Trish Goulet

Trish Goulet obtained her J.D. from the University of Manitoba in 2011. In her time at Robson Hall, Ms. Goulet participated in the 2011 Kawaskimhon Moot, which explored the issue of Missing and Murdered Women across Canada. That experience along with courses such as Aboriginal Peoples and the Law and Aboriginal Land Claims sparked an interest that has lead Ms. Goulet to continue on to a LL.M. degree. Her LL.M. research focuses on Aboriginal Law, with particular emphasis on Cree Legal Traditions.

Ms. Goulet is a Cree from Northern Manitoba. She is the recipient of The Right Honorable Brian Dickson Fellowship. Ms. Goulet is also the recipient of numerous awards including the Roger Carter Scholarship, National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation Scholarships. Ms. Goulet was the inaugural recipient of the Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation Bursary.

Tanya Kappo

"In addition to the regular law school curriculum, there have been a number of other opportunities and classes that were unique to Robson Hall that had a substantial (or complete) component of Indigenous people and rights. In 2010/2011, a unique class was offered for the first time called: Critical Conversation Series: Indian Residential Schools and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. I took this class and was very privileged to listen to many experts and thinkers in regards to the issue of reconciliation in a variety of contexts around the world. For example, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa. Through my research associated with this class, I was able to participate in Canada's Truth and REconciliation COnference, regarding the establishment of their National Research Center. This year (2011/2012), I am participating once more in the Critical Conversation Series, this time on the subject of the Canadian Human Rights Museum. Because Robson Hall is located in Winnipeg, being a part of these unique national (and international) initiatives is an opportunity that would not exist anywhere else. This past spring (2010), I went to Jerusalem in Israel, where I studied International Law at the Rothberg International School at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In this class, Indigenous Rights were discussed in the context of Israel, with the Bedouin Tribes in the Negev Desert and their efforts to be recognized as Indigenous people by the Israel Government. My experience at Robson Hall has also been greatly enriched by the strong sense of community amongst the Aboriginal students who are studying law. I also feel that the support from the faculty and administration of Robson Hall has been critical in ensuring every possible chance at success. The Distinguished Speaker Series that takes place over the school is also very informative and very inclusive in terms of ensuring Aboriginal issues are talked about. For example speakers and topics like Murray Sinclair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the SCC Chief Justice Beverly McLaughlin who spoke about Louis Riel. I was also able to attend the Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Conference on Public Policy, where the theme was: Equal in Dignity - Human Rights and the Passage of Generations."

Steven Keesic

"As an Aboriginal law student, Robson Hall has provided me with many valuable opportunities. The Faculty has a great selection of Aboriginal law classes that has allowed me to gain a solid understanding of the issues that have confronted Aboriginal people as the law has evolved in Canada. Also, the Manitoba Aboriginal Law Student Association (MALSA) also meets at regular intervals throughout the year to discuss a variety of issues, or just to meet for a pizza luncheon to get to know each other a little better. Fortunately, I also had the opportunity to hone my legal skills through a research position that was offered by the Faculty. I was able to conduct research on the topic of over-representation of Aboriginals in Canada and more specifically, R. v. Gladue [1999] 1. S.C.R. 688. The employment enabled me to obtain income throughout the summer months and to enhance my legal skills. Overall, Robson Hall is a great place to obtain a law degree."