Jamie Holmes, a Windsor Law graduate and current Master of Laws candidate, has been awarded the inaugural Sidney B. Linden Student Award for her work advancing access to justice for Indigenous families. (SUBMITTED BY JAMIE HOLMES/University of Windsor)
By Sara Meikle
Jamie Holmes sees the law as more than a career choice.
For her, it’s a way to make a real difference.
Her commitment to advance access to justice for Indigenous communities has earned her the inaugural Sidney B. Linden Student Award.
Holmes, an alumna of Windsor Law (JD ‘25) and current Master of Laws (LLM) candidate, received the honour from Legal Aid Ontario for her work improving legal services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis parents, children and families.
For Holmes, a Mohawk woman of the Turtle Clan from Six Nations of the Grand River, the recognition is deeply meaningful both personally and professionally.
“Receiving the inaugural Sidney B. Linden Student Award means a lot to me personally,” she said. “I’ve dedicated much of my adult life to Indigenous justice issues, so to have this work recognized is a true honour.”
Holmes is currently an articling student in Legal Aid Ontario’s Indigenous Services Department. Her work also includes research with the Law Foundation of Ontario focused on legal education reform and how the system can better support Indigenous families navigating child protection.
Her dedication to this work was shaped in large part by her time at Windsor Law.
“I completed my JD at Windsor Law and came back for my LLM because of its access to justice focus. Having faculty who believe in access to justice not just in theory, but in practice, is incredibly important,” Holmes said.
She credits mentors at Windsor Law including professors Gemma Smyth, Sylvia McAdam and Janice Makokis with helping shape her path.
“They’ve supported my work, my research and me generally. Their unwavering support has changed my trajectory,” Holmes said.
Through her academic work and frontline experience, Holmes has seen firsthand the gaps facing Indigenous families in the legal system, particularly in child protection.
“There’s a crisis in this area of law,” she said. “There are not enough lawyers practising in child protection, and not enough accepting legal aid certificates.”
Her graduate research explores how legal education can be part of the solution. While she acknowledges progress since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, she believes more systemic change is needed.
“Indigenous pedagogy needs to be woven into the curriculum,” she said. “Indigenous people are overrepresented in the justice system, yet we learn very little about them in legal education.”
Holmes also pointed to the opportunity for law schools to build stronger relationships with nearby First Nations communities. Something Windsor Law has taken steps toward.
“That relationship can lead to meaningful change and create important learning opportunities for students,” she said.
Through collaborations between Windsor Law and Legal Aid Ontario’s Indigenous Services Department, Holmes believes progress is possible.
“Indigenous clients deserve culturally competent legal representation,” she said. “I hope the work we’re doing leads to systemic change.”
The Sidney B. Linden Student Award, presented by Legal Aid Ontario, recognizes a law student who demonstrates a strong commitment to access to justice and to serving marginalized communities. Holmes’ work — grounded in advocacy, research and community partnership — reflects the spirit of the award and its focus on meaningful, system-level impact.
Reem Bahdi, dean of Windsor Law and a member of the award selection committee, said Holmes’ achievement speaks to both her impact and her future in advancing justice.
“Jamie is an exceptional emerging leader whose work is already making a meaningful difference. Her commitment to improving access to justice for Indigenous communities, combined with the depth of her research and advocacy, positions her to drive important change in the years ahead,” Bahdi said.
Holmes’ achievement highlights the growing impact of Windsor Law graduates, whose work continues to shape a more responsive and equitable justice system.