Guide for Lawyers Working with Indigenous Peoples

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Guide for Lawyers Working with Indigenous Peoples Guide for Lawyers Working with Indigenous Peoples A joint project of: The Advocates’ Society The Indigenous Bar Association The Law Society of Ontario Publication Version May 8, 2018 Guide for Lawyers Working with Indigenous Peoples A joint project of: The Advocates’ Society The Indigenous Bar Association The Law Society of Ontario Table of Contents 1 OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................. 3 1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 3 1.2 Key Themes ....................................................................................................... 5 1.3 Purpose and Scope ............................................................................................ 5 1.4 Currency ............................................................................................................ 6 2 LEARNING FOR LAWYERS.................................................................................... 7 2.1 Understanding the practical implications of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Report ................................................................................................... 7 2.2 Understanding the importance of cultural competence .................................... 10 2.3 Understanding Indigenous Relationships ......................................................... 26 2.4 Understanding differences in language ............................................................ 32 2.5 Understanding the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and Canada ..... 35 2.6 Understanding the implications of leading legal directives ............................... 40 3 PUTTING LEARNING INTO PRACTICE ............................................................... 42 3.1 Meetings, interviews and engagement ............................................................. 42 3.2 Adapting the laws of evidence.......................................................................... 52 3.3 Gaining specific guidance in particular areas of law ......................................... 64 3.4 Understanding and using existing Indigenous issue protocols ......................... 74 4 RESOURCES ......................................................................................................... 75 4.1 Constitutional Protections ................................................................................ 75 4.2 Leading Cases ................................................................................................. 76 4.3 Leading Non-Judicial Sources.......................................................................... 88 4.4 Protocols for Dealings with Indigenous Peoples and Issues ............................ 90 4.5 Annotated Map of Indigenous communities in Canada .................................... 94 4.6 Glossary of terms ............................................................................................. 94 4.7 List of Organizations and Agencies .................................................................. 95 4.8 Friendship Centres ........................................................................................... 99 4.9 Health and community resources ................................................................... 100 4.10 Resources on writing a Gladue report ............................................................ 102 4.11 List of interpreters .......................................................................................... 104 4.12 Cultural Training Programs / Organizations ................................................... 106 4.13 Legal Specializations ..................................................................................... 108 5 FOR FURTHER READING .................................................................................. 109 PUBLICATION VERSION – May 8, 2018 Please send comments to [email protected] 1 6 ACKNOWLEDGMENT & THANKS – MIIGWETCH ............................................. 115 PUBLICATION VERSION – May 8, 2018 Please send comments to [email protected] 2 Guide for Lawyers Working with Indigenous Peoples A joint project of: The Advocates’ Society The Indigenous Bar Association The Law Society of Ontario (formerly Law Society of Upper Canada) 1 OVERVIEW 1.1 Introduction There is a growing recognition in Canada, across all sectors and regions, of the need for a deeper understanding and more meaningful inclusion of the Indigenous Peoples1 of Canada. One of the centrepieces of this recognition was the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, released in 2015, which included 94 calls to action to effect reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Call to Action 27 was directed at the legal community of Canada, calling on us (through the Federation of Law Societies of Canada) to: Ensure that lawyers receive appropriate cultural competency training, which includes the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti- racism. This admonition is consistent with the findings of a long line of court decisions, governmental studies and special commissions across the country. As the Supreme Court of Canada concluded in R. v. Delgamuukw, “Let us face it, we are all here to stay.” Reflecting on that statement, the former Chief Justice of British Columbia, Lance Finch, surmised: True enough: but if in the face of this reality we are to find space for multiple legal orders to co-exist, and if we are ultimately to achieve an equal reconciliation, we must recognize that to stay must also be to learn.2 1 The term “Indigenous” is the main reference relied upon today, but we note that caselaw and earlier jurisprudence and academic writing use the term “Aboriginal”. 