The Law Society continues to make meaningful strides toward our key priority of advancing Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
As part of a multi-year plan to implement the recommendations of the Report of the Indigenous Engagement in Regulatory Matters Task Force, progress has been made to increase the legal profession’s understanding of colonial history and the painful legacy of residential schools, remove systemic barriers experienced by Indigenous complainants and witnesses, and implement measures to increase cultural safety and Indigenous representation both in our organization and the profession. Below are some key updates on our progress to advance Reconciliation.
Indigenous Intercultural Course updates
The Law Society is committed to advocating for the elimination of anti-Indigenous racism in the legal system. A key component of this work is supporting and amplifying the voices and narratives of Indigenous people, including educating the profession on the harms of residential school. We continue to celebrate, support and amplify Indigenous voices and incorporate Indigenous knowledge, traditions, perspectives and priorities into our work.
In 2025, an external consultant was retained to undertake a review of the Indigenous Intercultural Course (IIC). The IIC was launched in 2022 in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 27, which called for law societies to implement mandatory Indigenous cultural competency training. The course was designed by Indigenous experts and others to help BC lawyers learn about Canadian history through an Indigenous lens, and increase their Indigenous cultural awareness and understanding.
From the outset, the Law Society has indicated that the IIC is not intended to be comprehensive or definitive, and periodic changes will be made to content. Feedback and suggestions are welcomed and taken seriously, and may require time to review background information, other resources, and engage in consultation before determining next steps. Feedback, questions and comments can be sent to Indigenous@lsbc.org. Learn more about the course.
Report of the Indigenous Engagement in Regulatory Matters Task Force and recommendations
Following the approval of the Report of the Indigenous Engagement in Regulatory Matters Task Force in 2023, work to fulfill the recommendations set out in the report has been underway. The Report identified systemic barriers experienced by Indigenous complainants and witnesses and proposed solutions to establish and maintain culturally safe and trauma-informed regulatory processes.
The recommendations include building relationships, reviewing policies and procedures, gaining trust and becoming more proactive in preventing harm to Indigenous people and communities.
To date, the Law Society has made changes to ensure our processes are accessible and culturally safe for all Indigenous people, including providing trauma-informed training for our staff. In 2023, we hired an Indigenous Navigator who offers support and guidance to Indigenous complainants throughout the complaint and investigation process. This work includes addressing systemic barriers, incorporating Indigenous protocols and supporting staff with culturally competent, trauma-informed approaches.
Externally, staff responsible for Indigenous initiatives travelled to communities across BC to engage with Indigenous communities, enhance awareness of the Law Society’s role and services, build relationships and participate in workshops and opportunities for learning.
The Barrister and Solicitor Oath was also amended to recognize and affirm the Aboriginal and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
We have also hired a Director, Indigenous Initiatives to lead the Law Society’s Reconciliation initiatives. This role will provide leadership in further implementing the recommendations of the Report of the Indigenous Engagement in Regulatory Matters Task Force and other projects, liaise with the Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Committee and be an integral advisor to the Senior Leadership Team.
Observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Throughout September, ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we will be sharing educational resources and ideas for honouring survivors and Indigenous communities.
The Law Society will close our office on September 30 to acknowledge and pay tribute to Indigenous people who were forced to attend Canada’s residential schools, the survivors and the children who never came home.
We encourage everyone in the legal profession and beyond to take this opportunity to deepen their understanding of our colonial history and consequences of the residential school system, and to reflect on how we can collectively advance the cause of meaningful Reconciliation. More information will be published on our website in mid-September.
Pulling Together Canoe Journey
The Law Society is honoured to participate annually in the Pulling Together Canoe Journey, which took place this year in July and was hosted by the WSÁNEĆ Peoples – Pauquachin, Tsawout, Tseycum and MÁLEXEŁ Nations.
Our team joined Indigenous youth, leaders, police, military and community groups on this meaningful journey, which cultivated cultural understanding and strengthened relationships between public service agencies and Indigenous peoples. Participants embraced the experience by partaking in Indigenous events, camping together, sharing meals and working collaboratively.
One of our participating staff members had this to say: “What this journey affirmed for me is that reconciliation isn’t something we can only approach through policy or statements — it has to be felt, lived and practised. Participating in Pulling Together allowed me to witness the power of cultural exchange and to carry back stories and insights that will shape how I think about my work going forward.”
Visit the Pulling Together Canoe Society’s website to learn more.