June 21 marks National Indigenous Peoples Day — a time to celebrate the rich cultures, contributions, and histories of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples across Canada. At Legal Aid Alberta (LAA), the day is also a moment to reaffirm a deeper, ongoing commitment: access to justice and reconciliation.
For LAA, access to justice for Indigenous communities is a daily responsibility. The organization’s year-round initiatives address the persistent overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice system — a stark reality that demands long-term solutions.
According to Statistics Canada data from 2019 to 2021, Indigenous adults accounted for 42.6 out of every 10,000 people in provincial custody on an average day — compared to just four per 10,000 among non-Indigenous populations. Alberta’s Over-Representation Index — a measure of disparity in incarceration rates — stood at 10.8, the second highest in the country.
Bringing knowledge and passion to supporting Indigenous clients
To help tackle this imbalance, Legal Aid Alberta plays a key role in Indigenous Courts, which began operating in Alberta in 2019. These specialized courts take a restorative approach to criminal justice, including victims and communities that have been harmed by the offender’s actions, in hopes of addressing overrepresentation.
“My goal isn’t to simply close a file,” says Jay Gill, LAA staff duty counsel. “It’s to assist the court in helping clients reconnect with culture, guidance, and the tools they need to succeed — and hopefully never return to court.”
These courts rely particularly on Gladue factors — details about an Indigenous person’s background that include the impacts of colonialism, personal and intergenerational trauma, and systemic barriers that contribute to why the person appears before the courts. The Criminal Code requires all justices to consider Gladue factors when sentencing an Indigenous person to ensure appropriate, culturally informed decisions. These factors can be presented through oral submissions by lawyers or through formal Gladue reports, which are compiled by individuals trained in trauma-informed information gathering.
Learn more about Indigenous court and Gladue reports:
Expanding access to services in Indigenous communities
Access to justice also means meeting clients where they are. Over the past year, LAA expanded duty counsel services to Alexander First Nation, Eden Valley, and Mînî Thnî. By hosting community office days and facilitating remote court appearances, LAA is reducing geographical and systemic barriers.
With the help of Indigenous liaison Aaron Sparvier, a lawyer with a background in criminal law, LAA has opened new communication channels with Indigenous communities and gained important insights to help improve access to legal services for Indigenous peoples.
“The relationship building we’ve been doing with communities is key to improving services for our Indigenous clients,” says Sparvier.
Building understanding from the inside out
LAA’s reconciliation efforts extend beyond the courtroom. Newly hired intake officers and duty counsel receive cultural competency training to better understand and support Indigenous clients. Recent learning events, such as a session with former Justice Eugene Creighton, KC, and Ermineskin Restorative Justice Advisor Blaine Raine, are helping staff build deeper knowledge of Indigenous worldviews.
“The more education we provide about Indigenous ways of knowing and being, the better we can protect our clients’ legal rights,” Sparvier adds.
LAA also participates in broader Indigenous-led initiatives like the Alberta Court of Justice’s Indigenous Lens Symposium and the Yellowhead Tribal Community Corrections Society’s Gladue System Change Project.
A commitment that goes beyond any single day
As National Indigenous Peoples Day brings national attention to the ongoing journey of reconciliation, Legal Aid Alberta continues to move forward with intention — listening, learning, and acting.
“While we are proud of the progress made, we recognize there is still more work ahead,” says Sparvier. “True reconciliation is ongoing, and LAA is committed to this work, not just today, but every day.”
External resources and support
Legal Aid Alberta encourages all Albertans to explore resources that support Indigenous well-being and understanding, including:
- First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness 24/7 Help Line 1-855-242-3310; Support can be provided in English, French, Ojibway, Cree and Inuktitut.