ALS is always a busy place, but May 29 was even busier than usual. Multiple staff from different programs had important events going on. They include:
- Staff and volunteers with the Giiwedin Anang Council were facilitating a circle (Indigenous Family Dispute Resolution) with a family concerning a young child in the care of a child welfare agency.
- Christa Big Canoe was representing a family at the virtual hearing of an inquest into the death of their loved one who had been killed by the OPP. The family also had the support of two ALS victim rights caseworkers.
- A sentencing circle was being held at the Ontario Court of Justice led by Traditional Knowledge Keeper Dorothy Peters
- A Clinic paralegal was representing a community member facing eviction at the Landlord and Tenant Board
- Gladue writers and caseworkers were attending a training on best practices in Hamilton.
- Community Council staff held their last Feelings and Expressions Circle and celebrated the success of the participants with certificates and a shared meal.
- Clinic lawyers were representing a community member at the Social Benefits Tribunal who had been denied access to the Ontario Disability Support Program
- ALS representatives met with a community mental health agency about smoothing referral pathways.
On top of that, our main office was open for phone and in-person intake as it is each Wednesday from 10:00 – 3:00 so clinic staff met with community members turning to ALS with new legal issues. As they do every day at Ontario Court of Justice, ALS Indigenous Courtworkers helped people with criminal matters at Gladue court as well as with calls and questions about family court.
All day long, ALS’ calm receptionist Loretta Watetch answered calls and directed everyone to where they needed to be. When I commented on how busy it was that day, Loretta just smiled and said, “that’s how it should be!”
Emily Hill
Senior Staff Lawyer