Lawyers are “pretty cool”
Well, let’s be honest. We don’t hear that very often, do we?
If you are like me, I’m sure you try to stay “hip” notwithstanding that being a lawyer leaves little time for it. Despite my best efforts, I can’t say that I’m often told that being a lawyer is “cool”, and I certainly have never been told this by a pre-teen (except for my nephews of course). That is, until two weeks ago when we launched CLA’s Dare to Dream program in two schools in Calgary.
Well, let’s be honest. We don’t hear that very often, do we?
If you are like me, I’m sure you try to stay “hip” notwithstanding that being a lawyer leaves little time for it. Despite my best efforts, I can’t say that I’m often told that being a lawyer is “cool”, and I certainly have never been told this by a pre-teen (except for my nephews of course). That is, until two weeks ago when we launched CLA’s Dare to Dream program in two schools in Calgary.
The Defence Team, First Nations School of Toronto
You may have already read about CLA’s Dare to Dream program. Our Pilot launched in Toronto last year, which included a mock trial presided over by the Honourable Justice Harry LaForme of the Ontario Court of Appeal (and the first Aboriginal judge to be appointed to any appellate court in Canada). CLA partnered with the Ontario Justice Education Network and the Indigenous Bar Association to create Dare to Dream for Aboriginal youth aged 11 to 14. The program’s short-term goals are to build trusting relationships between the students and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal volunteer lawyers, and to ensure that the students’ first encounter with the justice system is positive and meaningful. The long-term goals are to reduce the disproportionate statistics of Aboriginal youth involvement in the justice system and increase their likelihood of succeeding in school. Through legal education and mentoring activities, CLA is daring Aboriginal youth to dream of graduating high school and pursuing law related careers - and we are committed to helping them on their way.
Brittany Twiss, Marion Lerat (Cree Elder), Shane Cunningham, Marlene Yellow Horn and Randy Bottle (Blackfoot Elder)
Building on the success of the Toronto Pilot, CLA launched Dare to Dream in Calgary with a training event at the Law Society of Alberta on October 15th. 45 volunteer lawyers and law students learned about “Indigenous Ways of Knowing” from Dr. Betty Jean Bastien, Associate Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary; “Participating in Aboriginal Education” from Christopher Scout, System Specialist for Aboriginal Education, Calgary Board of Education; and “Diversity in the Bar” from Carsten Jensen, President of the Law Society of Alberta and partner at JSS Barristers. Marlene Yellow Horn and Shane Cunningham, of the Calgary Board of Education, also got our volunteers on their feet to share their personal histories and aspirations for the future.
Aaron Christoff playing "law jeopardy" at A.E. Cross
On November 14th, Aaron Christoff, one of CLA’s Calgary Coordinators, lead the first Dare to Dream activity with students at A.E. Cross School and Vincent Massey School. Aaron quizzed the youngsters about the justice system through an informal game of jeopardy, followed by small group activities with the volunteer lawyers. The best part for me was getting to know the students, who asked thoughtful questions and were keen to share a few laughs. Marlene and Shane, who oversee the program in both schools, said that the first Dare to Dream activity was “magnificent” and “were most impressed with how quickly relationships were established between students and lawyers.” As we wrapped up the first activity, I asked one of the students what he had learned that day. His response, “um, I learned that lawyers are pretty cool! And don’t do drugs” [insert squiggly face]. I think that is a good start!
Small Group Activities at Vincent Massey
As I prepared to leave the classroom, the students were already bubbling with excitement about their courthouse tour in December, where they will have the opportunity to meet a judge, watch part of a trial, and visit a traditional Aboriginal courtroom. Next semester, the students will work in small groups with our volunteer lawyers to prepare for a criminal mock trial. I can’t wait to watch these bright, young students get into character and bring the law to life. As Sharla Niroopan, a teacher at the First Nations School of Toronto has stated, “…these children are the future of our nation, and through their knowledge and understanding gained in the Dare to Dream program, the possibilities are endless in terms of the impact they can have on a nation.” Now that is pretty cool.
Looking to make a difference in the lives of Aboriginal youth? Please contact me at btwiss@cla-ace.ca and/or make a donation here.
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