Recommendation 6(d):
After obtaining the input of the Implementation Committee, the Ministry of the Attorney General provide broader and more comprehensive justice education programs for First Nations individuals, including,
(d) considering the feasibility of a program that would enlist students from Ontario law schools to participate in intensive summer education and legal assistance programs for First Nations representatives, dealing with the justice system generally and the jury system in particular, in consultation with Chiefs, and Court Services officials.
First Nation Representation on Ontario Juries Report, February 2013
Overview
Further to recommendation 6(d) of Justice Iacobucci’s First Nation Representation on Ontario Juries Report, the Debwewin First Nation Jury Review Implementation Committee (Debwewin), in collaboration with the Indigenous Justice Division at the Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG) and the University of Toronto are pleased to offer three 10-14 week summer internship placement for first or second year University of Toronto Law JD students during the months of May to August.
These internships are being offered to support the initiative of students interested in providing community education and legal assistance support to First Nations, Métis or Inuit (Indigenous) communities and community organizations in Ontario. There is a particular emphasis on providing public legal education and legal assistance support to rural and remote Indigenous communities. The successful applicants may propose a placement or work with the Ministry of Attorney General or law school staff to organize a placement. The student may work with the host organization and a local Indigenous community to develop a community-based justice project that relates in some way to the Iacobucci Report subject matter and findings. The U of T students will also be responsible for working collaboratively with other internship students within this program to develop and deliver at least two public legal education workshops to Indigenous community members on the role of the jury and other relevant issues for Indigenous people in relation to the justice system within Ontario.
Information Session
On Monday January 15th, students interested in the Debwewin Summer Program are invited to an information session to learn more about the history and cases that lead to Iacobucci's review, his findings, the work of the Debwewin Committee, the creation of the Indigenous Justice Division within the Ministry of the Attorney General and, of course, the Debwewin Summer Program. Alumni of the 2023 Debwewin program will be present to share their experiences and answer student questions.
If you would like to attend, please RSVP to iio.law@utoronto.ca
Please join us!
