Applications are now open to grades 10, 11, and 12 students—across Nova Scotia—who self-identify as Indigenous, Mi’kmaq, African Nova Scotian, or are of African descent.
Students will participate in field trips to the law courts, law firms, and the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute. They will meet judges, lawyers, law professionals, law students, and career mentors.
The internship also will emphasize the pathway to the legal profession including attending law school and the IB&M initiative.
Twenty students will be selected—10 Mi’kmaq / Indigenous students and10 African Nova Scotian / Black students. Students living outside HRM will be provided with free overnight accommodations. Meals will be provided for all student participants for the entire internship.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 20, 2024
PROGRAM DATES: March 10 – 14, 2025
LOCATION: Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
Questions: internship@nsbs.org
Student Application Form: https://forms.gle/jxjtoxiygbgXa6Pt9
About: The Inspiring Future Indigenous Black & Mi’kmaq Lawyers Internship Pathways (IB&MIP) vision is to provide African Nova Scotian (ANS), Black, Indigenous, and Mi’kmaq high school students in grades 10, 11, and 12 who have an interest in the law, the opportunity to be exposed to the legal profession. The internship inspires students to feel confident to pursue a legal education. This is consistent with the Donald Marshall Jr. recommendations on the need for increased representation of African Nova Scotian, Black, Indigenous, and Mi’kmaq individuals in the legal profession.
Thank you to our sponsor, the Law Foundation of Nova Scotia, and to our partners.
FAQ
How long is the Internship? The Internship will run from March 9 – March 14, 2025 in Halifax.
How will I get there? Travel will be provided for all students living outside HRM. Students who need to travel within HRM may be provided a taxi if needed. All students living in HRM are eligible to get a free bus pass which can be obtained through your school. More information on transportation will be provided to all students accepted into the Internship.
Will I receive school credit for being part of the Internship? Yes, students who are registered in the Personal Development Credit will receive ½ credit. This is equal to 55 course credit hours. The student must complete all work as part of the Internship to be granted course credit.
Is there any cost for me to attend the Internship? No, there is no cost to you. You may bring spending money for extracurricular activities (movie night, bowling etc.).
I live outside of Halifax. Where will I be staying during the Internship? If you live outside of Halifax or Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) you will be staying at a hotel for the week. The location has not yet been determined. Students will be informed closer to the Internship.
What clothing will I need to wear? You will be required to wear business casual clothes (2 outfits) during some events, in courtrooms and with Judges. Money will be provided to the students to purchase business casual attire. Otherwise, students are expected to dress according to school dress code policies.
Will I have a support person while doing this internship? Yes, you will be able to connect with our Project Coordinator who will manage the Internship and provide you with all information before, during and after the Internship. There will also be both two Mi’kmaq/ Indigenous, and two ANS/ Black support staff/ volunteers throughout the Internship.
Who do I contact if I have any questions, or I would like to be a mentor/ volunteer as part of the Internship? If you have any questions or would like to be a mentor/ volunteer, please contact the Nova Scotia Barristers Society at intership@nsbs.org. The Project Coordinator will be happy to assist you.
DEFINITIONS
Mi’kmaq: A person of Mi’kmaq Heritage is an individual who has familial ties to one or more of the 13 Mi’kmaq First Nations Communities in Mi’kma’ki.
Indigenous: A First Nations person living in Mi’kma’ki with no Mi’kmaq Heritage or familial ties to the Mi’kmaw First Nations Communities.
African Nova Scotians: African Nova Scotians / Indigenous Blacks are a distinct people who descend from free and enslaved Black Planters, Black Loyalists, Black Refugees, Maroons, and other Black people who inhabited the original 52 land-based Black communities in that part of Mi’kma’ki known as Nova Scotia.
People of African Descent: All persons of African Descent who live in this part of Mi’kma’ki, known as Nova Scotia.