaces for faculty and staff, and updates to the student lounge and Indigenous student lounge, all over the next five years.
These newly available interior spaces are augmented by our grant-funded outdoor learning space that enables a range of land-based teachings. The Clean, Green and Beautiful Emerging Project Grant from the City of Thunder Bay helped us fund a fire-pit and seating; next year we hope to further landscape the area behind the building and plant a medicine garden. The space has already hosted two important events: a dedication by elders on September 27th and a blanket exercise for National Truth and Reconciliation Day, as well as a three-day hide tanning camp with elders and speakers in October.
Access to space for land-based education on site at BLFL supports the work the law school began at Law Camp, during which all 1Ls met for three days at SOIL (School of Indigenous Learning). Students had the opportunity to meet each other, meet their faculty and staff, and learn about the lands around Thunder Bay from local elders and knowledge holders.
We have had opportunities this fall to share successes of numerous faculty members and students that are highlighted in this newsletter. We look forward
to hosting the Kawaskimhon Moot and Harold G. Fox Distinguished Lecture Series, happening later this semester, to celebrating graduation, and to many additional successes in the spring. We deeply appreciate all the members of our extended community who help us make these activities and our students’ successes possible through financial contributions, as well as important donations of your time. Warmest thanks to you all! I wish you all the best possible in 2025!
Interim Dean, Betsy Birmingham
Anishinawbe Omaa-Minowaywin SpotlightDenise Baxter, Vice-Provost, Indigenous Initiatives
Denise Baxter has served as Vice Provost Indigenous Initiatives since 2017 at Lakehead University, which corresponds to her membership on the AOM. As a Marten Falls First Nation member, she works to establish networks, strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and governments, and build capacity between Indigenous, public, and private partners which have supported multiple initiatives that advance educational outcomes for Indigenous students. This is what makes her such an important part of our committee.
When she isn’t working, she is the proud mother of two daughters, one who is doing her undergraduate degree and the other returning to do her Masters in the fall. She is a 4th degree black belt and is the head instructor of the Thunder Bay Shin Wado Kai Karate Club. Denise enjoys engaging in traditional activities such as hide tanning, hunting and harvesting berries.
Denise’s membership on this committee is very appreciated because she knows and understands our Indigenous partners’ needs, as well as the needs of our students. Her insights and suggestions assist us in growing our program. We look forward to continuing to work with Denise as her contributions have long lasting effects on our program and our students.
Practice Placement Spotlight - Cassandra Spade at Judson
Howie,
LLP
Judson Howie LLP is the largest law firm in the Rainy River District. With a new office in Fort Frances, we are primarily an advocacy firm, with practices in criminal defence, family law, child protection, civil litigation, estate litigation, human rights and discrimination. Our clients are primarily located in Northwestern Ontario/Treaty #3.
In Fall 2024, we were delighted to welcome Cassandra Spade to the firm for her placement. Cass assisted lawyers in each of our practice areas – including help with legal research, preparing materials for motions and applications, and assisting with client meetings and interviews. With lawyer supervision and where permitted under the rules, Cass was also able to act on behalf of our clients in various legal processes. She acted in first appearance court, interviewed sureties for bail hearings, assisted with settlement conferences in the Small Claims Court, made sentencing submissions, and acting for a client at the Landlord Tenant Board.
Cass was an asset to our team and we learned much from her during her time with us. We are looking forward to welcoming her back to Fort Frances once she graduates and is called to the bar.
Gaa-maada’ooniding (the place where we share together) Law Camp 2024
We welcomed 90 first year students to the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law this year by starting everyone out in a good way at our second mandatory law camp. This year the Gaa-maada’ooniding Law Camp was hosted by the School of Indigenous Learning (SOIL) and the Institute team collaborated with SOIL owner and operator Jeordi Pierre and Lakehead’s Indigenous Curriculum Specialist Jerri-Lynn Orr to develop the programming. Our first year students spent three intensive days at SOIL where we prepared and shared meals together, participated in circle teachings, and engaged in landbased activities, including a medicine walk and an art activity.
The programming was delivered by local elders and knowledge holders, including Jeordi Pierre, Marlene Pierre, Rita Fenton, Billy Blackwell, Savannah Upton, Jerri-Lynn Orr, and Nimkii Kwe Abotossaway. 3L student Jennifer Chapman also joined us to help Nimkii Kwe lead the students in braiding sweetgrass.