2 Lance SG Finch, “The Duty to Learn: Taking Account of Indigenous Legal Orders in Practice”, Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia, November 2012 at 2.1.2. [emphasis added] PUBLICATION VERSION – May 8, 2018 Please send comments to [email protected] 3 The Guide for Lawyers Working with Indigenous Peoples was written in the spirit of these ideas. This Guide is intended to be a starting resource to help lawyers and others in the justice system to learn about Indigenous cultures and understand the interplay between Indigenous legal orders and the Canadian legal system. However, reading this Guide cannot replace building meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples, communities, and organizations, nor should it be the only action a legal practitioner takes to better understand legal matters relating to Indigenous peoples. In 2016, The Advocates’ Society formed a Task Force of individuals with experience and interest in working with Indigenous Peoples in the legal context. The Task Force members, listed at the end of this Guide, are members of the bar of varying levels of seniority, from public and private practice, and former members of the bench. Our outreach led to a three-way partnership for the project, adding the expertise and resources of the Indigenous Bar Association and the Law Society of Ontario (formerly Law Society of Upper Canada). For more than a year, the Task Force worked together to identify key areas of focus for learning and practical guidance. Task Force members conducted extensive research and shared their own varied personal experiences. Upon completion of a draft version of this Guide, the Task Force engaged in a series of consultations with a broader cross-section of members of the bar, bench, academia, community workers and Elders. Feedback was gratefully collected from individuals and associations across the country, through meetings, conferences, telephone interviews and electronically. The result is a Guide which incorporates the views of a number of leading authorities who work with Indigenous Peoples on a regular basis. We thank everyone who provided input. The Guide is not intended to be exhaustive or an all-encompassing resource. It is only a starting point for advocates and others working with Indigenous peoples in legal proceedings. The Guide was prepared respectfully and with our best efforts. We recognize that there will be generalizations and omissions, particularly given the diversity of Indigenous cultures, traditions and histories across a vast geography. The learning through this project and other initiatives must continue. This Guide is intended to be an iterative and living document. It will be supplemented and amended from time to time with a continued view towards reconciliation. Comments on the Guide are welcome and may be sent to [email protected]. PUBLICATION VERSION – May 8, 2018 Please send comments to [email protected] 4 1.2 Key Themes This Guide is intended to assist lawyers – litigation counsel in particular – as they work with Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples) and related issues in Canada.3 A better understanding of Indigenous Peoples, including histories, cultures, laws, including spiritual laws, and legal orders, is an essential part of representing and working with all members of our communities. Indigenous law is important to everyone, not just Indigenous peoples. Treaties and the Constitution are the highest law of the land. This Guide aims to provide
Recommended publications
  • Aboriginal Title and Free Entry Mining Regimes in Northern Canada
    Aboriginal Title and Free Entry Mining Regimes in Northern Canada Prepared for the Canadian Arctic Resources Committee by Nigel Bankes Professor, Faculty of Law The University of Calgary [email protected] and Cheryl Sharvit LLM Candidate Faculty of Law The University of Calgary [email protected] July 1998 ISBN 0-919996-77-9 TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments 1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................................................1 1.1 Two Hypotheses..........................................................................................................................1 1.1.1 The Free Entry Hypothesis.........................................................................................1 1.1.2 The 1870 Order Hypothesis.......................................................................................2 1.1.3 Other Possible Hypotheses.........................................................................................3 1.1.4 Mining legislation and land claim agreements ...............................................................6 1.2 Background.................................................................................................................................6 1.2.1 Some Examples of Conflicts Between Free Entry Mineral Exploration and Aboriginal Peoples...............................................................................................7 1.2.1.1 Baker Lake Uranium Exploration........................................................7
    [Show full text]
  • 2013 Indspire Award Recipient Biographies
    2013 Indspire Award Recipient Biographies Arts: Jacqueline Guest Métis Alberta As a writer of fiction for children and youth, her characters often depict Indigenous cultures and deal with common issues such as bullying and blended families. Guest has published numerous short stories and 17 novels to date which are read throughout Canada and around the world. She has been presenting First Nation and Métis culture for over 20 years to Canadian audiences as a sought after speaker, presenter, workshop leader and educator. She fosters future writing careers as a mentor to up- and-coming Indigenous writers through online coaching. Her novels Free Throw and Triple Threat won the 2012 American Indian Youth Literature Award from the American Indian Library Association. Her recent novel Ghost Messages was a Silver Birch Finalist and won a gold medal at the prestigious Moonbeam Awards. Guest currently travels across Canada spreading the word of literacy and sending positive messages through her many public appearances and book signings. Business & Commerce: Charlie Evalik Inuit Nunavut Since the mid 1980’s, he has been fostering self -reliance through improved economic opportunities for Inuit communities, especially through the establishment and promotion of Inuit-owned business. Evalik was also an important contributor to the settlement of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and the creation of the new territory of Nunavut. He is a founding member of the Nunavut Resources Corporation (NRC) and currently serves as Chairman of Board. NRC was developed to diversify and develop the economy of Nunavut by attracting investment capital to the region. Capital secured by the NRC is then invested by direct equity investments in resource companies in Nunavut, and indirect investments in non-renewable resource projects.
