Indigenous Scholarship

The Law Society is pleased to offer a scholarship for Indigenous students enrolled in full-time legal studies in British Columbia.

The scholarship may be awarded to one student ($20,000), or divided equally between two students ($10,000 per student), at the discretion of the selection committee. The Indigenous Scholarship aims to enhance the representation of Indigenous lawyers in British Columbia by supporting their legal education.

Who is eligible?

The Indigenous Scholarship is open to Canadian Indigenous students who are enrolled in full time studies at the University of British Columbia, University of Victoria or Thompson Rivers University law schools.

What are the selection criteria?

The Credentials Committee will take into consideration:

academic standing;
positive social contributions, such as volunteer work;
the applicant's intention to practise in BC after completing legal studies; and
financial need.

How to apply

A candidiate must submit a letter to the Law Society setting out the details of the applicant's academic career, social contributions, intention to practise in BC upon completion of legal studies, and financial need.

The application letter must be accompanied by:

official transcripts of the applicant's academic career;
proof of enrolment in a law school in British Columbia;
two letters of recommendation from the applicant's law school (preferably one academic reference, and one reference confirming the applicant’s social contributions); and
proof of Canadian Indigenous ancestry, specifically, a photocopy of either a status, citizenship, membership, registration, or enrolment card issued by:
- The Registrar of the Federal Government’s “Indian” Register;
- A Band within the meaning of the Indian Act that has control of its membership list;
- An Indigenous group under a modern land claims agreement;
- An Inuit organization that is recognized by the Government of Canada;
- An Inuit organization that is recognized by the Government of Nunavut;
- One of the Métis Settlements in Alberta;
- A provincial organization that is a member of the Métis National Council, which includes the Métis Nation of British Columbia, the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, the Manitoba Métis Federation, and the Métis Nation of Ontario; or
- A Métis organization that is recognized by the Government of Canada.

A non-status First Nation person is required to submit a front and back copy of their parent’s Indigenous card and the student’s long form birth certificate or baptismal certificate. Both documents must list the student’s name and the parent’s name showing the link between the student and the parent.

The application letter (including the applicant's email address and phone number) and accompanying materials should be mailed to:

Lesley Small
Senior Director, Credentials, Professional Development & Practice Support
Law Society of British Columbia
800 – 845 Cambie Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 4Z9

What is the deadline for submission?

All documents must be submitted to the Law Society no later than April 30 of any given year.

For more information, contact the Senior Director, Credentials, Professional Development & Practice Support.

2026 recipients

Brenna Brown and Cary Morin

Brenna Brown (she/her) is a member of the Haida Nation from the Old Massett band and belongs to the Raven Finned Killer Whale clan. She is entering her final year at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where she is pursuing a Juris Doctor degree and a specialization certificate in Indigenous Legal Studies.

As part of her legal education, Brenna completed the experiential component of her studies at the Indigenous Community Legal Clinic, where she worked with Indigenous clients across a range of legal matters, including civil, criminal, administrative, family, and wills and estates law. Through this experience, she developed a deeper understanding of the diverse legal needs of Indigenous clients and communities.

Brenna’s motivation for pursuing law stems from a desire to improve representation for Indigenous peoples within the legal system and address the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice system. Following graduation, she intends to remain in British Columbia, working with Indigenous communities, providing legal services to her Nation, and supporting Indigenous clients in need.

Brenna is committed to using her legal education to contribute to a more representative and accessible legal profession and to supporting Indigenous peoples and communities through her future practice.

Cary Morin (he/him) is of Secwépemc ancestry and is entering his second year at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) Faculty of Law. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English and a Chartered Professional Accountant designation.

Prior to law school, Cary worked in Indigenous policy and governance-related roles. His experience includes working as a Communications Manager in the British Columbia Treaty process, consulting on child welfare transformation initiatives with Friendship Centres, and working with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to assist First Nation organizations in developing residential tenancy policies for reserve communities.

At TRU, Cary is involved with the Indigenous Law Students’ Association and the TRU Pro Bono Students’ Association. Through the Pro Bono Students’ Association, he contributed to the development of a video for immigrants addressing separation, divorce, and guardianship.

Cary intends to practise law in British Columbia, where he hopes to remain close to his family and community. He is committed to drawing on his experience in Indigenous policy and governance to support Indigenous communities and contribute to the legal profession in British Columbia.