SOPHIA SIDAROUS
Halifax
Summary
Fluently bilingual in English, French, and conversational Mi’kmaw. Obtained a Juris Doctor degree specializing in Aboriginal and Indigenous law, as well as Criminal Justice from Schulich School of Law. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in General Social Science with a minor in Conflict Studies and Human Rights from the University of Ottawa. Was Invited to speak at the United Nations Headquarters on the International Day of the Girl during the Girls Speak Out Event in October 2019. Specializes in Indigenous Rights, Indigenous Governance/Sovereignty, and Environmental Protection.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Articled Law Clerk
Sankewitahsuwakon; Wolastoqey Tribal Council Inc.
05.2025 - 02.2026
- I will be starting this position in August after my maternity leave, and will be completing this position February 2026 in order to finish my articles prior to being called to the bar in February 2026.
- The job will be to support staff in the 3 organizations pertaining to Sankewitahsuwakon which are the WTCI, Mawiw Council, and NSMDC.
- The job requires me to help assist the organizations in health law issues with the province as well as having an in-depth understanding of Aboriginal and Indigenous law.
- I will be required to help organize case materials and draft legal documents.
- Streamline document review processes, resulting in more accurate and efficient case management.
- Participate in client meetings alongside supervising staff, and support in a legal capacity in health transformation.
- Manage administrative duties such as filing documents, scheduling meetings and tracking case statuses.
- I will also be required to identify legal issues as roadblocks surface, research and provide solutions to the organizations.
Articled Clerk
PATH (Peoples Advocacy and Transformational Hub) Legal
06.2024 - 08.2025
- Created and prepared legal drafts by organizing and assembling information for legal documents and forms.
- Supported lawyers in preparing for cases by organizing case materials and drafting legal documents.
- Developed a reputation for professionalism and reliability, frequently entrusted with sensitive information and high-stakes assignments.
- Supported legal team by conducting research, drafting briefs, gathering information and interpreting legal documents.
- Demonstrated exceptional attention to detail when reviewing contracts, leases, and agreements for accuracy and compliance with applicable laws.
- Expedited case resolution by conducting comprehensive legal research on various topics related to ongoing matters.
- Participated in client meetings alongside supervising lawyers, gaining valuable exposure to diverse areas of practice within the firm.
- Drafted persuasive legal memoranda to support lawyer arguments during court proceedings.
- Assisted in successful litigation outcomes through meticulous fact-checking and evidence analysis.
- Managed complex caseloads, prioritizing tasks to ensure timely completion of all assignments.
- Contacted clients to schedule appointments and discuss progress of cases.
- Wrote and filed pleadings with courts on schedule to maximize case success.
Board Member
East Coast Environmental Law
03.2025 - Current
- I am valued for my Indigenous knowledge on Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship, as well as my legal knowledge.
- Fostered collaboration among board members, promoting open communication and shared decisionmaking.
- Reviewed financial reports, budgets, and audit results to monitor the organization''s fiscal health.
- Provided guidance and leadership on strategic planning initiatives and organizational development.
- Served as a strong advocate for corporate social responsibility, influencing positive community impact.
- Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational mission.
- Drove strategic planning efforts to align with company vision and long-term objectives.
- Prepared and presented reports to inform board on organizational progress and goals.
Criminal Clinic Placement
Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Criminal Clinic Placement through Schulich School of Law for one semester.
- Extremely high demand for work, over 20 hours a week while attending to other classes and work.
- Honed Criminal Law skills and experience working in the Crown's office in Halifax Nova Scotia.
- Worked closely with lawyers on case research to prepare for trial.
- Reviewed, drafted and revised agreements to protect the integrity of the state and access to justice.
- Communicated with law firms and paralegals to gather information for lawsuits.
- Completed research and established requirements to draft court proceedings.
- Prepared legal memoranda and draft decisions for advisement for supervising lawyers.
- Maintained confidentiality and upheld ethical standards by managing sensitive client information with care and discretion.
- Expanded knowledge of criminal law practice areas by attending seminars, workshops, and continuing legal education courses under lawyer guidance.
- Efficiently managed a caseload of multiple clients under attorney supervision, ensuring timely completion of tasks and assignments.