    [Show full text]
  • Akwesasne Mohawk Casino, Docket No. 01-1424
    United States of America OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH REVIEW COMMISSION 1120 20th Street, N.W., Ninth Floor Washington, DC 20036-3457 SECRETARY OF LABOR, Complainant, v. OSHRC Docket No. 01-1424 AKWESASNE MOHAWK CASINO, Respondent. DECISION AND REMAND Before: RAILTON, Chairman; STEPHENS and ROGERS, Commissioners. BY THE COMMISSION: Akwesasne Mohawk Casino ("AMC") is located in Hogansburg, New York, on the St. Regis Indian Reservation. The St. Regis Reservation straddles the St. Lawrence River and includes land in northern New York and in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. AMC employs approximately 170 people, about half of whom are American Indian. Pursuant to a warrant approved by the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) inspected AMC and a warehouse used by AMC on March 26, 2001. As a result of the inspection, the Secretary of Labor (“the Secretary”) issued two citations to AMC. AMC timely contested the citations, and on August 9, 2001 the Secretary filed a complaint with the Commission. On September 4, 2001, AMC filed a motion to dismiss the citations and complaint, alleging that OSHA lacks subject matter jurisdiction over its operations. 2005 OSHRC No. 1 2 Before us on review is an order of Commission Administrative Law Judge Michael Schoenfeld in which he granted AMC's motion to dismiss the citations. The judge based his order on a finding that application of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § § 651-678 ("OSH Act"), to the working conditions at AMC would abrogate rights guaranteed by treaties between the United States and Indian tribes, concluding that AMC qualified for an exception to the rule that "...a general statute in terms applying to all persons includes Indians and their property interests." Federal Power Commission v.
    [Show full text]
  • REPORT Table of Contents
    WITHIN A GENERATION, EVERY INDIGENOUS STUDENT WILL GRADUATE 2019 – 2020 ANNUAL REPORT Table of Contents 02 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR 03 MESSAGE FROM THE CEO 05 BY THE NUMBERS 06 RESEARCH KNOWLEDGE NEST (RN) 08 RIVERS TO SUCCESS (R2S) Enriching Canada through 10 NATIONAL GATHERING FOR INDIGENOUS EDUCATION 11 GUIDING THE JOURNEY: INDIGENOUS EDUCATOR AWARDS Indigenous education and 12 SOARING: INDIGENOUS YOUTH EMPOWERMENT GATHERING by inspiring achievement. 14 BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES: BURSARIES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS 16 INDSPIRE AWARDS 18 FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES 19 BOARD OF DIRECTORS 20 SPONSORS AND DONORS ($100K+) 21 2019 NATIONAL GATHERING FOR INDIGENOUS EDUCATION 22 2020 SOARING: INDIGENOUS YOUTH EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE – OTTAWA 24 2020 INDSPIRE AWARDS 25 2020 A FEAST IN THE FOREST 26 BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES SUPPORTERS $100,000+ 28 ANNUAL DONORS 02 Indspire 2019–2020 INDSPIRE ● ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020 1 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR David Tuccaro MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO Roberta L. Jamieson On behalf of Indspire’s Board of Directors, it is her intention to step away from her roles as my pleasure to share with you this report which President & CEO of Indspire and Executive highlights the achievements of Indspire over the Producer of the Indspire Awards. Since 2004, past 12 months. under Roberta’s leadership, financial support to First Nation, Inuit, and Métis students has At Indspire, we always challenge ourselves to are connected with Indigenous mentors who In 2019-2020, Indspire awarded an unprece- increased eightfold: 42,500 scholarship and lead with relevance and innovation. We firmly help them prioritize their own development, dented $17.8 million in scholarships, bursaries bursaries valued at over $132 million have been believe that improving educational attainment seek out exciting opportunities, and ultimately and awards to First Nations, Inuit and Métis distributed.
