Dean's Welcome Back BBQ officially opens the Jackman Law Building for students

Hundreds of law students, faculty and staff packed the foyer of the Jackman Law Building (JLB) in one of the best turnouts ever for the annual Dean's Welcome Back BBQ, in its inaugural year in the well-appointed and spacious Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP Atrium.

Hamburgers, hot dogs and not one, but two fun cakes--one with a scan of the Jackman Law Building on it--were available, to celebrate the JLB opening and the beginning of the first academic year in the newly renewed Faculty of Law space.

In recognition of the traditional lands on which the Jackman Law Building and University of Toronto are based, Dean Ed Iacobucci read the university's Statement of Traditional Lands, and then welcomed everyone to the law school. He expressed appreciation for everyone's continued patience, as we continue to clean out the dust, finish the final plantings for the beautiful landscaping, shine up windows, and generally work out all the kinks and issues that a massive construction or renovation job normally entails.

Bonnie Jane Maracle, the Aboriginal Learning Strategist at U of T's First Nations House and the Academic Success Centre, provided a warm welcome in Mohawk and English, in addition to good wishes for a productive year to everyone.  She is from Tyendinaga, a Mohawk community near Belleville, Ontario.

Music was provided by Spirit Wind, the Indigenous hand drum group, and was led in song by Michele Perpaul. View the video here.

See more images of the event on the Faculty of Law Facebook page.