Submitted by: Tim Pile, PCMNO Secretary-Treasurer
(L-R) PCMNO Secretary-Treasurer Tim Pile, Dean of
Lakehead’s Bora Laskin Faculty of Law Angelique
EagleWoman and Senator Murray Sinclair who was the
Chair of the Indian Residential Schools Truth and
Reconciliation Commission. Click here to view a larger
version.
On May 27, 2016, PCMNO Secretary-Treasurer Tim Pile brought greetings from the Métis Nation of Ontario at Lakehead University’s Bora Laskin Faculty of Law 2016 Aboriginal Law Student Convocation. A full copy of Secretary-Treasurer Pile’s remarks follow below:
Good Morning and welcome to the first Aboriginal Law Student Convocation at the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law.
My name is Tim Pile and I am the Secretary-Treasurer for the Métis Nation of Ontario. I bring greetings on behalf of our new President Margaret Froh, the [MNO] Thunder Bay Métis Council and Regional Councilor [for Region 2] Cameron Burgess.
I would like to acknowledge the Elder Isabell Mercier—thank you for your prayer, Chief Collins from Fort William First Nation, Dean EagleWoman, special guest speakers and of course, you, the graduating Law students of Lakehead University.
The MNO has been a major supporter of the development of the Lakehead Law School—how we supported the initial applications to establish it and have continued to build a relationship with them through our support of their Indigenous Advisory Committee.
The Métis Nation of Ontario supported the existence of a new law school in northern Ontario; a law school that would provide legal services in remote and rural settings. It is essential that we graduate professionals who have the knowledge, skills, competencies, and humility to provide legal services adapted to the needs of the northern communities.
How happy we are to see this first class graduating. Realizing the dream of a northern law school. Realizing that you invested your time and money into a new law school forging a path for others to follow.
Congratulations to all of the grads and I wish you well as you continue on your journey. I encourage you to stay in the north as there is a need and place for you in our northern communities. MNO President Froh passes on her regrets and her very best to all the graduates. Congratulations to Dean Eagle Woman and the entire faculty.
In closing, I would like to thank the students.
Have a great Convocation and enjoy the day; you all deserve it!
Mar see, Meegwetch, Thank you.