Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation. Annual Report

Transcription

1 Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation Annual Report

2 Photo by Bobby Binguis, Restorative Justice Worker, NALSC

3 Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation Annual Report TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the Chairperson Report of the Executive Director Introduction Operations and Management Financial Control and Management Accountability Systems and Management...3 Information Technology Final Comments Report of the Area Director - Legal Aid Ontario 4 Legal Aid Lawyers Duty Counsel Courts.5 Legal Aid Staff Community Legal Workers Sioux Lookout Office Summary Advice Court Charters..6 Future Plans Legal Aid Ontario Summary Advice Statistics..7 Certificates Issued Stats for Andreas Asmus Community Legal Workers...10 Report of the Restorative Justice Coordinator...11 Department of Justice Restorative Justice Program MCYS Youth Justice Restorative Justice Program...12 MCYS Youth Justice Youth Intervention Program 13 Community Workshops and Education..14 Protocol Development Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre Ministry of the Attorney General Protocol with Timmins Police NAPS and NAN Legal Protocol 15 Overall Statistical Trends Restorative Justice Program Annual Statistics Youth Justice Initiative Annual Statistics Report of the Special Projects Manager...20 Talking Together Statistical Tracking Sheet Report of the Public Legal Education and Communications Officer April 1, 2008 to October 31, October 14, 2008 to March 31, Report of the Victim Witness Liaison Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation Staff and Board..30 Supplemental Financial Statements (enclosed) Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation Thunder Bay Office: 86 S. Cumberland Street Thunder Bay, ON P7B 2V3 Tel: (807) Fax: (807) Toll Free: Head Office: Fort William First Nation 684 City Road Thunder Bay, ON P7J 1K3

4 Page 1 Message from the Chairperson Morris Wapoose Keewaywin is the Annual General Meeting of the Members for Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation (NALSC) for the purpose of hearing our Annual Report and appointing an Auditor. I am pleased to deliver this year s Annual Report as Chairperson of NALSC. This year has been marked by organizational change as we have selected a new Executive Board; appointed a new Board member for Mushkegowuk Tribal Council; appointed a new Elder for the Central Zone, and made operational changes. The Board and the organization are steadfast in managing the organizational changes which will position NALSC in a manner that will make us more responsive to the needs of our communities; accountable to our Members, and relevant to tribal justice initiatives and plans. It has been a pleasure working with the staff at NALSC. NALSC provides an important service to the people of Nishnawbe Aski Nation by ensuring that the people have access to justice. The Staff remains diligent in their duties and responsibilities and should be commended for their dedication and work ethic. NALSC had an audit prepared by BDO Dunwoody and we have received the report and are recommending that the Members render their approval. NALSC received a good rating and we are in an excellent financial position to proceed with our planned change and continue with our operations. We continue to work-down the surplus from LAO while maintaining a stand of performance that surpasses any other Area Office and second to none when it comes to our Department of Justice and Talking Together Program services. The organization will continue to be a leader in Aboriginal legal services; restorative justice and alternative dispute resolution. During this next fiscal year there will be business opportunities as we discuss continuance with the Funding Agencies and other organizations and by collaborating with Leadership in your initiatives and plans for tribal justice. NALSC still has difficulties in our recruiting efforts; obtaining office space in our communities, and appointing a board member from the Independent First Nations. We humbly ask the Leadership for your assistance in these matters and look forward in working with you and your communities in the advancement of tribal justice and promotion of Aboriginal self determination. It has been a pleasure working with the staff at NALSC. NALSC provides an important service to the people of Nishnawbe Aski Nation by ensuring that the people have access to justice. The Staff remains diligent in their duties and responsibilities and should be commended for their dedication and work ethic. Miigwetch, Morris Wapoose

