Indigenous Elders Justice Symposium – “Indigenous Healing & Justice Through the Wisdom of Elders
This symposium was the brainchild of Linda Locke, KC. of USCLAS. Linda, a member of the Sto:lo First Nation, is a giant in the Indigenous Bar, having worked for over 30 years primarily for Indigenous clients at USCLAS.
On March 25 and 26, 2025, the Upper Skeena Counselling & Legal Services Society hosted an Elders Symposium in Vancouver. USCLAS brought together Indigenous Elders working in all Courts across British Columbia for a first of its kind symposium. This symposium was the brainchild of Linda Locke, KC. of USCLAS. Linda, a member of the Sto:lo First Nation, is a giant in the Indigenous Bar, having worked for over 30 years primarily for Indigenous clients at USCLAS. She was the first First Nations woman to receive a Queen’s Counsel designation in 2006 and in 2024, she received CBABC’s prestigious Georges A. Goyer, QC Memorial Award for Distinguished Service.
Linda, who was one of the creators of the Hazleton Indigenous Court, brought together her staff as well as volunteers from across the province to organize this symposium. The goal of this symposium was to “provide a venue for Indigenous people to work within the justice system in a good way. We currently have nine Indigenous courts in British Columbia, and many more are being developed. There is a feeling of excitement and a new hope of justice for Indigenous people. There is a sense that the justice system will be improved and become fairer with the full participation of Indigenous Elders creating healing plans and encouraging positive outcomes for individuals facing legal conflicts within society. Indigenous people have expressed fear and distrust towards the justice system, and they feel it is an extension of the residential school practices. The Indigenous courts offer opportunities towards truth, reconciliation and open communications amongst the participants of the justice system.”
The symposium featured amazing presentations by the Honourable Chief Justice Len Marchand, Jr.; the Honourable L.S. Tony Mandamin, IPC, Retired Federal Court Judge, Tsuut'ina Peacemaking Court; The Honourable Niki Sharma, Attorney General of BC; Darryl Shackelly, Chief Executive Officer, Native Courtworker & Counselling Association of BC; Patricia Munro, Lytton Restorative Justice Manager, Lillooet Indigenous Court Elder, Siska Indian Band Councillor; Zeneta Morton, Manager, Truth & Reconciliation, Legal Aid BC; Clifford White, Nees Ma’Outa, Court Elder, New Westminster Indigenous Court and BC First Nations Justice Council, as well as Graduates from Indigenous Court and others.
This symposium was generously funded by the Law Foundation of BC.
