Indigenous Framework and Principles

The Law Society board approved an Indigenous Framework at its September 23, 2022 meeting. In keeping with one of the key goals of the Law Society’s Strategic Plan – to take meaningful action toward reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in the justice system – the Framework supports the advancement of the principles set out in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), the First Nations Justice Strategy, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The Framework sets out six principles to guide the Law Society’s application of its governing legislation, Rules, Code of Professional Conduct, policies, procedures and practices. The principles are:

• Principle 1: The Law Society accepts the expectation of “Nothing about us without us,” and will ensure that Indigenous individuals are engaged in the development of policy proposals or decisions that may affect Indigenous interests.
• Principle 2: The Law Society is mandated to protect the public interest in the administration of justice, and acknowledges that Indigenous individuals are members of the public with unique histories and specific constitutional recognition.
• Principle 3: The Law Society acknowledges that Indigenous cultures, societies, traditions, governance systems and laws continue to exist.
• Principle 4: The Law Society regards Indigenous individuals as equal to all other people.
• Principle 5: The Law Society respects the distinctiveness amongst Indigenous Peoples, individuals and territories.
• Principle 6: The Law Society understands that credibility requires follow-through on its commitments, and that its commitments are ongoing.

The principles will provide an assessment tool to ensure the Law Society is meeting its existing commitments to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

On July 14, 2023, the Law Society Benchers approved the Indigenous Engagement in Regulatory Matters (IERM) report and recommendations. The objective of the report, created by the IERM Task Force, is 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 Law Society is committed to removing these barriers and communicating regularly about the progress of implementing the recommendations, as well as continuing to engage with Indigenous stakeholders throughout the process.

Indigenous Framework and Principles at a glance