Nominated as Co-President of the Dalhousie Indigenous Law Student Association
Schulich School of Law
04.2023 - 04.2024
- Restructured the organization as needed for optimal functionality through effective delegation of responsibilities.
- Developed strong partnerships with fellow members of the association to drive collaborative initiatives and mutual growth.
- Managed and motivated students to be productive and engaged in Indigenous initiatives at Schulich School of Law.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for Indigenous law students.
- Resolved member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Created and maintained relationships with other associations at Dalhousie University that supports DILSA members.
- Developed a strong culture focused on member engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
Law summer student
West Coast Environmental Law
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Supported lawyers in preparing for projects, policies, and cases by compiling relevant information and evidence.
- Increased efficiency by researching assigned files, analyzing databases, and taking record of ongoing cases.
- Assisted lawyers in drafting persuasive legal documents for successful case outcomes.
- Improved overall team performance by collaborating with fellow students on group projects and assignments.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive client information in accordance with professional ethics guidelines.
- Conducted extensive research on relevant statutes, regulations, case law, and evolving new legislation to support case goals.
Representative of the TRC Committee at Schulich
Schulich School of Law
09.2021 - 04.2024
- Attended committee meetings to propose, discuss and advance management and justice ideas.
- Facilitated open communication among committee members, fostering an environment of trust and mutual respect.
- Collaborated with fellow members to achieve consensus on key policy decisions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Provided insightful feedback on proposed initiatives, ensuring their successful implementation and sustainability.
- Advocated for policy changes, presenting compelling ideas and arguments to supervising bodies.
Law Summer Position for the Indigenous Law Harvest Project
Mi'gmawel T'plu'taqnn Inc.
05.2021 - 09.2021
- Honed expertise in the field of Indigenous Law.
- Created relationships with First Nations across New Brunswick in the Indigenous Law Project.
- Managed and organized informational sessions and knowledge gathering workshops in communities.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Worked flexible hours across weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
Plaintiff in LaRose V. His Majesty the King
David Suzuki Foundation and Our Children’s Trust
10.2019 - Current
- One of the 15 plaintiffs in the LaRose v. His Majesty the King Lawsuit against the federal government for inaction on climate change.
- Formally known as LaRose v. Her Majesty the Queen
Mi'kmaq Elder’s Assistant
Cultural Workshop for Educators in New Brunswick
08.2022 - 09.2022
- Assisted Mi'kmaq elder in moderating a week long cultural workshop training for educators across New Brunswick.
- Greeted guests in with friendliness and professionalism.
- Worked closely with elders to provide effective assistance to ensure the workshops were safe and powerful.
- Safeguarded sensitive information through Indigenous protocols and managing the educators.
- Showed Indigenous law expertise through discussions to train the educators in cultural practices and traditional knowledge.
Plaintiff
International Tribunal For The Law Of The Sea
06.2023 - Current
- • Plaintiff on behalf of Case #31 Responsibilities and Obligations of States with Respect to Climate Change and International Law to the International Tribunal For The Law Of The Sea (June 2023)
- Representative on this action to the United Nations as an Indigenous young woman from Canada as an advocate about environmental issues and climate change.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
Workshop facilitator for Women’s and children powwow dancing
Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Center
11.2022 - Current
- Remained adaptable by modifying workshop content or delivery style in response to participant feedback, ensuring maximum relevance and effectiveness.
- Identified areas in need of improvement and implemented solutions.
- Facilitated dialogue between participants, family, and program workers to provide best possible program and individualized program.
- Conducted various workshops on various types of dancing and explained the knowledge and teachings behind each one.
- Demonstrate profound knowledge on Indigenous teachings an connect with the Urban Indigenous community.
Summer Student Researcher and Technician Assistant
Anqotum Resource Management
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Gathered and organized information for research purposes.
- Maintained detailed records of experimental procedures, observations, and results for accurate reporting and replication purposes.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by adhering to environmental protocols during fieldwork and reporting activities.
- Conducted thorough literature reviews to identify gaps in knowledge and inform future research directions.
- Maintained safety standards by participating in hazard assessments and implementing necessary controls during fieldwork.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of ecosystem restoration efforts by monitoring key indicators and making recommendations for adaptive management strategies.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of pollution control measures, leading to improved management practices and reduced emissions.
- Detected areas requiring corrective actions through diligent monitoring of waterways and other remedial technologies employed onsite.