This year overnight stays were optional, but we had a number of brave students stay the night! These students listened to stories around the fire and slept under the
stars in teepees and tents. Overnight guests even had a special breakfast prepared by Jeordi!
During our time at SOIL, many staff, faculty, and students were able to visit and participate in programming. Miigwetch to Professor Chapman, Professor Dylan, Professor Brennan, Professor Woolnough, Professor Dagsvik, Professor Ezedu, Professor Rosenberg, Anya Scheibmayr, Director Hope Buset, Andrea McCall, Director Scott McCormack, ILSA President and 2L Ashley Bach, and Dean Birmingham for visiting!
Our students left SOIL with an understanding of the seven grandparent teachings, tobacco offerings, Anishinaabe treaty history, and wise guidance from Jeordi on self-care and managing stress. Back at the PACI campus in September, the students were very happy to welcome Marlene Pierre to our TRC day events and the blessing of our new outdoor learning space. Marlene’s ceremony allowed us to start using our outdoor learning space in a good way.
We’re looking forward to deepening our relationship with the SOIL family and we’re already planning our return next year!
Welcoming the Class of 2027
Our Student Services team coordinated two weeks of introductory sessions and events at the start of the term to introduce our new 1L class to the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law. While half of the class spent time at Law Camp, the other half was here at the law school, participating in their first Foundations of Canadian Law classes, hearing from various departments of the Faculty, as well as other Lakehead services and supports. Fun icebreakers, introductions, and “building tour Bingo” helped students familiarize themselves with the school, and they also heard valuable information relating to curriculum, clinical opportunities, and the law library’s research tools.
At the end of the first week, all students were invited to come together at the annual Dean’s Lunch, which was a great opportunity to reconnect and interact with peers.
The end of the second week of Orientation was marked by the Welcome to the Legal Profession Ceremony. This year, the event was hosted at The Courthouse Hotel; the former Superior Court of Justice which was still in operation and served as the location of the first Welcome ceremony for our Charter class back in 2013 - what a neat, full-circle moment! The ceremony featured a drum processional led by Sherry Abotossaway and Sharlene Bourdeau, remarks from Justice Brochu, Interim Dean Birmingham, the TBLA, and Fort William First Nation. Students read an oath of professionalism, and were then introduced and received a copy tucked inside a portfolio. The event concluded with a reception.
Thanks to all who planned and participated in this year’s Orientation events and made the beginning of law school as smooth as possible for our newest students!
Deans Lunch
Greetings from the Dean on the first day of IL
Welcome to the Legal Profession Ceremony
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On September 27th, we held a number of events in recognition of the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. The day’s events were hosted jointly by ILSA, the LSS, the Mino-waabandan Inaakonigewinan Indigenous Law & Justice Institute, and the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law. First, we held our annual “Every Child Matters March in Solidarity” in Waverley Park, led by ILSA President Ashley, Elder Marlene, and hand drummers Celina and Sharlene. After the March, participants met behind the law building for a sacred fire and special ceremony dedicating the location of our future outdoor learning and gathering space. Miigwetch to the Elders for their beautiful remarks, smudging, songs, and blessings. We are also grateful for a grant from the City of Thunder Bay which will be utilized to develop the space over the coming months. Following a midday traditional feast of stew and bannock, our 1L class was led through the KAIROS Blanket Exercise, guided by facilitators Anna and Jerri-Lynn. The exercise is a powerful one, serving
to illustrate the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in the land we now know as Canada. The Bora Laskin Faculty of Law is committed to listening, learning, and building pathways toward reconciliation.
Introducing the Class of 2027!
Fall Events
LLJ Launch
On September 18th, we hosted a noon-hour session celebrating the most recent edition of the Lakehead Law Journal (LLJ). The event featured a discussion with the authors of three articles from Vol. 6 No. 1, moderated by External Review Editor Britney Argiro (2L) and Articles Editor Melis Guzel (2L). Thanks to our panelists - Adam Schenk, David Rosenberg, and Hailey Hayes, and to Editor in Chief Prof. Tenille E. Brown for their efforts in bringing the latest issue to fruition!
Career Week
In October, our Student Services office delivered “Career Week” programming - which included sessions on resume and cover letter writing, job search tips, and interview skills by hosting a Career Fair. We welcomed a dozen local and regional law firms and organizations to the Paterson Auditorium, where they met with students and made some great connections!
