Born and raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, a proud Mi’kmaq, and a founding member of the Qalipu First Nation, Robert maintains strong connections to St. George’s, NL where his mother grew up. He travels to the west coast of the province at every opportunity to take part in community celebrations, powwows, and family gatherings, taking every opportunity to learn more about his culture.

Prior to attending Law School, Robert completed an undergraduate degree in Political Science at Memorial University which inspired him to pursue law as a means to contribute to changes that are needed in political, legal, and other arenas. He feels that his legal education will allow him to utilize the law to advocate for much needed changes in our society and colonial legal structures.

Robert was accepted to Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law under the Indigenous Black and Mi’Kmaq Initiative and is currently completing his final year of the Juris Doctor program. He has completed the coursework for the Aboriginal and Indigenous Law Specialization Certificate and will complete the requirements for the Criminal Justice Specialization Certificate during this academic year.

Having spent his summers as a Law Student with the Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission in St. John’s, Robert has gained tremendous exposure and experience with the law and legal procedures, working in areas of criminal, family, and immigration law. When he graduates, he fully intends to return to Newfoundland and Labrador to practice law and to give back to the communities and organizations that have helped him the most throughout his educational pursuits.

Robert is grateful for this generous award and looks forward to completing his studies and returning home to pursue his career as a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.