September 30th marks the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to remember the tragic legacy of residential schools, to honour its Survivors, and to mourn the individuals whose lives were stolen.
Last year, our firm reflected on the lack of progress in fulfilling the eighteen Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that relate to Justice. One year later, only two of the eighteen Calls to Action have been fulfilled and insufficient progress has been made in the past year. We reiterate our demand for these Calls to be completed. You can track the implementation of the Calls to Action here.
The Law Society of Ontario is hosting an Indigenous-led event on September 14th to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as part of their Equity Legal Education Series. Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers will speak about the impact of residential schools, and discuss legal questions such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and Indigenous sovereignty. Black & Associates will be in attendance and encourage our colleagues and peers to attend this virtual webinar
as well.
As our firm reflects on the work that remains to be done, we also celebrate the accomplishments of Indigenous peoples in the legal community. The nomination of the first Indigenous justice to the Supreme Court of Canada was long overdue. Congratulations to The Honourable Michelle O’Bonsawin, an Abenaki member of the Odanak First Nation, on her appointment.
This month our firm has made a donation to the Minwaashin Lodge, an Ottawa-based support centre for Indigenous women and children who are survivors of domestic or other forms of violence. The Lodge depends on community donations to run their shelter and their counselling and cultural programs. If you are able, please consider supporting the Lodge in their work by making a financial donation.