How Can We Advance #IndigenousJustice With No Road Maps?
Dom Bautista
蔡宗善 (he/他) @Amici Curiae Friendship Society 法庭之友, a charity that helps BCians complete their legal forms regardless of their means. Prov Court of BC Judicial Council. BC Achievement Foundation Mitchell Awardee 2020.
As presented at the December 9, 2024 Amici Curiae Friendship Society (ACFS) AGM.
Today I will be presenting the initial themes that have emerged from our Indigenous Research project.
A more fulsome presentation of both reports' findings will be shared on February 2, 2025.
The findings here are specific to Indigenous clients' experiences accessing legal services across BC.
The first prevailing theme is the presence of systemic barriers in the legal system that is reinforced by institutional racism that is experienced by Indigenous clients. The legal system often and continuously fails to recognize the distinct rights and experiences of Indigenous peoples, in addition to the barriers they face. For example it is a challenge for Indigenous people to access internet and smart devices.
The legal system's historic beginnings as a colonial tool maintains its harm through its complex legal functionings and use of legalese. These create exclusion and challenges for Indigenous clients. The lack of plain language creates confusion, isolation, frustration, and reinforces a general distrust in the legal system.
The use of two way arrows illustrate how systemic barriers are reinforced and maintained.
Initial Themes
AC is very mindful of the experience that our outreach coordinator went through, of how challenging it was not to get any responses from 150 BC First Nations.
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On the other hand, I am reminded of what Chief Justice Marchand Jr told me the first time I met him in December 14, 2015: if we can help one person, it will have been worth the effort.
Last September 27, my team and I visited the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society, it was quite humbling to be asked to help their clients who need to submit Indian Boarding Homes claim forms. We hope to be able to help in 2025.
Everyday, we at ACFS ask ourselves, how can we advance Indigenous Justice, when there are no road signs. Advance, we must.
As there is much to do.
What's next?
Join us on February 2, when we present our full report.