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	Objectives
	Activities
	Who is eligible?
	How to apply *
	Contact Information

Legal Studies for Aboriginal People Program

Overview

The Legal Studies for Aboriginal People (LSAP) program is a bursary program designed to financially assist Métis and Non-Status Indian students who wish to pursue their studies in law.  

Objectives

To promote equitable representation of Aboriginal people in the legal profession by providing financial assistance to those enrolled in a law school program in Canada.

Activities

Financial assistance is provided to eligible students to offset some of the costs of attending a Canadian Law School in order to obtain a law degree (LLB) over a regular period of three to four years.

Who is eligible?

To be considered for a bursary under the LSAP Program, an applicant must:

• Be Métis or Non-Status Indian of Canadian citizenship, living in Canada, who has applied to a Canadian law school;
• Attest to Métis or Non-Status Indian ancestry by signing the declaration in the application form;
• Demonstrate financial need by providing financial information on income or other assistance received and expenses as required in the application form; and,
• Demonstrate that they possess the ability to succeed in law school by providing the necessary documentation as identified in the application.

How to Apply

You must complete the Application Form (HTML / PDF) and submit it along with all required documentation postmarked no later than JUNE 15^th.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.   The Department will acknowledge receipt of all applications and inform you of missing documents. If an application is returned incomplete, you still have to meet the deadline of JUNE 15.

For a First Time Applicant

• The application form completed in its entirety and signed;
• A copy of an official acceptance letter to a law program [or state the date that you applied (see Note 1)];
• Two appraisal letters from individuals who are associated with the last academic or training institution in which you were enrolled or, if you did not attend an educational institution in the previous three years, then from someone who knows your work or studies.  Provide a copy of the attached Appraisal form (HTML / PDF) to both of your appraisers who are to complete and submit them to the Department of Justice by the deadline.  Please note, it is your responsibility to ensure that the advisors submit the forms to the Department before the June 15^th deadline;
• Official transcripts for all post-secondary studies (see Note 2); and
• An essay (approximately 750 words in length) describing your reasons for pursuing legal studies and your career goals, significant accomplishments, extra-curricular/work activities and special challenges. Each of these elements will be considered in the assessment of your essay.

NOTE 1:

To apply for a bursary, you need only indicate the name(s) of the law school(s) to which you have applied and the date(s) of your application(s).  However, before you are eligible to receive a bursary, you must submit documentation to the Programs Branch of the Department of Justice that confirms acceptance to a qualifying law school program.  Before issuing the cheque to successful candidates, the Department will also provide you with a Proof of Registration form to be signed by a representative of the university and a Contact Information Form to be completed and signed by yourself.

NOTE 2: 

As some universities will not have their marks ready for June 15 th , only the official transcripts may be provided no later than July 15^th.

For a Bursary Renewal Applicant

• The application form completed and signed in its entirety;
• Official transcript for the year of law school attended; and,
• Two appraisal letters from individuals who are associated with the last academic or training institution in which you were enrolled.   Provide a copy of the attached appraisal form (HTML/ PDF) to both of your appraisers who are to complete and submit them to the Department of Justice on or before the deadline. 
  NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure that the appraiser submit the forms to the Department before the June 15^th deadline;
• A short essay (approximately 750 words in length) describing your experiences in the previous academic year, including challenges faced, special accomplishments, extracurricular activities or other experiences, as well as career goals. Each element will be considered when assessing your essay.

Contact Information

The Legal Studies for Aboriginal People Program
Department of Justice Canada
Programs Branch
284 Wellington Street, 6^th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H8

Telephone: 1-888-606-5111 (Local calls:  941-0388)
E-mail: LSAP06@justice.gc.ca