Cultural Competency for 21st Century Public Sector Lawyers
June 22, 2021 | 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Eastern
Zoom Meeting
The Law Societies of British Columbia and Alberta now require lawyers to complete cultural competency training, in response to one of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This session will begin by exploring cultural competency and how this is key to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The session will also provide reflections on the importance of cultural competency for public sector lawyers in dealing with clients, colleagues and members of the public who represent a wide variety of perspectives. Join us to learn why 21st century public sector lawyers must be culturally competent!
Moderator
Margaret Drent, Acting Director of Professional Conduct, General Counsel and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario
Margaret has held a variety of roles in the public sector at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, the Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council, and the Law Society of Ontario. Margaret chaired the OBA Public Sector Lawyers Section in 2019-2020 and is the current Chair of the CBA Public Sector Lawyers Section.
Speakers
Nicole Bresser, Indigenous Legal Relations Group, B.C. Ministry of the Attorney General
Tansi! My name is Nicole (Niki) Danjai Freeborn Bresser. I do not have an Indigenous name as our family has faced colonial impacts and are still working to reclaim a culture that was oppressed for many generations. I honour that I stay connected to my roots as my middle name is a combination of my two maternal grandfathers (Dan and Jack), and recently I changed my name to add a middle name reflective of my husband’s name. I am swampy-cree Metis, with the family names of Todd and Moran. My home – is from the traditional territory of the Metis, now known as Winnipeg. Although, I have never lived in Winnipeg it is my home as that is where my feet and soul feel the most connection to the land. I have been a visitor in W_SÁNEC and Lekwungen territories almost all of my life and I am very grateful for the opportunity to live, work and share the culture in these beautiful territories.
I am a proud mother of two boys, Brooks (2) and Will (5). My sweet boys have been raised with strong Metis culture – a fact I am very proud of.
My educational background includes a Bachelor's of Science degree in Psychology (2005) and a Juris Doctorate (2013). I work as a lawyer for the Province of British Columbia in the Office of the Assistant Deputy Attorney General and worked on the Indigenous Legal Relations team and in private practice. I also teach “Indigenous Justice and the Law” at Camosun College. I have a special interest in ending sexualized violence towards Indigenous women and girls and stopping the harms to our precious life givers. Prior to becoming a lawyer, I worked throughout the South Vancouver Island as an advocate for Indigenous children and youth. Miigwetch – I am honoured to share this space with you.
Sandhya Kohli, Lawyer, Workplace Mediator/Conflict Consultant – Guide Group
Sandhya Kohli practiced in litigation, and later as a Federal Crown prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer. She holds an LLM in Dispute Settlement from Osgoode Hall Law School, and a Diploma in Mediation for Lawyers from Harvard Law School. Ms. Kohli currently practices as a workplace investigator, mediator and conciliator, and enjoys teaching Dispute Settlement to upper year law students at Osgoode Hall. Ms. Kohli holds a special interest in Board governance, and conflict-fueled issues that arise from core governance issues. Ms. Kohli frequently participates as a speaker and trainer to executives in cultural conciliation in the work place arena. She has held appointments as the Integrity Commissioner to five GTA school boards, and is presently the appointed Integrity Commissioner to York Region District School Board.
CBA members are reminded of the resources that have been developed regarding Truth and Reconciliation. Members seeking to further their knowledge on these issues, are also encouraged to enroll in The Path - Your Guide through Indigenous Canada, an accredited series offering a preferential rate to CBA members.
