Gemma Smyth

Inside Chemical Valley: Windsor Law students confront environmental injustice at Aamjiwnaang First Nation

Members of Aamjiwnaang community gather around a traditional drumMembers of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation community gather around a traditional drum, opening and closing the students' visit with ceremonial songs that honoured culture and connection. (SUBMITTED BY GEMMA SMYTH/University of Windsor)

By Sara Meikle

For first-year law students at the University of Windsor, learning about access to justice often begins in the classroom.

But on March 20, that learning extended beyond campus, onto the lands of Aamjiwnaang First Nation.

Supported by UWindsor’s Article U: Diversity, Indigeneity, and Anti-Racism Professional Development Fund and Windsor Law, students in the Access to Justice course travelled to the community near Sarnia for a day of land-based, experiential learning centred on environmental and treaty rights.

Windsor Law Class Action Clinic granted intervener status at Supreme Court of Canada

Gemma Smyth pictured in the Ianni Windsor Law building.Academic Clinic Director Gemma Smyth is pictured in the Windsor Law Ianni Building, home to the Class Action Clinic, where students gain hands-on experience advancing access to justice. (JOEL GUERIN/University of Windsor)

By Sara Meikle

Since 2019, the University of Windsor’s Class Action Clinic has been working to help class action members file claims, recover compensation and navigate complex legal processes.

It is the only clinic of its kind in Canada, dedicated exclusively to representing class members.

On Feb. 16, that work will reach a new milestone.