Hewat Family establishes continuing award for Indigenous law students
March 28, 2023
Indigenous law students who have demonstrated a contribution to their community, and an interest in continuing to support Indigenous communities in future, will be eligible to receive a new continuing award established by two Western Law alumni.
The Hewat Family Continuing Award for Indigenous Law Students was created by husband and wife Chris Hewat (LLB, MBA, 1985), Partner at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, and Dale Hewat (LLB, 1986), Labour Arbitrator & Mediator, Hewat Workplace Solutions.
“With this award, we wanted to help build on Western Law’s initiatives to develop and promote diversity by attracting Indigenous students to the study of Law at Western,” the Hewats stated. “We hope that the award will assist the student in achieving success in their legal education and in turn, in their career and personal life, and allow them to serve as a role model to their communities.”
This $30,000 award will be granted to a full-time student entering their first year of the JD program. The recipient will receive $10,000 for each year of their JD studies. Preference will be given to candidates who are Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Metis) and have shown a commitment to supporting Indigenous communities through their work or volunteer initiatives.
“We’re grateful to the Hewat family for helping us on our continued journey to reduce barriers for Indigenous students, and other equity-deserving communities, to study at Western Law,” said Christopher C. Nicholls, Acting Dean, Western Law. “Increasing Indigenous representation within our faculty, and within the field of law, is critical to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.”
Learn more about financial aid and awards and Indigenous Iniatiatives at Western Law.
