Dignitaries cut the ribbon to officially open the TRU Faculty of Law, which is Canada's newest law school in more than 33 years. The ceremony was Sept. 6 and held in the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Centre, located in The Brown Family House of Learning.

Today marks the first day of class for a group of students at the first new Canadian law faculty in over 33 years.

Government officials and the Honourable Chief Justice S.G Finch and Chief Judge Thomas Crabtree joined Chris Axworthy Q.C, TRU Founding Dean of Law; Honourable Wally Oppal, QC , TRU Chancellor;  Alan Shaver, TRU President and Vice-Chancellor in the official opening of the Thompson River’s University Faculty of Law.

“Today we mark the official opening of the Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law and begin a journey that seeks to redefine both the study and practice of law in Canada.” said Chris Axworthy. “Our Faculty will focus on the practical application of Canadian law to important issues facing society.”

Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law welcomed 75 new students to an academic program that pays particular attention to legal issues facing energy, natural resources, and the socio-economic challenges confronting Canada’s First Nation and Aboriginal communities.

“TRU’s Faculty of Law is a bold expression of our commitment to becoming one of Canada’s premier comprehensive, learner-centered, universities. Our graduates will be a new kind of lawyer – well rounded, critical, and socially conscious thinkers and doers prepared to lead in an ever-changing world” said Alan Shaver, President and Vice Chancellor of Thompson Rivers University.

Jimmy Jack (left), TRU Aboriginal Elder; and Chris Axworthy, Q.C., Founding Dean of the TRU Faculty of Law, leave the auditorium of the Irving K. Barber British Columbia Centre following the Grand Opening of TRU Faculty of Law on Sept. 6.