Vancouver – The Law Society of British Columbia is deeply saddened by the death of Alfred Scow, a retired judge of the Provincial Court of British Columbia.
Scow was the first Aboriginal person ever to graduate from a BC law school, graduating from UBC in 1961. In 1962 he was the first Aboriginal person to be called to the Bar in BC and, in 1971, the first legally trained Aboriginal person to be appointed to the provincial Bench.
“Alfred Scow was an inspiration to us all, both inside and outside the Aboriginal community,” said President Art Vertlieb, QC. “He was a trailblazer in so many different ways. He brought so much to his own community but, in doing so, he brought dignity to us all.”
Despite his lifetime of accolades and accomplishments, including being awarded the Order of Canada and Order of BC, Scow was always modest. During an interview with Benchers’ Bulletin in 2010, Scow was asked what advice he had for First Nations students considering a legal career. “If I can do it, you can too,” he said.
The Law Society was fortunate to have been able to recognize Scow at Inspiring stories connecting future leaders, a 2010 event featuring Aboriginal leaders in the legal profession.
The Law Society of British Columbia regulates the more than 10,000 lawyers in the province, setting and enforcing standards of professional conduct that ensure the public is well-served by a competent, honourable legal profession.
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For further information or to arrange an interview contact:
Ben Hadaway
Communications Officer
604.443.5708
bhadaway@lsbc.org
Robyn Crisanti
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
604.697.5845
rcrisanti@lsbc.org