Indigenous Transformation Scholarship Recipient: Marcy Kataquapit
Meet Marcy Kataquapit, who is this year’s Transformation Scholarship for Indigenous Students! Marcy is s fourth year student majoring in Law with a minor in Political Science. Marcy comes from Kashechewan Cree First Nation and Attawapiskat Cree First Nation, both located on Treaty 9 of the Omushkegowuk Cree territory. The Omushkegowuk Cree reside in northern Ontario, along the outskirts of the northwestern James Bay coast.
What led you to decide to pursue your BA at Carleton?
After taking a long gap year, I was unsure as to where I would pursue my BA in law. I felt there were not many opportunities for legal studies in northern Ontario universities. After researching universities, I found out about Carleton University’s unique law program. As a northerner, I took the big leap and moved to Ottawa to pursue my BA in southern Ontario. Being located in Canada’s capital, I thought Carleton would be a great place to study law and politics.
Do you have a favourite part of your program (whether a specific course or instructor, or something else)?
The program has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of various areas in Canadian law. I am particularly interested in Indigenous rights, and this program has provided me with opportunities to apply and expand my knowledge of Indigenous legal issues within Canadian legal studies. The specific courses that I really enjoyed were LAWS 3509: Settler Sovereignty and Aboriginal and Treaty Rights: The Charter’s Section 25 with Professor Douglas, LAWS 4308: Indigenous Criminal Justice with Professor Ford, and LAWS 4702: The Gladue Requirements in Theory and Practice with Professor Dickson. Reflecting back, I met great professors and TA’s along the way who supported and inspired my education. It is always a privilege to meet and connect with law professors who specialize in Indigenous legal issues.
What are you hoping to do after graduation and what do you hope to gain from your degree?
After obtaining my Bachelor of Arts in Law program with a minor in Political Science, I plan to further my education by pursuing a master’s degree in either Legal Studies, or Indigenous Policy and Administration, and eventually attending law school to purse a Juris Doctor degree.
Any advice for incoming students?
My advice to incoming students is to enjoy your educational journey at Carleton. Be at your best potential, fulfill your responsibilities, and learn to speak up for yourself. I strongly encourage students to utilize Carleton’s student support services when needed. Stay connected with your family, friends, and community, who I believe are rooting for you from miles away. For those who come from far away, do not be afraid to take those risks and make sacrifices; they are part of the path toward where you are headed.