"We call upon the Federation of Law Societies of Canada to ensure that lawyers receive appropriate cultural competency training, which includes the history and legacy of residential schools, the
United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism."
To support us in this work, we are pleased to welcome
Koren Lightning-Earle to the new role of Indigenous Initiatives Liaison, commencing on June 20.
Koren will work with key stakeholders to develop initiatives to advance the process of reconciliation particularly surrounding access to justice for Indigenous peoples and cultural competency development for lawyers.
Called to Alberta Bar in 2009, Koren is highly involved in both the legal community and indigenous organizations. She is President of the Indigenous Bar Association, a member of the Federal Court Aboriginal Bar Liaison Committee, Vice President of the Kasohkowew Child Wellness Society and a board member of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. She is a sought after speaker on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, community mobilization and Indigenous alternative dispute resolution.
In addition to running her own sole practice, Koren is a sessional instructor at Maskwacis Cultural College and is completing her LL.M with specialization in Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Koren’s knowledge and experience in building and strengthening relationships with Indigenous people and communities; guiding programs and initiatives; and delivering education and training materials will be an asset to the Law Society and the public we serve.
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