3 minute read
SectionTalk
New Programs
Section Executives are planning a host of virtual, in-person, and hybrid Section meetings and events for you to enjoy this year. Members had over 20 Section activities in September alone! For a look at the great programs ahead, visit our Programs and Events page (cbabc.org/Sections-and-Community/ Upcoming-Events).
GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
CBABC members have complimentary access to live and on-demand continuing professional development (CPD) programs through Section meetings and unlimited access to all BC and National Sections and Forums. Members also enjoy preferred rates on professional development webinars, series, and conferences. But you need to update your profile (cbaapps.org/ BC_Sections_Enrolment/Login.aspx) and enroll (cbabc.org/sections/enroll) in Sections to take advantage of these and other membership benefits. Be sure to do that today!
HOSTING A HUB
Want to gather your colleagues in person to attend a virtual Section meeting? Let sections@cbabc.org know and your workplace’s location will be promoted to local members to join you there. Have the best of both worlds!
Indigenous Matters: A Year in Review 2021-2022
ABORIGINAL LAWYERS FORUM (“ALF”)
ALF supports social networking and mentoring for Aboriginal law students, graduates, and lawyers. ALF creates opportunities for members to celebrate and remain connected with Aboriginal culture and responds to issues facing the Aboriginal legal community, including how to retain Aboriginal peoples in the profession and enhance their contributions to the practice of law in BC. ALF hosted nine webinars and socials last year, including:
Information Sessions with Indigenous candidates for Law Society Bencher
11th Annual ALF Holiday Banquet celebrating law students and leaders
Consultations on the next Reconciliation Action Plan
ABORIGINAL LAW — VANCOUVER AND VANCOUVER ISLAND SECTIONS
Members of the Aboriginal Law Sections stay current on the political, social, and economic developments and opportunities involving Canada’s Aboriginal communities and help shape legislation and government policy on Aboriginal matters. Noteworthy meetings from last year include:
Annual Aboriginal Law Review
Framework and Process for Additions to Reserve under the Additions of Land to
Reserve and Reserve Creation Act Indigenous Lands and Land Owner
Transparency Act
Your perks are just a click away.
cbabc.org/membersavings for
BRITISH COLUMBIA
The Aboriginal Lawyers Forum (“ALF”) extends great appreciation for your support of its projects and events in 2022.
Our main events were among the first in-person gatherings as the legal community adapted to changes resulting from the pandemic. ALF’s Annual Retreat: “Indigenous Thriving” offered members an opportunity to reflect on the importance of wellbeing in the profession.
ALF worked diligently to raise funds and contribute $20,000 to the Warrior Project in partnership with the Everyone Legal Clinic.
Our online Indigenous Peoples Day Auction continues to reach funding milestones to support the Warrior Project.
We look forward to continuing to work on many great initiatives with the CBABC’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee. Save the date for our
12th Annual Holiday Banquet, on November 25 at the Fairmont Waterfront.
\ EMAIL: SECTIONS@CBABC.ORG
WLF UPDATE by Kyla Lee
CONNECTING WOMEN LAWYERS
Indigenous women in Canada continue to experience the disproportionate effects of mandatory minimum sentences. More likely to be found guilty of or plead guilty to an offence that attracts a mandatory minimum, defences predicated on intimate partner violence are more often rejected.
Senators Kim Pate and Murray Sinclair recently authored a report outlining the miscarriages of justice in the cases of several Indigenous women who were issued mandatory minimum sentences, including for murder.
uuu The report is available at bit.ly/bt1022wlf.
The REAL Initiative
Securing the Future of Rural Practice
The REAL initiative connects rural firms and 2L students for a valuable summer experience. Participating firms receive funding to hire this student for the summer in hopes that they will find their path in rural practice. Help shape the future of your firm and secure the future of rural practice by registering today at cbabc.org/REAL
*Approximately ten firms are selected each summer based on the highest need communities in the province as well as ability/willingness to offer an articling position the following year. RURAL EDUCATION & ACCESS TO LAWYERS