GTA Alumni
Sarah and Anya hosted the third annual GTA Alumni “mix and mingle” event in October. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and hear all about the exciting things our graduates are working on.
Hide Tanning
We were pleased to co-host a moose hide tanning workshop in the fall at our new outdoor learning space. Miigwetch to lead instructors Jean Marshall and Shelby Gagnon for sharing your knowledge and skills with the participants. Thanks also to Kanina Terry for her Friday evening lecture, “Hide Tanning Reclamation and Revitalization, a Hide Babe’s Journey”, and to NADF, the SSHRCC, Lakehead University’s Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism program, and the Mino-Waabandan Inaakonigewinan Indigenous Law & Justice Institute for bringing this event together.
Student Recognition Event, featuring His Excellency Mr. Whit Fraser
On November 19th, we held our Student Recognition Ceremony, which began with a luncheon and moderated discussion with His Excellency, Mr. Whit Fraser, C.C. He spoke about his experiences as an author and storyteller who spent much of his career in the Canadian Arctic. Special thanks to Mr. Fraser, Prof. Parkes, and Cara for their efforts in leading the talk. Immediately following the talk we recognized 2023/24 student Course Prize, Dean’s List, and annual award recipients. Congratulations to all who received awards; your hard work and dedication is applauded!
Chuck a Duck
Our 3rd annual Chuck a Duck fundraiser at the beginning of December did not disappoint! Thank you to all who purchased ducks - together, we raised $575 in support of the Dew Drop Inn soup kitchen and had a chance to relieve some pre-exam stress too!
Saying Farewell to the Term with S’mores
We ended 2024 with a break from studying in the outdoor learning space for some fresh air, a cozy fire, and s’mores.
IBA Conference 2024
The theme of this year’s 36th Annual Indigenous Bar Association (IBA) Conference was “Exercising Indigenous Jurisdiction” and was held at Enoch Cree Nation, Alberta in Treaty No. 6 territory from Thursday, October 24th to Saturday, October 26th. Director Sutherland joined five students (Emma Sissenah, Carly Brar, William Charman, Yvonne Oni, and Alexander Antonyuk) at the conference. The first day began with a Pipe Ceremony and Welcome Prayer led by Elders Eugene Makokis and Dr. Diane Steinhauer. Drew Lafond (IBA President) provided Welcoming Remarks and the Honourable Brooks Arcand-Paul (M.L.A. for Edmonton –West Henday) filled the Master of Ceremonies role. We were then divided into three groups: students, practicing lawyers, and academics. The students were bused to the University of Alberta Law Cetre where they joined Dr. Dwayne Donald for a Wahkohtowin Walk, Myrna McCallum for a Fireside Chat on trauma-informed lawyering, Bruce McIvor for a presentation, and Sara Mainville for an Artwork Project. Lawyers were invited to attend the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Day. I joined the smaller group of Academics on Day One, and we discussed Experiential Learning (with a particular focus on Land-based Learning, including some of our initiatives at Lakehead), Incorporating Indigenous Law into mainstream curriculum, and Supporting Graduate Students. Day One ended with the President’s Reception, featuring Dr. Wilton Littlechild as Keynote Speaker.
On Friday (Day Two) we had the opportunity to attend three breakout sessions (with three options for each) and one plenary. The topics were diverse and there seemed to be something for everyone. Personally, I attended the following sessions: “25 Years Post Gladue and Need for Indigenous Lawyers in Criminal Defense Law,” “Gladue Principles – Strategies on Effective Implementation,” “Indigenous Justice Strategy,” and the “Advancing Sovereignty: Indigenous Self-Determination, Jurisdiction, and Legal Frameworks” Panel. The day concluded with the IBA Annual Gala Dinner and music from Alex Kusturok. We also witnessed the induction of Stuart Wutkke into the Indigenous Peoples’ Counsel (IPC). It was thrilling to see so many young professionals dressed up in their finest garb.
On Saturday (Day Three), we heard a Keynote talk from Justice Derek Redman and we witnessed three panels, including “Upholding Indigenous Jurisdiction: the Evolving Role of Indigenous Judges in Canadian Courts,” “Indigenizing the Courts: Transforming the Courts for Greater Justice,” and “Restoule: Redefining Treaty Rights and Indigenous Jurisdiction.” The Conference concluded with remarks from Brooks, followed by the IBA Annual General Meeting where various reports were shared and reviewed. Overall, the three days in Alberta were an excellent opportunity for learning, networking, and reminding ourselves of the important work that is being done across this land we call Turtle Island.
