Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan
At their July 2018 meeting, the Benchers approved a Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan, which will guide the Law Society's response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action.
2018 Benchers retreat
At the 2018 retreat in Osoyoos, the Benchers learned about local Indigenous laws and traditions from Dr. Jeanette Armstrong, a Syilx First Nation leader and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Knowledge and Philosophy at UBC-Okanagan. TRC commissioner Dr. Marie Wilson shared her perspective on challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The retreat concluded with a blanket exercise.
Presentation by the Honourable Murray Sinclair, chair of the TRC: In April 2016, the Honourable Murray Sinclair made a presentation to the BC Ministry of Justice – Legal Services. The video of "A Story Canada Needs to Know" was included in the Benchers retreat and can be viewed here.
Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Committee
The Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Committee provides guidance and advice to the Law Society on legal and justice issues affecting Indigenous people in the province, including those highlighted in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Report and Recommendations.
2017 Symposium
The Law Society held its first Truth and Reconciliation Symposium on November 23, 2017. Participants shared ideas on how the legal profession can address systemic biases against Indigenous people and how the Law Society can take action to facilitate reconciliation. Read details here.
Video: "But I was wearing a suit"
This mini-documentary about the racism that Indigenous lawyers and law students face within the legal profession was a grassroots project of a group of Indigenous lawyers, produced with the support of the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC and the Law Society of BC. View the video here.
2016 Benchers retreat
The Benchers hosted a forum at their June 2016 annual retreat where they heard from Indigenous leaders. Topics under discussion included the commission’s recommendations, Indigenous laws, Aboriginal and treaty rights, child welfare issues and restorative justice. Read a summary of the retreat published in the Summer 2016 Benchers’ Bulletin.