Student Profile of the Month
Leah D. George-Wilson (2L)
Leah D. George-Wilson (2L)
Law school seemed to be a natural fit for Leah George-Wilson who for the past 18 years has worked with the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation (TWN) in North Vancouver, finding equitable and constitutional ways to protect the rights of the TWN community within their traditional territory. She was also the first woman to hold the office of Elected Chief of the TWN, a position she held for three terms. Currently on an educational leave with the TWN, Leah will be entering her second year at UBC Law this fall.
What sort of work did you do with the TWFN?
My position for the last 10 years has been Director of the Treaty, Land and Resources Department. I remain a part of TWN's negotiating team in the BC Treaty Process. One of the big issues that hit during my time there was the Burrard Inlet Oil Spill in 2007. The ruptured pipeline was owned by Kinder Morgan. We helped with the clean up and were on the ground to monitor the situation. We worked with them and negotiated a protocol agreement and they have contributed to the on-going resourcing of our Marine Stewardship Program.
How has law school helped you in dealing with some of these issues in your community?
It's been very valuable. First Nations are often inundated with referrals from third parties regarding action that will be taken within the traditional territories. The First Nation must be consulted and their interest must be accommodated. Our department (Treaty, Land and Resources) developed a Stewardship program that ensures TWN interests will be accommodated. I also found the UBC Law's Aboriginal Awareness Week to be really important. The lectures were very interesting and informative. It's important to continue these events because we all need to have a broader understanding of First Nations issues.
With all the work that you do in your community, how do you manage time for law school?
In my first year of law, I entered as a part-time student. I didn't even know that UBC Law offered part-time studies until I spoke to an alumna. That made me realize that I could do this. Why not? I began full-time studies last year and hope to complete by December 2012. Someone gave me the advice to treat it like a full time job. Come in at 8am and leave at 5pm, even if you don't have classes. Just stay and study and catch up on readings. I try to follow this, but am still doing a bit of work for the First Nations Summit, where I have been co-Chair since 2004.
What do you hope to do after law school?
I would like to be a practicing lawyer that's dedicated to helping the First Nations people in all areas of law. I am interested in dispute resolution work as well and have an interest in international law. I'm interested in tribes in the US and it would be great to understand their system and be able to work with those communities as well.
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