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The support I received through the estate of Florence Shuttleworth-Higgins has allowed me to focus more on my studies, bringing me closer to my career goals and dreams.”
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The Newcomer Clinic
The Newcomer Legal Clinic is happy to announce that it has secured funding of $250,000 from The Law Foundation of Ontario! This allows the Clinic to continue operating until March 2026. The Newcomer Legal Clinic remains the only source of free immigration and refugee legal support in Northwestern Ontario.
With the new funding, we are thrilled to be welcoming new staff. Our new full-time lawyer, Elena Kusaka, graduated from the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law in 2024. Elena completed a semester as a Clinic student, worked for us throughout the summer, and comes to us with rich academic and work experience. Bianca Espinoza, who graduated from Lakehead's Masters in Social Justice Program in 2023, continues to serve as our Outreach and Program Coordinator. Maria Rojas Urrea, who is currently completing her Master's in Education at Lakehead, is working parttime as our intake coordinator. Professor Jennifer Dagsvik continues to serve as the Clinic's director and participate in providing legal services and supervising student learners at the Clinic. Jennifer also serves on the Canadian Council for Refugees' Litigation Affairs Committee, which allows us to share Northwestern Ontario's distinct experiences with immigration and refugee law at a national level.
The Newcomer Legal Clinic is a partnership between the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law and the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association. We serve anyone with immigration and refugee legal needs in Northwestern Ontario, but we prioritize those who would otherwise face barriers to accessing legal services. We offer advice, support, and representation in all types of immigration and refugee proceedings, including at the Federal Court. With continuing efforts to recruit newcomers to Northern communities, taking place at the same time as immigration policy changes that put migrants' status in jeopardy, the Clinic's services are more important than ever.
We have been holding regular drop-in clinics at the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association, with help from wonderful law students participating in Pro Bono Students Canada. In the Winter 2025 term, students taking the Immigration Law course will have the opportunity to participate in Clinic work and client service while completing academic research and doctrinal study. The Newcomer Legal Clinic is an example of how the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law involves integrates practice into the law school curriculum and prepares students for practice in Northern communities.
The Newcomer Legal Clinic is eager to partner with community organizations who would like support to serve the legal needs of migrants and refugees throughout Northern Ontario. We provide training to community service providers and we are eager to learn from those providing services in their communities. If you would like to contact us, refer a client, request services, or sign up to our newsletter, please check out our website: https://newcomerlegal.ca/contactus-and-referrals
LUCLS – Practical Experience in Providing Access to Justice
We welcomed twenty-seven students into our clinical education program for the 2024-25 academic year. With a peak enrollment of twenty-four student caseworkers in the Fall term, and twenty-one in the Winter term, our clinic has been exceptionally busy. Under the expert guidance of our Review Counsel, our law students have emerged as leaders in providing legal services to our community. They have honed essential skills that will undoubtedly set them up for success in their future careers.
Our new students kicked off their journey with an in-depth "boot camp" and have already made substantial contributions to client cases. They have gained firsthand experience in managing legal files, client interactions, document preparation, and court appearances. Our student caseworkers have represented clients in various legal matters, including Criminal Court, Provincial Offences Court, Small Claims Court, Landlord and Tenant Board, and the Ministry of Labour. Notably, our Criminal and Provincial Offences Act (POA) division students have even extended their reach to represent clients in person in the district courts including in Nipigon and Geraldton!
LUCLS continues to make a significant impact on our community. In the six months leading up to September 30, 2024, we opened 183 new cases and successfully closed 105. Our students in the Criminal and Provincial Offences Act (POA) division have helped clients save over $30,000 by securing reduced fines, withdrawn charges, and dismissals. Additionally, our civil division students have successfully obtained over $50,000 in settlements and tribunal orders for clients. These remarkable achievements are a testament to the dedication of our Review Counsel and students, who are committed to ensuring access to justice for all community members.