    [Show full text]
  • 2000 Canliidocs 144 Given Rise to Confusion and to Controversy, Niveau Provincial
    458 ALBERTA LAW REVIEW VOL. 38(2) 2000 "STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS": SECTION 88 OF THE INDIAN ACT AT FIFTY KERRY WILKINS• Section 88 of the Indian Act, which provides, as a La clause 88 de la Loi sur les lndiens qui regil, en matter of federal law, for the application of much tant que JoiJederale, I 'application de nombreuses provincial law to Indiaru, is fifty years old this loi.s provinciales sur /es Indiens a cinquante ans year: an apt time to review what we know of its cette annee. Le moment est done tout indique pour origins and to reflect on the impact it has had on revoir ce que nous connaissons de ses origines et de the Canadian law of Aboriginal peoples. This nous pencher sur ses retombees sur le droit article attempts just such an assessment. canadien des Autochtones. Cet article se veut une As it turns out, we know very little about the tel/e evaluation. · reasoru for s. 88 's enactment; when introduced, it II s 'mere que nous savons peu de choses sur attracted almost no scrutiny from the public, in /'adoption de cette clause. Lorsqu 'elle a ete Parliament, or even at Cabinet. In the years since, presentee, elle n 'a pas vraiment attire /'examen du we have paid dearly for that inattention. By public, du parlement ou mime du cabinet. Depui.s, happenstance, it has managed to Jul.fill its original nous avons paye cher pour celle inattention. Elle a, mandate to protect Aboriginal peoples' treaty rights par hasard, reussi a remp/ir son mandat original de from the impact of standards enacted provincially.
    [Show full text]
  • Insight-No19.Pdf
    IRPP The Emerging Policy Insight Relationship between Canada and the Métis Nation January 2018 | No. 19 Janique Dubois Summary ■■ The Supreme Court of Canada decided in 2016 that the federal government’s jurisdiction over First Nations and Inuit people extends to the Métis. ■■ Initiatives such as the 2017 Canada-Métis Nation Accord suggest the federal government is committed to deepening its relationship with the Métis. ■■ A true government-to-government relationship will require an ongoing commitment to respect the Métis as partners in policy-making Sommaire ■■ La Cour suprême du Canada a établi en 2016 que la compétence constitutionnelle du gouvernement fédéral à l’égard des Premières Nations et des Inuits s’étend également aux Métis. ■■ Des initiatives comme l’Accord Canada-Nation métisse de 2017 indiquent que le gouvernement fédéral s’engage à renforcer ses relations avec les Métis. ■■ Pour mettre en œuvre de véritables relations de gouvernement à gouvernement avec les Métis, il faudra un engagement permanent où les Métis sont des partenaires. ON APRIL 13, 2017, Métis Nation President Clément Chartier and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signed the Canada-Métis Nation Accord. Through it, Métis and federal leaders have agreed to develop priorities and programs jointly and to advance Métis rights, claims and aspirations. As the Prime Minister declared, “we now have a solid foundation upon which to move forward with a respectful, renewed Métis Nation-Crown relationship, for the benefit of all Canadians.”1 This historic agreement is part of Canada’s commitment to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through nation-to-nation relationships. The signing of the Canada-Métis Nation Accord marks a significant shift in the federal government’s approach to the Métis.
    [Show full text]
  • A Sketch Account of Aboriginal Peoples in the Canadian Military
    A SKETCH ACCOUNT OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLES IN THE CANADIAN MILITARY by John Moses with Donald Graves and Warren Sinclair © Minister of National Defence Canada 2004 Font Cover Image : © Re-creation by Ronald B. Volstad, DND Available only in electronic form Également disponible en français sous le titre : UN APERÇU DE LA PARTICIPATION DES PEUPLES AUTOCHTONES À L'HISTOIRE MILITAIRE CANADIENNE Contact Officer : DHH // ADMHR-Mil // DND © 2004 DND Canada A Sketch Account Of Aboriginal Peoples In The Canadian Military TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION THE FAME OF ANCIENT WARRIORS 2 CHAPTER 1 THE COMING OF THE EUROPEANS 5 CHAPTER 2 IN DEFENCE OF THEIR NATION 17 CHAPTER 3 THE PATH TO ACCEPTANCE 28 CHAPTER 4 REBELLIONS, RAIDS AND RIEL, 1837-1871 38 CHAPTER 5 AT HOME AND ABROAD 50 CHAPTER 6 THE WORLD WARS 62 CHAPTER 7 THE LAST FIVE DECADES 75 CONCLUSION 84 A Sketch Account Of Aboriginal Peoples In The Canadian Military FOREWORD The authors' work stands on its own merits, and needs no introduction, as, in every way, it is admirable; but when asked by Dr. Serge Bernier, the Director of History and Heritage, to write a foreword, I could not refuse. I was deeply honoured and privileged to have been appointed the "Aboriginal Champion" for the Canadian Forces. Over the last three years, I have learned many things about their unique culture. Today, more than 1200 First Nations, Inuit and Métis Canadians serve with the Canadian Forces at home and overseas with the same fervour and pride as their ancestors. Their diversity is extraordinary. They represent over 640 distinct bands, sharing common beliefs and practices, and all unique in themselves.
