Legal aid doing its bit
The following letter to the editor appeared in slightly shorter form in the Toronto Star on June 29, 2016.
Aboriginal Justice Strategy
Upholding the right to follow Anishinaabe law
In 2015, LAO supported Andrew Kingbird’s Aboriginal rights defence when he was charged with not having a life jacket on his motorboat. He sought to have the charge dismissed because the law infringed on his Aboriginal right to travel on the water for ceremonial purposes.
LAO statement on the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Final Report
Legal Aid Ontario’s (LAO) President and CEO, David Field, issued the following statement regarding the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Celebrate National Aboriginal Day on June 21, 2015
Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) encourages everyone to celebrate National Aboriginal Day on June 21. Learn about local First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities and their unique heritage, cultures and contributions to Ontario cultures by participating in the many events hosted by towns and cities. Canadians have celebrated National Aboriginal Day, part of National Aboriginal Awareness […]
Gladue Reports: not just a sentencing report
By Chad Kicknosway 1. v. Gladue, [1999] 1 S.C.R. 688 The Supreme Court of Canada’s decision in R. v. Gladue is a significant recognition of the position of Aboriginal offenders in the Canadian criminal justice system. It is well known to those working within the criminal justice system that Aboriginals are overrepresented. The Supreme Court […]
Hand drumming to restore community harmony
By Lyndon George Within most traditional Native American cultures, the drum is the primary musical instrument. It serves many purposes within the areas of justice, entertainment and healing. The drum is used at most traditional native ceremonies including powwows and other prominent festivities. Through any court proceedings, healing circles or other traditional ways of restorative […]
Indigenous legal aid worker helps First Nation community navigate legal system
Throughout her career, Indigenous Legal Aid Worker Sondra Gilbert has seen firsthand the barriers that Indigenous people encounter as they move through the court process. Prior to joining Legal Aid Ontario’s Essex, Lambton, Kent District office, Sondra worked in Native child welfare. “Frequently, I was approached by people who needed assistance with Family Law or […]
Celebrate National Aboriginal Day June 21st
In recognition of the contributions of First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples to Ontario, Legal Aid Ontario (LAO), would like to wish everyone a very happy National Aboriginal Day! Participate in the celebration by attending local events or dedicating some time to learning about your local Aboriginal communities and their cultures. Please visit Aboriginal Affairs […]
Biweekly radio programs offer avenue for public legal education
For Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services (NALSC), radio has become an effective tool for sharing information with the 49 First Nations communities who live within the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) territory of northern Ontario. It has been over a year since various staff members began covering legal topics through a half-hour biweekly program on Wawatay Radio that […]
Baamsedaa: Let’s Walk Together
By Jeff Plain As an indigenous Aboriginal person myself, I understand that feelings of apprehension and hopelessness can arise in seeking and accessing justice. These feelings can stem from distrust in justice systems —whether criminal, family, civil or administrative. Meeting an important need We have already witnessed tragic outcomes of incarceration and suicide that our […]