|
|
|
|
STREAMLINED REQUEST PROCESS FOR TORONTO SENTENCING CIRCLES
|
Aboriginal Legal Services (ALS) understands and advocates for alternative approaches to criminal justice that preserve our peoples’ dignity and embody culturally-appropriate, restorative methods.
As such, ALS is now offering facilitation of sentencing circles for Indigenous offenders facing criminal sentencing in matters heard at Toronto’s Ontario Court of Justice (10 Armoury Street). These circles will be facilitated by Grandmother Dorothy Peters, ALS’ Traditional Teacher, on Tuesdays and Thursdays on the ninth floor of the Courthouse. To request a sentencing circle, please complete the form on ALS’ website under the “Gladue” tab – “Request a Sentencing Circle in Toronto”.
For more information on ALS’ involvement in sentencing circles and how to request facilitation, please contact Desiree Duplessis, Senior Manager at ALS: (416) 408-4041 ext. 258.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acumen Law Corporation
|
Facing a driving prohibition? Whether you’ve received a DUI/Immediate Roadside Prohibition, Notice of Intent to Prohibit or a Driving While Prohibited charge, Acumen Law has a highly experienced team of driving lawyers, offering unparalleled legal support. Don’t let a driving prohibition ruin your life. Protect your rights, start your defence and trust Acumen Law’s expertise to keep you on the road. 604-685-8889.
Learn More
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On September 11th ALS Joined Eastview Jr. Public School to celebrate their annual Powwow! The day began with a beautiful sunrise ceremony led by Elder Pat Green. Staff, community members, families, and students from various
surrounding schools came together to celebrate, they wore their orange shirts to show their solidarity and support of Truth and Reconciliation, truly an astounding sight.
Read More
|
|
|
|
|
Temagami First Nation Justice & Career Day
|
On September 18, I was once again invited to attend the Justice & Career Day Forum hosted by Temagami First Nation located on beautiful Bear Island. This is an annual event that is planned by the Victim Services Program. The event is hosted by, Program Coordinator Virgina McKenzie, and Program Assistant, Nancy Shipman.
It was a beautiful day; the sun was shining, and the temperature felt more like a summer day. Bear Island is one my favorite places to be in any season. It is situated on Lake Temagami, and it is the most serene and comforting place to visit.
This event invites community members and elementary students to educate them on the opportunities that lie in the justice field, whether it be an aspiring career or to witness all the good work that Temagami First Nation has accomplished.
The event commenced with Eight Thunderbird Drum performing an Opening Song. Elder June Twain then offered a morning prayer.
Read More
|
|
|
|
|
Truth First
|
September 30, the new day of truth and reconciliation. A day Canadians center the experiences of Indigenous people across Turtle Island. We are but a single generation removed from Indian Residential Institutions disguised as schools, but there are no graveyards at school. We must not observe this day as an act of diversity, equity and inclusion but a day that stands on its own. A day that honours the lost children who never got to play on a playground singing songs with their friends, happiness abound. Rather than a day of celebration, it is a somber day of quiet reflection, a collective mourning of a legacy that lingers today in all of our lives. We offer condolence to the families
whose children never made it home. The children who endured inconceivable harm and lived to tell their truth. They are our families, friends, colleagues and community members. We remind them that today they are safe. September 30th is a day of reflection, storytelling, resurgence and hope for all Nations to heal our collective trauma. There are no graveyards at school.
-Reflections of an Anishnawbe Kwe
|
|
|
|
|
The Musings of a Caseworker
|
By Duncan Stewart
As I reflect on my time with Aboriginal Legal Services, I feel a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunities I have encountered. Since onboarding as a Caseworker one year ago, I have been particularly inspired by the impact of the Gladue Program. Its reflexive approach to Indigenous realities highlights the necessity of contextualizing individual circumstances within the justice system. I have been graced to witness firsthand how this program empowers individuals to reclaim their narratives, fostering hope and facilitating restorative outcomes.
Read More
|
|
|
|
|
Sisters in Spirit Rise Up
|
You know that woman or that girl or that two spirit individual,
The one who laughs at all the jokes,
Or,
The one who works three jobs to support her family,
Or,
The one who is a helper in her community,
Or,
The one who quietly makes her way through the world.
You know her family,
You have seen them on television,
You have read articles about them,
You have seen them organizing protests.
Because that woman is missing,
Or because that woman has been murdered,
That woman is not a priority to some law enforcement agencies.
Read More
|
|
|
October 4th on unceded Algonquin-Anishnaabe Territory
|
A reflection by Chrystal Toop
This past Friday, October 4th marked the 20th annual Families of Sisters in Spirit Vigil to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SpiritLGBTQQIA+. This somber day has always been for families and friends, in and around Ottawa, to flood Parliament Hill holding enlarged photos of loved ones with their names.
Read More
|
|
|
|
|
