Quality standards for Siksika Nation certificates
Siksiká / ᓱᖽᐧᖿ Initiative
LAA is instituting quality standards to support consistent, culturally informed service in Siksika Nation.
In this section
Introduction
Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) is committed to improving access to culturally informed legal services for Indigenous clients and Indigenous people and communities engaging with the justice system.
As part of this work, LAA is introducing service requirements and standards, effective June 15, 2026, for staff and roster lawyers who accept certificates for criminal, child welfare and family matters at the Siksika Nation courthouse.
These requirements were developed in collaboration with local community organizations and justice system participants, and are intended to support consistent, high-quality legal services for clients in Siksika Nation.
Quick links
Why are these standards being introduced
These service requirements and standards align with commitments in LAA’s Indigenous Action Plan to strengthen culturally informed, community‑responsive legal services for Indigenous clients and supports LAA’s commitment — outlined in The Path Forward: Strategic Plan 2023–2026 — to maintaining a roster of qualified, effective and accountable counsel.
What this means for you
Starting June 15, 2026, only roster lawyers who have signed the attestation form confirming they have completed these standards and requirements will be eligible to receive certificate offers for the Siksika Nation.
After June 15, lawyers with an active certificate who have yet to complete the attestation from will however continue to receive offers for that client’s additional charges in the Siksika Nation.
Requirements and standards
These requirements and standards consist of six components:
(I) Cultural Competency Workshop
An interactive virtual workshop focused on Indigenous history in Canada and how this context shapes our work in the justice system today.
(II) Resources for Indigenous Clients in Siksika Nation
Lists community resources available to assist Indigenous Clients in the Sikska Nation. It is incumbent upon a lawyer to know their client, the client’s community, the specific legal issues facing that client in the community and the resources available to best serve that client.
While the published list is current as of April 1, 2026, roster lawyers must ensure that they are up to date with the latest resources available to serve their clients.
(III) Guidelines for counsel appearing in Siksika Nation
Outlines practical guidelines and tips for lawyers practising in Siksika Nation. These guidelines reflect the practices of the courthouse and the Nation and are intended to support professional, respectful and effective advocacy for clients.
(IV) Reference Materials and Required Reading
Consists of required reading material for roster lawyers wishing to be offered certificates in Siksika Nation. There are different sections of the reading material.
The first section applies to all counsel. It is a list of material and resources that lawyers acting for any Indigenous Client should be familiar with. This is irrespective of whether the file is a criminal, child welfare or family matter.
Sections two to four are divided by area of law: Criminal, child welfare and family. Counsel wishing to be offered a certificate for that area of law must be familiar with those cases listed in the relevant section. For example, counsel wishing to be offered a criminal certificate must be familiar with those cases listed in the criminal section of the materials. It is not necessary for counsel to be familiar with cases listed in a section of the materials that is not an area for which they wish to be offered a certificate.
(V) Instructions on how to properly complete Gladue Submissions under s.11.10 of the LAA Tariff
Provides instructions on the requirements for Glaude submissions to comply with s.11.10 of the LAA Tariff.
Next steps
- Review and complete the required components as detailed above.
- Register and attend a virtual workshop.
- Acknowledge that you have completed the previous steps and meet the standards by submitting an attestation form through Lawyer Portal by June 15, 2026.
Cultural Competency Workshop
Part one of the requirements is attendance and participation in a virtual workshop focused on Indigenous history in Canada and how this context shapes our work in the justice system today.
The workshop explores:
- Historical and contemporary contexts that shape Indigenous Peoples’ experiences with the justice system
- How the Indigenous Engagement Framework guides respectful, culturally informed engagement in our work
Available dates
Watch a short trailer for the workshop below.
How to sign attestation form
The attestation form is available under the Memberships tab in Lawyer Portal under Membership Enrollment. Click the icon to open the agreement and after reviewing, select Agree.
FAQs
This FAQ section will be continually updated with answers to common questions received regarding these standards.
When do the new standards take effect?
The standards take effect on June 15, 2026.
Who do these standards apply to?
They will apply to all LAA roster lawyers as of June 15, 2026, who want to continue receiving offers for certificates for the Siksika Nation.
What documentation must I submit?
You must submit an online attestation form confirming you have completed all required components as detailed above. The form is in the Lawyer Portal under the Memberships tab.
I have an active Siksika Nation certificate, will it be cancelled on June 15 if I haven't completed the attestation?
No. You may continue working on existing Siksika Nation certificates issued before June 15, 2026. Any additional charges for an existing client with an active Siksika Nation certificate will continue to be offered.
Why are there several reading lists?
The reading list has been broken down into a general mandatory list and several additional lists based on area of law. It is not necessary for counsel to be familiar with cases listed in a part of the materials that is not an area for which they wish to be offered a certificate.
What happens if I don't submit the attestation form?
Starting June 15, 2026, you will not receive new certificate offers for Siksika Nation matters.
Where do I find the attestation form?
The attestation form is available under the Memberships tab in Lawyer Portal under Membership Enrollment.
What if I am the client’s choice of counsel but have not submitted the attestation?
You must complete the required components and sign the attestation form in order to continue to receive certificates, regardless of whether you are preference of counsel.
Who do I contact for clarification or support?
Contact [email protected]
I'm unavailable for any of those workshop times? What can I do?
For exceptional circumstances, email [email protected] and we will connect with you regarding potential alternate dates for completing the workshop.
Contact
For more information, contact: [email protected].
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