First Nations Program Introduction

The Faculty of Law is a leader in First Nations legal education in North America.  Since 1975, hundreds of Aboriginal students have graduated from the Faculty of Law.  Many of these graduates are now leaders who have helped to redefine First Nations legal issues in Canada. 

Our alumni include Judge Alfred Scow, first Aboriginal Lawyer and Judge in B.C.; His Honour Steven Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia; Grand Chief Ed John of the First Nations Summit; and Calvin Helin, practicing lawyer and on the Board of Directors of the Native Investment and Trade Association.  Many more First Nations Legal Studies Program alumni are lawyers, judges, politicians, negotiators, advocates, educators and community leaders in British Columbia and across the country.

The primary objective of the First Nations Legal Studies Program is to enhance Aboriginal involvement in the legal profession by providing legal education relating to Aboriginal issues and supporting the legal education of Aboriginal students.

Contact Information

Gordon Christie, Director, First Nations Legal Studies

Gordon Christie, B.A., LL.B., Ph.D. (Inuvialuit) is the Academic Director of the First Nations Legal Studies Program.  Professor Christie holds a full-time academic appointment as an associate professor. He also chairs the First Nations Law Committee in the Faculty of Law.

Telephone: 604.822.9872
Email: christie@law.ubc.ca
Fax: 604.822.8108
Office: 249

Andrea Hilland - Associate  Director, First Nations Legal Studies

Andrea Hilland, B.A., LL.B. (Nuxalk) is the Associate Director of the First Nations Legal Studies Program. The Associate Director’s role includes providing academic advice and admissions assistance to Aboriginal students.

Telephone: 604.822.2177
Email: hilland@law.ubc.ca
Fax: 604.822.8108
Office Location: Curtis 134