Social justice education mentorship
Objective 3
Increase Indigenous student success through enhancing and innovating supports for transition to post-secondary education.
Lawmaker's program
A partnership with the 7 Oaks School Division’s Wayfinders Program, Law Makers combines social justice education with mentorship, linking Indigenous UM law students with high school learners. A cohort of high school students are enrolled in grade 12 Law, as well as a dual-credit course that allows them to earn grade 12 Indigenous Studies and first-year Indigenous Studies through UM. Additionally, once a week after school, they meet with Law student mentors to discuss Indigenous law
In 2022, there were 15 students enrolled in the Law Makers program at Maples Collegiate. Thursdays after school, high school students and Faculty of Law student mentors from the University of Manitoba gathered to discuss, share their knowledge, and learn from each other. The format resembled a seminar style of learning where everyone came prepared, having read, listened to, or watched the shared resources ready to engage with each other on the week's topic.
Students had the chance to acquire a grade 12 Law credit through an exhibition of their learning near the academic year's end. Many of the high school students also engaged with after school learning on Mondays, working towards a grade 12 Indigenous Studies and 1st year Native Studies credit through the U of M. Meetings were held weekly via Zoom, or on the UM Campus where students attended various events.
Looking forward to 2023-2024 school year, we are excited to announce the expansion of the Law Makers program to include a second cohort that will focus on Human Rights with a new partnership that will include the Faculty of Arts. High school students will be able to earn a dual credit and the curriculum will focus on writing for meaning, impact, reflect on human rights, Indigenous resurgence, and activism.
If you would like to find out more about this program, please contact Meghan Cook, Director for Wayfinders, at Meghan.Cook@7oaks.org or phone at 204.631.5849.