David Lawson, student at the Nunavut Law School, studies while out at his cabin. SUBMITTED PHOTO

U of S law program trains new lawyers in Nunavut

Stephen Mansell (JD'07), the Nunavut Law Program director, grew up in Nunavut, but went to law school at the University of Saskatchewan before eventually returning home to work in the Government of Nunavut’s justice department. "There is a need for Inuit and long-term Nunavummiut to practice law in the territory."

By Angela Hill | The StarPhoenix

This spring, as reported by the Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Nunavut’s legal community will see a group of homegrown law students apply for articling positions for the first time in more than 10 years, thanks to a program operated by the University of Saskatchewan.

Tagalik Eccles is one of the students in the Nunavut Law Program, which gave 25 Inuit and long-term Nunavut residents the opportunity to study in their home territory.

“Growing up here, we understand the unique barriers to access to justice, and we understand the Inuit history,” which will make it easier for people to engage with them as lawyers, she said.

“You are more comfortable talking to someone who understands, rather than having to explain yourself and your history.”

The U of S was awarded the tender in August 2016 to teach a cohort of northern students in partnership with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Arctic College. Classes for the four-year degree started in September 2017 in Iqaluit, Canada’s northernmost capital city.

Read more at https://thestarphoenix.com/news/.