“We want to make meaningful and lasting contributions as a law school to the larger Canadian imperative of Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.” Dean Lorne Sossin
Our enhanced commitment to Reconciliation, which has been identified as a top priority in the Law School’s 2017-2020 Access Osgoode strategic plan, will involve the establishment of a Reconciliation Fund that will have an initial investment of $300,000 over the next three years.
The Reconciliation Fund will provide support for the following Indigenous initiatives at Osgoode:
- Three years of annual funding for the Anishinaabe Law Camp held each September at Neyaashiinigmiing (Cape Croker) in collaboration with the Chippewas of Nawash and the Debwewin Summer Internship program in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General.
- Establishment of Osgoode’s first Office of Indigenous and Reconciliation Initiatives.
- Strengthening and deepening ties with Indigenous communities by bringing Elders in Residence to Osgoode, as well as other experts and guests from Indigenous communities for Osgoode events, courses and programs.
- Programming in Skennen’kó:wa Gamig (formerly Hart House) as a centre for Indigenous community life at York University and other pan-University collaborations.
- Augmenting available funding sources for Osgoode Indigenous students.
- Enhancing the Indigenization of Osgoode’s curriculum, as well as research projects, exhibits and collaborations that enrich study and knowledge about Indigenous law and legal issues. (Building on the success of Osgoode’s Intensive Program in Indigenous Lands, Resources & Governments as one of North America’s premier experiential programs exploring legal issues relating to Indigenous peoples and Indigenous rights. This program celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2014.)