- Enhanced environmental data quality by collecting and managing soil, water, and air samples with precision.
- Advanced professional development with continuous research on emerging industry trends and technologies in the environmental field.
Short-term contract work for DPMP Branch
Indigenous Services Canada
02.2021 - 03.2021
- Retained to provide knowledge and expertise in Indigenous issues to Indigenous Services Canada's staff and management.
- Delivered high-quality presentations for diverse audiences, driving increased brand awareness and interest.
- Expanded professional network through active participation in industry conferences, workshops, and seminars.
- Maximized impact of message delivery by employing persuasive communication strategies tailored to specific audiences demographics.
- Captivated attention with dynamic speaking styles and skillful use of visual aids.
- Secured lucrative speaking contracts through effective negotiation skills and proven track record of successful events.
Summer student and researcher
Anqotum Resource Management
05.2020 - 08.2020
- Conducted field studies for biodiversity assessment, resulting in valuable insights into local ecosystems.
- Improved environmental policy recommendations by integrating interdisciplinary scientific knowledge and stakeholder input.
- Developed innovative solutions to address pressing environmental challenges such as waste management and habitat degradation through targeted research efforts.
- Developed comprehensive reports on climate change impacts, informing decision-making processes for adaptation strategies.
- Optimized sampling techniques for water quality assessments, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements for informed decision-making processes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to design sustainable development projects, ensuring minimal ecological impact.
- Established partnerships with government agencies and NGOs to promote cooperative efforts towards environmental conservation initiatives.
- Prepared summaries and charts by testing and gathering samples and summarizing findings.
Policy Analyst
Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
09.2019 - 04.2020
- Worked on UNDRIP files specifically in the International Law division.
- Improved Indigenous policy effectiveness by conducting comprehensive research and analysis on various issues.
- Participated in conferences and workshops as a subject matter expert to stay current on emerging trends in Indigenous policy analysis.
- Built strong relationships with internal departments for effective collaboration within the organization for policymaking purposes.
- Drafted and presented reports outlining policy actions.
- Provided expert guidance on relevant regulations, UNDRIP legislation, Crown guidelines, standards, best practices related to specific policy areas.
Youth program worker and cultural assistant
Metepenagiag Nugami House
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Enhanced youth engagement by implementing creative and interactive activities in program sessions.
- Increased awareness of available resources by working with cultural programmers in community to implement into and hosting informative workshops for youth in the community.
- Promoted social-emotional growth among participants through team-building exercises, group discussions, and peer-led projects.
- Served as a role model for young people by demonstrating responsibility accountability respect empathy towards others during daily interactions.
- Created an inclusive space where all participants felt welcomed regardless of their background or ability level.
- Facilitated effective communication between parents, school staff, and program administration, ensuring a collaborative approach to youth development.
- Developed strong relationships with local organizations, fostering community partnerships for increased program support.
Director of the Ottawa/Gatineau Chapter
Earth Guardians
01.2019 - Current
- Planned special advocacy events for program participants based on changing needs, times of year, and availability.
- Conducted various workshops on environmental issues and Indigenous issues.
- Managed logistics for workshop events, ensuring seamless delivery and smooth coordination of resources.
- Achieved consistently high levels of participant satisfaction by maintaining a professional demeanor and providing clear, concise instruction throughout workshops.
- Provided constructive feedback to participants, enabling them to improve their skills and knowledge in targeted areas.
- Coordinated and managed volunteer activities for community service projects.
- Led group discussions and activities to meet different community needs.
- Facilitated community outreach to expand participation and support.
Global Vision Youth Ambassador
Global Vision
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Represented Indigenous Youth and specifically Mi'kmaq Youth for a National Organization.
- Collaborated with local organizations for resource sharing and partnership opportunities.
- Learned and applied proper business etiquette.
- Set development goals and planned growth paths to attain ideal outcomes.
- Developed leadership skills in participants through team-building exercises and group projects.
- Nurtured a supportive network of peers within the Youth Ambassador cohort by fostering strong interpersonal connections between members during events and activities.
Tour Guide
Metepenagiag First Nation Heritage Park
06.2018 - 08.2018
- Facilitated memorable experiences for diverse groups by tailoring presentations to cater to different age groups, cultural backgrounds, and language abilities.
