麻豆传媒

This article was originally published by 麻豆传媒 Alumni as part of their .

When most people retire, they take up a hobby, or travel the world. Not Heather McNeill (LLB鈥�94). Since winding down a 21-year career as a 麻豆传媒 Legal Aid lawyer, McNeill has been, as she puts it, 鈥渨orking full time plus-plus鈥� as Legal Advisor of the Enhanced Child Family Initiative at the Mi鈥檏maq Rights Initiative Negotiation Office, and with several community initiatives and organizations. And it is clear she wouldn鈥檛 have it any other way.

鈥淚 believe the Creator has put me on the earth to serve and I get great pleasure out of that,鈥� McNeill says. 鈥淪ometimes, I鈥檓 helping in small ways. Sometimes, it鈥檚 something bigger. But anything I can do to help make this world better, I will do.鈥�

Inspired by the example set by her mother, who always extended herself to help those in need, McNeill continues to exemplify true Weldon Tradition in her devotion to making a difference, particularly for First Nations communities in Nova Scotia. The Millbrook Band member is a board member with Tawaak Housing, which is helping Aboriginal peoples in securing affordable shelter off the reserve. She is a member of the Indigenous Blacks & Mi'kmaq Initiative Advisory Council and the IB&M Standing Committee at the Schulich School of Law. She is also putting her 麻豆传媒 background to good use with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission working group at the Nova Scotia Barrister鈥檚 Society and, perhaps most notably, with the Mi鈥檏maq Rights Initiative, supporting Mi鈥檏maq efforts to develop a governance model for Mi鈥檏maq child welfare in Nova Scotia.

鈥淭his is profound,鈥� McNeill says. 鈥淭he way the current child welfare system operates does not work for Mi鈥檏maq communities because it does not always keep our children in our communities, so they maintain their sense of culture, identity, and language. It is the intent of the Mi鈥檏maq to have full jurisdiction over these matters and that will enable us to look at ways to better support our Mi鈥檏maq families, caregivers, and children to make that happen.鈥�

McNeill鈥檚 work has earned her a 2019 Aurum Award, which recognizes alumni for their outstanding achievements, community leadership, and contributions to the social, cultural, and economic well-being of society. For her, such recognition is an opportunity to inspire others.

鈥淚 have always believed you lead by example,鈥� she says. 鈥淲hen people see or know that you are doing what is right or what is needed, they might follow in your footsteps. That鈥檚 what鈥檚 important to me 鈥� to see others pick up that thread.鈥�

For that reason, McNeill is not quite ready to fully embrace retirement just yet. She wants a more equitable society 鈥� one where First Nations youth are encouraged and supported in getting the learning they need to succeed in any career they want.

鈥淲e should be everywhere,鈥� McNeill says. 鈥淲e should be educated and part of not only Nova Scotia鈥檚 fabric but also Canada鈥檚. That is happening. I look at these young, energetic superstars and I feel optimistic about my people鈥檚 future.鈥