About DALSA

Welcome to the web home of DALSA.

The Dalhousie Aboriginal Law Students Association (“DALSA”) is a student-run society dedicated to representing the interests of Aboriginal Law Students and issues which concern the Aboriginal community. Our goal is to exemplify the hard work, diplomacy and integrity required to achieve success and providing positive Aboriginal role models for the younger generations.

We provide support for both the members of DALSA as well as Aboriginal students in general. We organize cultural events and activities in order to share Aboriginal traditions.

DALSA holds a “Speaker Series” during Mi’kmaq history month each October. The Speaker Series consists of various selected speakers visiting the Law School and giving a short lecture on a range of various Aboriginal related topics.

DALSA members may participate as general members or in one of the various elected roles which include; Treasurer, Secretary, LSS Representative, and various other positions that we have added in recent years as DALSA deems necessary. First year members are greatly encouraged to participate in these roles in order to develop strong participation in the society from early on.

Membership in the society is open to all Law students, Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal.

NEWS

• Mi'kmaq history month kicks off with DALSA's Speaker Series.
  
• DALSA Executive Appointments 2008-09
  
  Stephen Wheeler - Secretary
  
  Brigid Wilkinson - Treasurer
  
  Michelle Black - LSS rep
  
  Ben Fulton - DALSA/Native Counseling Unit Liaison
  
  Jessica Upshaw - DALSA/DBLSA Liaison
  
  Dave Curry - Aboriginal IB&M rep & Vice President
  
  Jillian Allen - President

Aboriginal Healing Foundation

In recognition of Dalhousie Law School’s contribution and commitment to promoting understanding of Aboriginal society and the law.

Events 2008 - 09

Bakesale

On January 29th, 2009, DALSA held a bakesale and raised over $160 for the society.

(Pictured from left to right: Trish MacIver, Jillian Allen, Robbie Peters)

SPEAKER SERIES 2008

• Thursday October 2, 2008
  Mr. Andrew Kirk

Andrew Kirk graduated from Dalhousie Law School in 2008 and is now articling at Cox & Palmer in Halifax. He is Haudenosaunee from Six Nations. Before entering law school, Andrew spent almost 20 years as a professional violin maker. Andrew aspires to eventually complete masters degree in law, practice aboriginal law and teach.

• Thursday October 9, 2008
  Ms. Isabelle Knockwood

Isabelle Knockwood attended the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School from 1936 to 1947. At the age of 58 she enrolled at Saint Mary’s University seeking a major in Anthropology and a minor in English; she graduated in 1992. She now lives at the Indian Brook reserve. She is a well respected Elder of the Mi'kmaq Nation, and an author. She wrote “Out of the Depths: The Experiences of Mi’kmaw Children at the Indian Residential School at Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia”

• Thursday October 23, 2008
  Mr. Andrew Maloney

Andrew Maloney is Mi’kmaq from Indian Brook. Andrew was incarcerated for armed robbery and while in the prison system, became the President of the Indian Brotherhood. Upon being released from prison, Andrew began working at the Native Friendship Centre in Halifax and took on a new passion of contributing to the Aboriginal community not only through his work, but through sharing his story and serving as a positive role model for change and hope for other Aboriginal offenders