UBC & Indigenous Law

[Donut2001]

Hello everyone!

I am a pre-law student entering my final year of undergrad in Saskatchewan (Regina). I am applying to schools this Fall 2023 and I am trying to gain a better understanding of which school might be right for me. I am mostly interested in Indigenous related matters (Indigenous law and policy) as well as constitutional law, etc. I am very interested in UBC with their Indigenous specialization. I am wondering if someone (who has taken a similar path) could shed some light on their experience or me? I do have some specific questions:

1. Did you find that you were truly able to gain a good understanding of Indigenous law at this institution and were there a lot of experiences/opportunities to explore this area of law? it is my passion area so this is very important to me. 

2. Did you find it hard get a good internship (experience wise and financially)?

3. What is the job market like after graduation? I know that I do not want to work in 'big law' but rather in Indigenous law (constitutional law) focusing on land claims, treaty rights, etc. I am very concerned about the cost of living in Vancouver (it is SO much more than Saskatchewan) and I just worry that either: 1. I would not be able to find a job there 2. if I did, I still would not be able to support myself. 

4. If you are familiar, how do you think UBCs Indigenous specialization compares to UVictoria's JD/JID program? Would you recommend one over another, and for what reason? 

Thank you so much for all the help it is so appreciated! 

[Borat]

The programs at UBC and UVic are quite different. UBC's Specialization in Indigenous Legal Studies is a selection of courses that is completed in the upper-years of a regular three-year JD program, while UVic's JD/JID is a four-year dual degree program with it's own unique curriculum. 

I just completed my first year at UBC so I'm not quite familiar with the upper-year Indigenous courses, but as part of the first year curriculum at Allard there are two mandatory courses relating to Indigenous matters: Indigenous-Settler Legal Relations in term 1 and Aboriginal Treaty Rights in term 2. Collectively, these two courses did a pretty good job of introducing us to key topics, such as the history of the Indian Act, residential schools, reconciliation, socio-economic issues facing Indigenous people in Canada today, Aboriginal rights and title, the duty to consult, and Section 35 rights under the Constitution.