- Built personal relationships with guests to promote positive experiences.
- Ensured timely departures and arrivals by strictly adhering to schedules while remaining flexible enough to accommodate unforeseen circumstances or special requests from guests.
- Worked collaboratively with team members to develop innovative strategies for improving overall tour quality and visitor satisfaction.
- Received numerous positive reviews from clients, reflecting strong communication skills and in-depth knowledge of tour subjects.
- Trained new hires ensuring they were well-prepared knowledgeable about their assigned tours before leading them independently.
- Stayed current on area history, culture, events, attractions by attending workshops, lectures, conferences regularly updating tour information accordingly.
- Led tours in multiple languages, broadening audience reach and inclusivity of tour offerings.
- Trained new guides in storytelling techniques and customer service standards, raising overall quality of tours.
Youth Commission Member
City of Gatineau
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Education
Juris Doctor - Indigenous And Aboriginal Law, Criminal Justice
Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University
Halifax, NS01.2024
General Social Science bachelor’s degree - Conflict Studies And Human Rights
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, ON01.2021
Media training -
David Suzuki Foundation
01.2020
Indigenous Youth Training -
Earth Guardians
01.2020
High School degree - French Immersion Program
D’Arcy McGee Secondary School
Aylmer, QC01.2018
Skills
- Advocate for Indigenous Rights
- Environmental protection
- Youth advocate
- Strong leadership
- Public speaking
- Attention to detail
- Legal research and analysis
- Mediation
- Analytical reasoning
- Oral advocacy
- Legal writing
- Critical thinking
- Time management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
Websites
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxf9g9p_Ldw
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/mi-kmaw-law-school-grad-do-1.7195390
- https://www.calameo.com/books/007636446ab7b8fff6e0b
- https://www.corporateknights.com/food-beverage/billion-dollar-sea-change/
- https://www.dal.ca/faculty/law/news-events/news/2024/05/23/meet_sophia_sidarous__class_of_2024.html
- https://looselipsmag.com/essays-columns/acts-of-resistance-indigenous-youth-take-on-govt-of-canada/
Accomplishments
- Recipient of the Donald Marshall Jr. Award from Schulich School of Law 2024
- Finalist in the First Peoples Law Scholarship 2023
- Honorary mention for First Peoples law Scholarship (September 2022)
- Fourth place winner of the short story “Between two worlds, living in three” for the Indigenous Arts and Stories competition 2019
- Finalist for Indigenous Leadership Scholarship UOttawa- awarded $3000, 2018-present
Certification
Red Cross First Aid & CPR, C, 2020
Profile
English, French, Mi’kmaq (conversational), Juris Doctor, Aboriginal and Indigenous law, Criminal Justice, Schulich School of Law, 2021-09-01, 2024-06-01, Bachelor’s degree, General Social Science, Conflict Studies and Human Rights, University of Ottawa, 2018-09-01, 2021-06-01, High School degree, French Immersion, D’Arcy McGee Secondary School, Aylmer, QC, 2018-06-01, Media training, David Suzuki Foundation, 2020, Earth Guardians Indigenous Youth Training, 2020, Indigenous Rights, Indigenous Governance/Sovereignty, Environmental protection
Media Interviews And Public Speaking Events
- Featured Indigenous advocate in SAY Magazine, Summer 2024 edition
- Keynote speaker, New Brunswick Health Transformation Summit, Sovereignty in Practice: The Road to Decolonizing Health and Wellness, 2024-08-01
- Subject for the show, Warrior Up, APTN, 13, 2024-06-01
- Invited attendee, AFN Indigenous Law Gathering, 2023-06-01
- Keynote speaker, AFN Climate Gathering, Fredericton, NB, land rights, 2022-09-01
- Invited speaker, Land Back, AFN land sector Chiefs Meeting, 2022-10-01
- Invited speaker, Indigenous justice, Schulich School of Law, Law Hour, 2022-01-01
- Keynote speaker, Cutting Carbon in Canada, Minden Symposium, School of Environment at the University of Toronto, 2021-09-01