    [Show full text]
  • Federal Pre-Budget Submission to the Minister of Finance January 2016
    Federal Pre-Budget Submission to the Minister of Finance January 2016 Introduction Indspire is Canada’s only Indigenous-led, registered, national charity dedicated to advancing the educational outcomes of the country’s First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Since 1985, Indspire has pursued its vision of enriching Canada by advancing Indigenous achievement through the promotion and advancement of First Nations, Inuit and Métis educational, cultural, social and economic achievements. Indspire is dedicated to raising funds for three purposes : (1) To provide support and funding for the post-secondary education and training of First Nations, Inuit and Métis students; (2) to promote, celebrate and support the achievements of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people (youth in particular); and (3) to assist communities and educators in improving K-12 educational outcomes. 2014-2015 Indspire Highlights Named one of Canada’s top charities by the Financial Post A successful matching campaign with the federal government raised $24 million with the support of provincial governments, individual Canadians and a host of corporations and organizations Over $14 million awarded to Indigenous students through close to 5,000 financial awards through the Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships, and Awards program Almost 1,000 awards worth close to $3.2 million awarded to Indigenous students to pursue health career-related studies $300,000 in financial awards to Indigenous students studying trades. Indspire enables Indigenous people to aspire to brighter futures through its two flagship programs: Indspire’s K-12 Institute and the Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships, and Awards program, as well as through the annual Indspire Awards.
    [Show full text]
  • Federation of Ontario Law Associations White Paper
    FEDERATION OF ONTARIO LAW ASSOCIATIONS & THE TORONTO LAWYERS’ ASSOCIATION COUNTY AND DISTRICT LAW LIBRARIES: ENSURING COMPETENCY IN THE PROFESSION AND ACCESS TO JUSTICE WHITE PAPER 1 Contents I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................ 1 II. CONTEXT OF LAW LIBRARIES TODAY ............................................................................................................. 5 A. History of Courthouse Libraries, LibraryCo, and LiRN ....................................................................... 5 B. Costs of Maintaining Core Library Collections and Operations ........................................................ 7 C. Services Provided by Law Libraries ................................................................................................... 9 III. THE ROLE OF LAW LIBRARIES IN ONTARIO ................................................................................................ 10 1. Competency .................................................................................................................................... 10 A. Access to Justice .............................................................................................................................. 11 B. Mental Health ................................................................................................................................. 13 IV. Statistics on Library Use .................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Implications of the Delgamuukw Decision on the Douglas Treaties"
    James Douglas meet Delgamuukw "The implications of the Delgamuukw decision on the Douglas Treaties" The latest decision of the Supreme Court of Canada in Delgamuukw vs. The Queen, [1997] 3 S.C.R. 1010, has shed new light on aboriginal title and its relationship to treaties. The issue of aboriginal title has been of particular importance in British Columbia. The question of who owns British Columbia has been the topic of dispute since the arrival and settlement by Europeans. Unlike other parts of Canada, few treaties have been negotiated with the majority of First Nations. With the exception of treaty 8 in the extreme northeast corner of the province, the only other treaties are the 14 entered into by James Douglas, dealing with small tracts of land on Vancouver Island. Following these treaties, the Province of British Columbia developed a policy that in effect did not recognize aboriginal title or alternatively assumed that it had been extinguished, resulting in no further treaties being negotiated1. This continued to be the policy until 1990 when British Columbia agreed to enter into the treaty negotiation process, and the B.C. Treaty Commission was developed. The Nisga Treaty is the first treaty to be negotiated since the Douglas Treaties. This paper intends to explore the Douglas Treaties and the implications of the Delgamuukw decision on these. What assistance does Delgamuukw provide in determining what lands are subject to aboriginal title? What aboriginal title lands did the Douglas people give up in the treaty process? What, if any, aboriginal title land has survived the treaty process? 1 Joseph Trutch, Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works and Walter Moberly, Assistant Surveyor- General, initiated this policy.
