An opportunity to listen, learn and take action.
Legal Aid Alberta is observing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) by providing our staff with the afternoon away from their daily work responsibilities to learn, participate in, and reflect on the role we play in reconciliation.
Courts across Alberta are continuing to operate throughout the day. LAA is ensuring court coverage is in place where needed.
To enable our team members to use this time, we are closing our offices at 11:45 a.m. on September 30. Contact Centre team members will complete their calls for the day at 12:15 p.m.
We are giving our staff time to learn, participate, and reflect on the important role we can play in reconciliation. Many of the individuals we assist are Indigenous and we help their voices be heard in a justice system that is reflecting on the ways it has failed to serve Indigenous people and how it can do better.
Indigenous people and communities of today continue to endure the consequences of the injustices of years past. By committing to understanding Indigenous ways and traditions we can move forward together.
Our team members see the devastating impacts daily. The continuing overrepresentation of Indigenous people in our justice system and prisons is stark evidence of intergenerational trauma.
“It is important that we take time on this day to reflect and honour survivors, families and communities and to educate ourselves, and reflect on ways we can move towards reconciliation,” says LAA CEO John Panusa.
“National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a starting point,” Panusa said. “Each day following is another opportunity for us to listen and learn and take action. If we commit to daily pursuit of seeing and learning the truth, we will be a day closer to reconciliation.”
Here are some resources you may find helpful:
Support Services
If you need more support or information, these services are here to help:
Educational resources
Indigenous cultural awareness videos
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