Aboriginal Legal Services has been very busy since the Christmas Break. Aboriginal Legal Services presented at the Indigenous Child and Family Wellness Conference in Ottawa, hosted a Restorative Justice Conference in Toronto, participated in a few Court cases, and had the opportunity to meet with Canada’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice Arif Virani to discuss Indigenous Justice Issues.
On February 20, 2024, Aboriginal Legal Services’ Executive Director, Chantell Barker, and Legal Director, Christa Big Canoe met with Minister Arif Virani to discuss ALS priorities. Ms. Big Canoe discussed fair wages for Staff, the great work of the Legal Clinic, and the mass incarceration of Indigenous people in the justice system.
Ms. Barker spoke on the upcoming Strategic Plan, the anticipated opening of the Indigenous Knowledge Centre at the new Toronto Court House, and the vision of creating training for First Nations who want to create their own Legal Systems and laws. Minister Virani expressed interest in the Indigenous Knowledge Centre and asked questions on the services and target audiences. ALS looks forward to future conversations with the Minister.