    [Show full text]
  • Gladue Principles User Guide for Gladue Report Writers
    TheGLADUE PRINCIPLES A GUIDE TO THE JURISPRUDENCE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FOR GLADUE REPORT WRITERS BENJAMIN A. RALSTON TheGLADUE PRINCIPLES A GUIDE TO THE JURISPRUDENCE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FOR GLADUE REPORT WRITERS PURPOSE This guide has been created as a tool to be used in conjunction with The Gladue Principles: A Guide to the Jurisprudence (“The Gladue Principles”). It provides a short summary of relevant considerations specifically for Gladue report writers tasked with collecting case-specific information in support of the court’s application of the Gladue principles. Discussion of the role of Gladue reports can be found in Chapters 10 & 11 of The Gladue Principles as well. The points summarized here are all derived from existing case law and citations are provided as endnotes for ease of reference. If more detailed discussion is provided in The Gladue Principles, pinpoint references are provided to the full-length text. Copyright 2021 © BC First Nations Published by the Indigenous Justice Council Law Centre BC First Nations Justice Council Indigenous Law Centre Suite 103, 3500 Carrington Rd. University of Saskatchewan Westbank, British Columbia 160 Law Building, 15 Campus Drive Canada V4T 3C1 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Phone: 778.940.1520 ext 103 Canada S7N 5A6 Email: [email protected] Phone: 306.966.6189 https://bcfnjc.com/ https://indigenouslaw.usask.ca While financially supported by the Law Foundation of British Columbia, the BC First Nations Justice Council, the Indigenous Law Centre and the author, Benjamin Ralston, are solely responsible for all content. OVERVIEW This document summarizes jurisprudence in relation to the following questions: A) What are the Gladue principles that need to be applied?...........
    [Show full text]
  • Ontario Court of Justice
    ONTARIO COURT OF JUSTICE DATE: 2020-10-02 COURT FILE No.: BETWEEN: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN — AND — Sherry Turtle, Audrey TURTLE, Loretta TURTLE, Cherilee TURTLE, Rocelyn R. MOOSE, Tracy STRANG Before Justice D. Gibson Heard on May 7, July 30, November 26, November 29, 2019, May 20, June 23, 2020 Reasons for Judgment released on October 2, 2020 Rebecca Senior ..........................................................................counsel for the Crown Daniel Guttman, Estee Garfin………………………..……….counsel for the Attorney General of Ontario – Civil Law Division – Constitutional Law Branch Jonathan Rudin…………………………………...counsel for Aboriginal Legal Services Luke Hildebrand…………………………………….counsel for Pikangikum First Nation John Bilton…………………counsel for Sherry TURTLE, Audrey TURTLE, Loretta TURTLE, Rocelyn R. Moose Karen Seeley………………………………………………………….counsel for Cherilee TURTLE, Tracy STRANG Gibson, D.: 1. Sherry Turtle, Audrey Turtle, Loretta Turtle, Cherilee Turtle, Rocelyn R Moose and Tracey Strang are all band members of the Pikangikum First Nation and each of them live, together with their young children, on the First Nation Territory of Pikangikum. 2. Each of these accused has pled guilty to a drinking and driving offense that, in their circumstances, carries with it a mandatory minimum jail sentence of not more than ninety days. — 2 — 3. The parties to these proceedings agree it would be open to each of these accused, in the normal course, to request an order of this Court allowing them to serve their sentences intermittently. Indeed, the Crown has acknowledged they would not oppose such requests. 4. The challenge for these defendants is that the Pikangikum First Nation Territory is an isolated fly in community hundreds of kilometers from the nearest district jail in the City of Kenora and it is financially and logistically prohibitive for them to travel to and from there, from weekend to weekend, at their own expense, to serve out their sentences.
    [Show full text]