National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30, 2022 marks the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – a day for all Canadians to commemorate the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools and honour their survivors, their families and communities.

CBABC acknowledges with sorrow and regret the significant harm done to Indigenous peoples, families, and communities as a result of the role the legal profession played in the implementation and enforcement of assimilationist government laws and policies. CBABC is committed to responding meaningfully and Taking Action on Reconciliation.

To observe the day, we encourage our members to consider their own reconciliation journey and take advantage of these resources.


TRUTH & RECONCILIATION TOOLKIT FOR FIRMS

Developed by the CBA to help firms create their own Reconciliation Response Plan. Can be used as a guide to begin or extend your firm’s reconciliation journey. Each curated section includes examples, templates and important links.


ONLINE LEARNING
Economic Reconciliation Webinar

Economic reconciliation involves reconnecting Indigenous communities – whose economies colonialism worked to segregate and destroy – with local, provincial and national economies. Attend Part 1 of CBABC’s Truth & Reconciliation Series on Sep 30 at 12:30pm. Attend Part 2 and 3 of CBABC’s Truth & Reconciliation Series on Oct 13 and 24. Free for CBA Members.

The Path

Online accredited CBA learning series consisting of 5 modules aimed at increasing Indigenous cultural awareness. Take advantage of CBA members’ preferential rate and join the many thousands of lawyers who have completed this training.

Indigenous Relations Academy Powered by Indigenous Corporate Training Inc., self-guided training with videos and additional resources to help individuals succeed in Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples®.
Witness Blanket A visual online storyboard meant to illustrate the experience of Indigenous peoples in residential schools.

WATCH THESE VIDEOS

Stolen Children | Residential School survivors speak out

Canada's Dark Secret | Featured Documentaries

Uncovered: Truths About Residential Schools | Episode 1

Kuper Island | Residential School Survivors Documentary


From the Provincial Court of BC

Hazelton Indigenous Court marks first anniversary.

Three Indigenous women take part in justice of the peace oath of office ceremony.


NATIONAL CENTRE FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Interactive Map of residential schools and TRC Events

NCTR Archives hosts over five million archive records, including listings of residential schools, descriptions and recordings of TRC events, records such as maps and letters, and more material available to help in understanding Canada’s history.

Canadian defence lawyers 

The Diversity & Inclusion Committee share many valuable cultural competency resources geared towards the legal profession.


SUPPORT SERVICES

Indian Residential School Survivors Society has a 24/7 crisis line available for all residential school survivors, family members and descendants, and traditional counsellors are available upon request. Please call 1-800-721-0066 or 1-866-925-4419.

Lawyers Assistance Program of BC offers a 24/7 support line. Please call 1-888-685-2171.

CBABC Aboriginal Lawyers Forum supports Aboriginal law students, law graduates and lawyers and the issues they face as Aboriginal people in the legal profession.