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Pathways to Reconciliation - Ontario Securities Commission Roundtable
On October 21, 2025 Aboriginal Legal Services hosted the Ontario Securities Commission at the Grandmother Buffalo Lodge in our Indigenous Learning Centre.
The panelists that participated in this roundtable were; Carol Ann Hilson (CEO Indigenomics Institute), Clint Davis (CEO Cedar Leaf Capitol), Tom Hunter (Senior Advisor Indigenous Engagement CSA) Myan Marcen-Gaudaur (Director Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation ScotiaBank) , Scott Munro (CEO First Nation Financial Management Board) Cherie Brant (Partner & National Leader of Indigenous LAW – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP). The moderators for this event form the OSC were Josée Turcotte, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff, OSC, and Naizam Kanji, General Counsel and Executive Vice President, Legal and Governance, OSC.
Our Grandmother Dorothy Peters opened the roundtable discussion for their action plan for Truth and Reconciliation. The panellists had meaningful discussions on a broad range of issues that have deep impacts on Indigenous people including, economic pressures, education and opportunity, and Indigenous Justice in Canada. The event was organised by the ILC staff with weeks of planning and organising leading up to the event. A huge shoutout to Geraldine and Kate from the OSC for all their hard work in making this event happen. ALS staff arrived at 7AM at the courthouse to ensure a smooth run of show, much knowledge was gained in the organising of large-scale events in our Lodge within a courthouse. The OSC has created 5 pillars of reconciliation to base their work on and understand that progress only happens in cooperation with Indigenous peoples.
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Four-day Fall Fast with Aboriginal Legal Services October 2025 |
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Aboriginal Legal Services’ Community Council program has been offering service users and volunteers the opportunity to participate in fasting ceremonies for the past five years.
Fasting ceremonies are deeply spiritual and often participants seek spiritual guidance, healing, a vision and or cleansing. They also fast to honour the ancestors/spirits. Participants abstain from food and water for a period of time in the solitude of nature. Our Elder/Healer Gray Cloud (James Carpenter) guides this process for the fasters.
In Orono, at a sacred site, a fire was lit for four days, and many songs were sung and medicines were offered. The sweatlodge preceded and completed the fast; however, sweatlodge ceremonies were also offered at sunset daily. Fasters were welcomed to come down from their spots and participate. Firekeepers and ceremonial helpers helped to prepare and guide the fasters. They provided emotional and spiritual support. They checked in on the fasters, prepared food for breaking the fast, offered prayers, songs and teachings as directed by the Elder.
The weather was phenomenal and all the fasters, helpers and firekeepers were happy at the success of the ceremonies. Fasters shared that this ceremony changed their lives. They experienced a profound sense of pride and belonging, as though they had become part of a ceremonial family bound by tradition and shared purpose.
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Inquest in Constance Lake First Nation |
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Aboriginal Legal Services is participating in an inquest that began on October 15, 2025. The inquest is examining the circumstances of the deaths of Luke Moore, Lizzie Sutherland, Lorraine Shaganash, Douglas Taylor, and Mark Ferris during a blastomycosis outbreak in Constance Lake First Nation, a northern Ontario community of roughly 900 people. Aboriginal Legal Services is representing the family of Luke Moore at the inquest.
The outbreak began in November 2021, claiming five lives within three months and leaving more than 50 people ill. The infection, caused by a fungus found in soil, causes symptoms such as a cough, fever, chills, fatigue and difficulty breathing. The community’s nearest hospital is located 35 minutes away in Hearst, where several residents initially sought treatment. On November 22, 2021, then-Chief Ramona Sutherland declared a state of emergency. The inquest was requested by Luke Moore’s parents, Elizabeth and Arthur Moore
During the inquest’s first week—held in Constance Lake, with Aboriginal Legal Services attending—former Chief Sutherland testified about strained relations between the hospital in Hearst and the Constance Lake community. She explained that such concerns contributed to some residents’ fear and hesitation in seeking care when symptoms first appeared.
For ALS Victim Rights Advocate Lillian Dyson and Senior Staff Lawyer Emily Hill, attending the first three days of the inquest was an important opportunity to listen to survivors, families, and leadership, ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard and respected throughout the process. The hope is that this inquest will uncover answers and also result in recommendations to prevent future tragedies.
The inquest is expected to last 25 days and hear from approximately 30 witnesses. It can be viewed online at https://firstclassfacilitation.ca/office-of-the-chief-coroner/inquest-into-the-deaths-of-luke-moore-lorraine-shaganash-lizzie-sutherland-mark-ferris-and-douglas-taylor/
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Care or Criminalization – The Sonor Foundation Event
This month The Sonor Foundation hosted an in-person event, Care or Criminalization, rethinking Care Models and Youth Justice, Reimagining Systems to Prevent Justice Involvement. The Program Director, Dustin Fortier and Program Manager Ryan Walsh participated of behalf of Aboriginal Legal Services and the Giiwedin Anang Council and were offered tobacco for opening the event in a good way with a kind mind and calm spirit. Dr. Leena Augimeri moderated and hosted the event which drew over fifty service providers from across Canada.
A powerful Keynote was delivered by The Honourable Brain M. Scully and Miriam Henry on the crossovers and connections between children in care and the criminal justice system. Some the themes of the day were, the Care Capacity Crisis, For-Profit vs. Not-for-Profit Care, Staff Recruitment, retention and Training, Transitions & Aging Out, System Silos, and Anti-Racist & Anti-Colonial Practices. Aboriginal Legal Services continues to be grateful for the support of the Sonor Foundation in helping address the needs of children and youth in care.
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Gladue Program Training: October 6 to 10
The Gladue Program gathered in Alliston, Ontario for training. The training sessions focused on two important topics: dealing with difficult clients and recognizing and working through vicarious trauma. These discussions invited deep reflection on the emotional impact of our work and provided valuable strategies for maintaining balance, compassion, and resilience in our roles.
One of the highlights of the week was a workshop led by our phenomenal facilitator and Gladue writer for Sarnia, Michel Sands, where we created tulip (medicine) bags. This activity offered not only a creative outlet but also a moment of grounding and connection. This gathering was a helpful reminder of the traditions that continue to guide and strengthen our work.
Another highlight of the week was a mini putt championship where we learned who could potentially win a semi-professional golf tournament, and who’s a master of precision or a natural at celebrating every near miss.
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