Mitchell Hamline School of Law Celebrates Native Student Achievements with MNABA Scholarships

Celebration of Native American Law Students at Mitchell Hamline

Recently, the Minnesota Native American Bar Association (MNABA) honored the achievements of hardworking law students at their annual Fall Feast by awarding scholarships to upper-year students at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. This year, a total of nine scholarships were awarded to exceptional students, reflecting the commitment of MNABA to support Native Americans in the legal field.

A Commitment to Native Law Education

Mitchell Hamline School of Law, recognized for having the largest enrollment of Native law students in the United States, actively promotes a curriculum that emphasizes Native American Law. At present, 42 students are enrolled in the Native American Law and Sovereignty Institute (NALS), demonstrating the school's dedication to fostering legal education that respects and acknowledges Tribal Nations and their communities.

Supportive Community and Resources

The Native American Law Student Association and the Indigenous Women's Law Society provide essential support for these students, creating a strong sense of community within the school. Professor Angelique EagleWoman, director of the NALS, emphasizes the importance of these scholarships: "These scholarships support hardworking law students who represent Tribal Nations and communities. They are each deserving, and the scholarships help them continue their education in law."

Profiles of Scholarship Recipients

Among the recipients of this year's scholarships are Leo John Bird, representing the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Tribes; Tashina Emery from the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community; Rachel Evangelisto of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe; Case Guinn from the Cherokee Nation and Delaware Tribe; Kylan Hill, representing the Red Lake Band of Chippewa; Corrina Kingbird from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe; Ashley LaFriniere of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa; Christopher Parisien of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa; and Adrianna Rivera, a Native Hawaiian. These students hail from various states, including Minnesota, Arizona, Hawaii, Michigan, North Dakota, and Oklahoma.

Bridging Financial Gaps

MNABA President Veronica Newcomer, who graduated from Mitchell Hamline in 2013 and was a past scholarship recipient, highlighted the importance of these scholarships in keeping Native students enrolled. "Our scholarships help Native students stay in law school so they can focus on obtaining their law degree and mitigate some of the financial strain they experience," she shared. These initiatives not only help students enroll but are designed to ensure they graduate and eventually enter the legal profession.

Mitchell Hamline's Impact on Legal Education

As one of the largest independent law schools in the country, Mitchell Hamline boasts an impressive faculty of over 50 full-time members and a student body exceeding 1,000 individuals. It offers a diverse range of programs that include full-time, part-time, on-campus, and blended learning options, allowing students to tailor their educational experiences. The school is also renowned for its distinguished programs in legal writing, dispute resolution, health law, and clinical training, further positioning it as a leader in legal education.

This year's celebration not only exemplifies the accomplishments of these remarkable law students but also highlights the ongoing commitment of MNABA to support and uplift Native Americans in the legal field, ensuring their voices are heard and represented. The future of legal practice in Tribal communities looks promising with dedicated students embarking on their journeys, empowered by the scholarships and community support they receive.