Our clinic has welcomed Mansi Chugh as our 2024/25 PBSC student. Mansi is working hard to ensure those that attended our ID clinics in Thunder Bay and Pikangikum First Nation are successful in receiving their birth certificates.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all our Fall 2024-25 caseworkers* for their hard work and dedication. We also want to wish the best of luck to our 3L students as they embark on their Winter term practice placements. We are confident that you will continue to excel and make a positive impact on your clients' lives.
Rodi-Lynn Rusnick-Kinisky Director, Lakehead University Community Legal Services
*2024-25 Fall caseworkers: Jabari Barnes, Alex Bayani, Jonathan Boo, Lindsay Cloidt, Cameron Crawford, Angelina Fermanovski, Chanelle Gervais, Kaitlyn Harding, Jessica Hayes, Chris Hutson, Raina McCue, Cassandra McGrath, Katelynn Rookes, Mina Sehri, Emilee Sposato, Bella Szwender, Jigme Tsering, Silas Young, Josiah Baldassini, Simon Fisher, Alexa Saleski, Sydney Skynner, Emily Slessor, and Aundrea Thompson.
LUCLS 2024
LUCLS students in the community
LUCLS students earning course awards
Faculty Highlights
Teaching Innovation Award, 2024
Associate Professor Wendy Parkes received the Teaching Innovation Award, a nominated award which recognizes the development and/or implementation of innovative pedagogical practices and technologies. Prof. Parkes implemented the design of her “Students Teaching Students” program in the Legal Research and Writing course in response to a traditional lack of student engagement with essential principles of legal writing and communication.
Canadian Association of Legal Ethics Annual Conference, Schulich Law School, Dalhousie University, Halifax, October 25, 2024
Professor Wendy Parkes made a presentation to the annual Canadian Association of Legal Ethics (CALE) conference entitled “Only One Reputation to Lose: Teaching Legal Ethics to First-Year Law Students.”
Speaking as part of the Teaching Panel to an audience of law students and faculty with an interest in legal ethics, Professor Parkes spoke about her use of active learning techniques in LAWS 1501 FA: Foundations of Canadian Law to instill an understanding of the importance of integrity and adherence to ethical principles and law society rules by law students, from the first days of law school through to graduation, and beyond as practicing lawyers.
Visit to the Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic by students of LAWS 2555: Aboriginal Law in the North, December 2, 2024
Students of Professor Wendy Parkes’ Aboriginal Law in the North class paid a lunch hour visit to the Kinnaaweya Legal Clinic in Thunder Bay on Monday, December 2, 2024. They were joined by Professor Larissa Speak,
DUBLIN FELLOWSHIP
Iamhappy to report that I was approved for a research sabbatical from July 1, 2025 - July 1, 2026 so I will not be teaching during that time. I applied for a scholarship through the University College Dublin (UCD) through the Sutherland School of Law Fellowship through UCD’s law school as a research fellow, and I was informed in July 2024 that I was the successful candidate for the fellowship. I will travel to Dublin for 4 weeks in 2025 to learn from my colleagues in Ireland.
I am particularly interested in researching the intersections between Canada and Ireland when it comes to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Parental Alienation.
Contribution to Teaching Award, 2024
Associate Professor Daniel Dylan received the Contribution to Teaching Award, a student-nominated award which acknow-ledges instructors who have demonstrated high levels of teaching performance. This marks the second time he has received the accolade. Prof. Dylan typically teaches Contracts, Evidence, IP & IKG, and his popular 'Animals, Environment, and the Law' elective course.
who articled and subsequently served as legal counsel at the clinic, and were welcomed by clinic director, Claire Littleton. Director Littleton explained the mandate and accomplishments of the clinic, which provides a variety of legal services to low income, mainly Indigenous residents. It also has a food cupboard, for which the students brought contributions of food and clothing. The visit provided students with valuable insights into the important role and contributions of the Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic.
I wish to compare the experiences in Ireland with our situation in Canada. I currently write about coercion and women who have experience violence (physical, mental, financial etc.) I would use the fellowship to further expand these ideas and focus particularly on psychological coercion. I wish to attend different court hearings in Dublin to see what is happening in practice, and several of the Professors at the university who are working in this area (Dr. Maebh Harding in particular). I look forward to sharing my experiences.
Dr. Frances Chapman
Prof. Wendy Parkes’ Aboriginal Law in the North class dropping off donations to the Kinna-aweya Legal Clinic.
Email: law@lakeheadu.ca Web: law.lakeheadu.ca