Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day. It is an opportunity for us to recognize and celebrate First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Peoples of Canada. June 21^st was chosen as National Indigenous Peoples Day to take place on the summer solstice. It is an opportunity for us to show respect and to learn about the rich cultural history of the many Indigenous peoples and communities across Turtle Island.

We hope you will have some time over the coming days to take part in events around the province and to explore the many resources available. To that end, we are sharing some resources and event information:

• CBA – The CBA’s Truth and Reconciliation resources and training for legal professionals includes the Truth and Reconciliation Toolkit for firms and The Path: Your Journey through Indigenous Canada, an online course that now includes a new section on Indigenous Peoples and the criminal legal system.
• Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre: This link will take you to events taking place this June Events for June 2023 – Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre (mymnfc.com) including the 2023 Mawita’jik Competition Pow Wow from June 23-25 at the Zatzman Sportsplex, Dartmouth.
• Office of L’Nu Affairs: National Aboriginal Day | Government of Nova Scotia
• CBC TV and radio: Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day | CBC News
• North American Indigenous Games : Schedule – NAIG (naig2023.com) North American Indigenous Games – NAIG 2023

We hope everyone has the opportunity to take in the North American Indigenous Games in July. They will be exciting to watch, and we are looking forward to the Canoe Kayak events on Lake Banook.

Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day!

The Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission is pleased to share its 2023-2028 Strategic Plan: NSLAC 2023-2028 Strategic Plan

The Commission is committed to continuing to enhance access to justice with a focus on economically vulnerable and historically disadvantaged Nova Scotians. The 2023-2028 Strategic Plan identifies Service Delivery, Innovation and Technology, and People and Culture goals for improved and more accessible services enabling Nova Scotians access to justice, while at the same time focuses on the wellness and diversity of the staff providing those services.

The Strategic Plan, as well as other publications, can also be found in Legal Aid Publications under the About Us tab of our website.

We are pleased to share that the recipient of the NSLA Commission’s 2022 Innovation in Service Delivery Award is Tammy Wohler. Tammy Wohler is the Managing Lawyer of the Halifax Social Justice Office. The award recognizes innovation in how things are done at NSLA. Tammy was recognized for her tremendous advocacy in housing issues; particularly during the pandemic raising the profile on issues like renovictions through the use of media and social media. Tammy hosts the Social Justice online chats every Thursday. She provides outreach through Eastern Chebucto Hub Organization (ECHO), reachAbility, Halifax Refugee Clinic, Canadian Bar Assocation and the Parent Information Program through the Supreme Court Family Division. Tammy has been an instrumental role in expanding social justice delivery throughout Nova Scotia to assist clients from Yarmouth to Sydney. As her colleague, Tanya Jones says of her, « Tammy has and will continue to innovate, help and effectively advocate for those most in need while at the same time making time to share her knowledge with other lawyers. » Congratulations Tammy!

The Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission’s 2021-22 Annual Report is now available and can be found on the About Us, Legal Aid Publications page, or at this link:  2021-22 Annual Report