Pro-bono legal service launched in Calgary for Indigenous people facing criminal charges

A new Calgary organization aimed at addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the legal system launched Monday at a ceremony across from the courthouse. 

The Indigenous Justice Centre Society of Alberta, according to its leaders, represents an act of reconciliation and aims to reduce recidivism rates. 

Indigenous people facing criminal charges can now access the centre for pro-bono, wrap-around services to help them navigate the system.

'Inspirational work'

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek attended Monday's ceremonial launch. 

"What you are doing here at the centre is amplifying Indigenous voices and traditions and culture," said Gondek. "It's important work and It's also inspirational work." 

"It's going to make a real difference in people's lives."

The centre employs a justice system navigator, a Gladue report writer and a criminal defence lawyer. It has funding to hire three more lawyers to provide free services. 

Indigenous people make up about five per cent of the adult population in Canada but account for more than 30 per cent of all individuals in custody, according to Public Safety Canada. 

The overrepresentation is even starker for women. 

One out of every two women in federal institutions is Indigenous.

In its 94 calls to action, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission specifically called on federal and provincial governments to monitor and evaluate the progress made in working toward the elimination of the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in custody. 

'Understanding of intergenerational trauma'

Krysia Przepiorka is an Indigenous lawyer in Calgary and the chair of the Justice Centre board.

She says she's been working toward this day for two years and is "over the moon" to see it finally come to fruition.

"Having a lawyer that an accused person can connect with, that has some understanding of intergenerational trauma, culture and the challenges that Indigenous people face … is so critical to allowing this person to feel heard and understood as they work their way though this complex system," said Przepiorka.

The centre is funded by the Alberta Law Foundation, which supports programs that help deliver legal services and increase vulnerable Albertans' access to justice.

'The pursuit of accessible justice'

Speaking at the ceremony, board chair Paul Chiswell said the foundation "understands that truth and reconciliation is an ongoing journey."

"As part of that collective journey, we are committed to prioritizing the voices of Indigenous people in the pursuit of accessible justice for all Albertans," said Chiswell. 

Retired provincial court judge Eugene Creighton, who is also Indigenous, says he's been advocating for the creation of the centre for years and applauded the "crew" who made it happen.

"We have a lot of our people who find themselves in custody should probably have had proper legal representation," said Creighton. 

IRC executive director Noreen Demeria is still building her team. The IJC is currently hiring for a number of positions.