Indigenous Engagement in Regulatory Matters Report and Recommendations

The Law Society is currently working to implement the recommendations of the Indigenous Engagement in Regulatory Matters report, which was approved by Benchers at the July 14, 2023 meeting.

Read the full Indigenous Engagement in Regulatory Matters report

The objective of the report, created by the Indigenous Engagement in Regulatory Matters Task Force, was to identify systemic barriers experienced by Indigenous complainants and witnesses, and propose solutions to establish and maintain culturally safe and trauma-informed regulatory processes. The report addresses the Law Society’s need, and desire, to reconcile its processes with Indigenous legal principles.

The recommendations include taking steps to build relationships, gain trust and become more proactive in preventing harm to Indigenous persons and communities and, more generally, the public. 

2026 Implementation update

At the February 6, 2026 Bencher meeting, Director of Indigenous Initiatives Sherry Small provided an update on the Law Society’s Truth and Reconciliation initiatives, including progress on the Indigenous Engagement in Regulatory Matters (IERM) task force’s recommendations. After a review of current practices, a new Journey of Practice was introduced, which is a relational, experiential and ongoing learning pathway for Law Society staff and Benchers. This framework integrates the Law Society’s Strategic Plan and the IERM report recommendations, and establishes a sustainable, practice-based approach to Indigenous engagement across all regulatory functions. 

Read the 2026 implementation update report

Listen to our podcast episode

Learn about one of the most critical areas the Law Society is addressing, meaningful Indigenous reconciliation and cultural safety, in our  LawCastBC episode. Hear from Vicki George, Senior Advisor, Indigenous Engagement, who shares information on Indigenous initiatives aimed at removing barriers and improving cultural safety.

Listen now