- Featured on CBC podcast, Front Burner, Where Canada's major political parties stand on climate change, 2021-09-01
- CBC Interview, Rosemary Barton, Climate Change, 2021-09-01
- Facilitator, anti-oppressive grassroot organizing training, Organizing on Stolen Land, Future Ground Network, 2021-07-01
- Keynote speaker, Indigenous Vision class, Drama students at Collège Lionel-Groulx, 2021-04-01
- Contract to host webinar, How to Decolonize Your Organizing, Future Ground Network, David Suzuki Foundation, 2021-02-01
- Keynote speaker, Women and Femmes on the Frontlines, Assembly of 7 Generations (A7G), 2021-01-01
- Keynote Speaker, A Conversation on Youth Advocacy, Brock University, 2020-12-01
- Keynote speaker, Women Human Rights Defenders, Peace Brigades International (PBI), 2020-11-01
- Keynote Speaker, uOttawa A Discussion About Indigenous Rights, Amnesty International, 2020-10-01
- Featured Speaker, Learning from Indigenous Resurgence, Roadmaps for Changing the World, 2020
- International Day of the Girl, climate change in relation to indigenous women and girls, Girls Speak Out Event, 2019-10-01
- Interviewed with, CBC Radio, APTN, Looselips Magazine, Vancouver Sun, Global News, David Suzuki Foundation, The Fulcrum, CTV News, The National Observer, TJ News, Charlatan News, UN Canadian SDG Ambassadors
- Keynote speaker, Ecology Ottawa Eco-Gala, 2019
- Panelist, Ecology Ottawa, Generation Climate, Advancing to Our Brave New World, 2019, 2020
Awards
- Donald Marshall Jr. Award, Schulich School of Law, 2024
- First Peoples Law Scholarship, Finalist, 2023
- First Peoples Law Scholarship, Honorary mention, 2022-09-01
- Indigenous Arts and Stories competition, Fourth place winner, Between two worlds, living in three, 2019
- Indigenous Leadership Scholarship UOttawa, Finalist, $3000
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Full Professional
Mi'kmaw
Professional Working
Timeline
Articled Law Clerk
Sankewitahsuwakon; Wolastoqey Tribal Council Inc.
05.2025 - 02.2026
Board Member
East Coast Environmental Law
03.2025 - Current
Articled Clerk
PATH (Peoples Advocacy and Transformational Hub) Legal
06.2024 - 08.2025
Criminal Clinic Placement
Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service
09.2023 - 12.2023
Plaintiff
International Tribunal For The Law Of The Sea
06.2023 - Current
Law summer student
West Coast Environmental Law
05.2023 - 08.2023
Nominated as Co-President of the Dalhousie Indigenous Law Student Association
Schulich School of Law
04.2023 - 04.2024
Workshop facilitator for Women’s and children powwow dancing
Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Center
11.2022 - Current
Mi'kmaq Elder’s Assistant
Cultural Workshop for Educators in New Brunswick
08.2022 - 09.2022
Representative of the TRC Committee at Schulich
Schulich School of Law
09.2021 - 04.2024
Law Summer Position for the Indigenous Law Harvest Project
Mi'gmawel T'plu'taqnn Inc.
05.2021 - 09.2021
Summer Student Researcher and Technician Assistant
Anqotum Resource Management
05.2021 - 08.2021
Short-term contract work for DPMP Branch
Indigenous Services Canada
02.2021 - 03.2021
Summer student and researcher
Anqotum Resource Management
05.2020 - 08.2020
Plaintiff in LaRose V. His Majesty the King
David Suzuki Foundation and Our Children’s Trust
10.2019 - Current
Policy Analyst
Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
09.2019 - 04.2020
Youth program worker and cultural assistant
Metepenagiag Nugami House
06.2019 - 08.2019
Director of the Ottawa/Gatineau Chapter
Earth Guardians
01.2019 - Current
Tour Guide
Metepenagiag First Nation Heritage Park
06.2018 - 08.2018
Global Vision Youth Ambassador
Global Vision
01.2018 - 01.2019
Youth Commission Member
City of Gatineau
01.2016 - 01.2017
High School degree - French Immersion Program
D’Arcy McGee Secondary School
Juris Doctor - Indigenous And Aboriginal Law, Criminal Justice
Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University
General Social Science bachelor’s degree - Conflict Studies And Human Rights
University of Ottawa
Media training -
David Suzuki Foundation
Indigenous Youth Training -
Earth Guardians