A joint presentation between the Advocates’ Society and the Law Society of Alberta. 

There is an increasing recognition of the need for more meaningful inclusion of Indigenous peoples of Canada in the conventional justice system. For this to happen, advocates must be educated about the unique circumstances of Indigenous peoples, how to engage in allyship, and how to work together with Indigenous communities on reconciliation efforts. An Advocate’s Guide to the Calgary Indigenous Court (CIC) provides a unique opportunity to learn about a specialized approach to criminal law, as informed by Indigenous justice and laws.

The program faculty will educate the bar in Alberta and nationally about how traditional Indigenous customs, laws, and ways of understanding and practicing justice in a restorative and holistic light can work evenly alongside the conventional justice system we see today and how that can contribute not only to lower incarcerations rates for Indigenous peoples in Calgary, but can also include the Crown, Courts and Defence Counsel in taking steps towards reconciliation.

The Advocates’ Society is very fortunate to be joined by Andrea Menard, Indigenous Initiatives Liaison for the Law Society of Alberta. Andrea will moderate a discussion with Jessica Buffalo of Legal Aid Alberta, who represents Indigenous individuals appearing at the Court, Adam Drew, Prosecutor at the Court, and Ronda Dalshaug of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary, who is the Facilitator of the Case Management Table.

This event takes place noon to 1:30 p.m. MT on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day 2021 and is free for all to attend. Register here.