Adapted from the speech of Wendy Landry, President of the Thunder Bay Métis Council, at a ceremony formally launching the Faculty of Law at Lakehead University
Wendy Landry Speaking at Lakehead University at the Ceremony launching the Faculty of Law
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is one of the partners with Lakehead University in launching the first Faculty of Law at a university in North-western Ontario. MNO President Gary Lipinski was invited to speak at a ceremony formally launching the Faculty but was unable to attend due to a prior engagement. Wendy Landry, the President of the Thunder Bay Métis Council represented President Lipinski at the event and made remarks on behalf of the MNO.
The MNO’s partnership with the first law school in North-western Ontario is another example of the success of the MNO-Ontario Framework Agreement and the subsequent Memorandum of Understanding between the MNO and the Ministry of Colleges, Training and Universities. This is exciting news for North-western Ontario and the MNO hopes that this will mean new opportunities for Métis and other Aboriginal young people. It will help our youth break down some of the obstacles that face them when pursuing postsecondary education. Ontario and Canada’s economic prosperity depends on a well educated Aboriginal work force, and this is a good step in that direction. The investments made today will have enormous positive intergenerational effects. The Province of Ontario is making a good investment, one that will pay dividends long into the future. The Faculty of Law located in North-western Ontario will be a significant building block for all Aboriginal learners who wish to benefit from higher education and will provide their families with the support systems they often need.
The MNO looks forward to working with Lakehead University to make this Faculty of Law not only a dream for those wishing to enter the law profession, but a reality.
Métis case law has been established by the Supreme Court of Canada (Powley), and more is emerging. The MNO anticipates Lakehead will be at the forefront in teaching current and evolving case law that touches the daily lives of Métis citizens. The MNO congratulates Lakehead University and is proud to be a partner in the first Faculty of Law in North-western Ontario. .