5 Page 2 Report of the Executive Director Larry W. Jourdain Introduction: The Executive Director has been in place for one year and has been involved mainly with managing and supervising the organizational activities and responsibilities. This report covers the main progression of operations at NALSC for the past year and the business trends for FY that the managers will discuss in their reports. This year has been a steep and short learning curve for the Executive Director but NALSC has been advancing forward with purposeful and planned change. As always Nishnawbe goals and the original intent for the organization will be the foundation for change and I hope the Chiefs and Councillors appreciate the success of their organization. Operations and Management The Executive Director has been managing the organization with the assistance of the MGMT Team. The MGMT Team continues to review progress: financial, program and personnel, engages in planning activity and make decisions. The main business of the MGMT Team has been to review the budgets (revenue and expenditures); set work plans and confirm funding for FY There have been five HR decisions that were rendered (termination); ten personnel evaluations; six new hires, and progress is being made in recruiting for some of the latent vacancies. NALSC continues to have difficulty in acquiring office space in the communities and we humbly request your assistance. Funding has been confirmed for TTP and DOJ and NALSC has had preliminary discussions with LAO respecting various subjects which includes operational logistics; reallocation of funding (responding to demands), and the MOU. The Human Resource and Compensation Study are proceeding; there are plans for on-site reviews and interviews and the study will further add to the organizational change process. Financial Control and Management The MGMT Team meets to review financial information (revenues, expenditures and variances) to maintain a smooth operation of the organization as well as controlling the monthly budget expenses, forecasts and surplus. The full implementation of Adagio G4 accounting software has really been helpful in managing budgets and with personnel administration. The MGMT Team and each manager examine and supervise their budgets (receivables, payables and disbursements); to assure that their respective programs are on budget and spending is in accordance to the planned goals and objectives. The MGMT team has been involved in the audit process participating with the on-site auditing review and with the preliminary Audit Report. The Chiefs at Keewaywin will need to pass a Resolution to approve our Annual Report and appoint our Auditor for the upcoming year. BDO and the MGMT will need to make plans and develop a strategy for any surplus that will match organizational goals.

6 Page 3 Report of the Executive Director Accountability Systems and Management The Managers have been holding program meetings to supervise the activities of their workers; establish rapport and provide direction and develop relationships within the teams; within the staff and outside the organization which includes our funding agencies and tribal leaders and conduct case reviews. The program assistants have been very vital in maintaining statistical information as they track trends and service demands in the communities and manage personnel administration. NALSC continues to attend meetings with various organizations; participate in leadership meetings, and attend sessions with funding and government agencies (collaborative) to discuss and make business plans and decisions. Their staff continue to attend training sessions to hone their skills; obtain new knowledge and acquire improved approaches and techniques for their respective programs. Each program is expected to provide a training plan complete with a budget to maximize the benefits to the organization and the professional development of the staff. All of these activities are planned and implemented to advance accountability and improve services to our clients. Information Technology The organization has been utilizing the available technology and making the investments to up-grade our hard and soft ware. NALSC has been installing an IT system designed to improve our operations and business management. There have been some preliminary discussions with NorTec Computers to provide an assessment of our IT system and provide a plan for managing our IT needs and improve accessibility. NALSC will continue to take advantage of new technology to manage our operational expenses with such IT innovations as: Go-to-Meetings, Video Conferencing; Videophones; PROCafe; Web-based and Web-cam presentations; Life Space and Smart Boards. Final Comments NALSC has to continue to be a leader in Aboriginal legal services, restorative justice and alternative dispute resolution by increasing its utilization of IT applications. During this next FY there will be business opportunities that will arise as we discuss continuance for funding with Agencies and other Organizations. The MGMT Team at NALSC will continue to advance professionalism and high quality performance for our people and Leaders while maintaining Nishnawbe determinism. Respectfully submitted, Larry W. Jourdain Executive Director

7 Page 4 Report of the Area Director LAO Mary Jean Robinson Another year has gone by and Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services continues to operate an Area Office of Legal Aid Ontario. We provide Legal Aid assistance to all members of NAN First Nations residing on and off reserve in Northern Ontario who qualify for assistance under the Legal Aid Services Act. Legal Aid Certificates Our ability to issue certificates is controlled by the Legal Aid Services Act and policies are set at the Provincial Office of Legal Aid Ontario. As a result, a person charged with a criminal offence who is not facing custody cannot receive a certificate to retain a lawyer but must either use the services of duty counsel or represent him/herself. Where Restorative Justice workers or Talking Together services are available, we encourage our staff to have these matters diverted to the Aboriginal Justice process. There is much more work to be done in this area with police, crowns, duty counsel, child welfare agencies and others to increase the number of matters being taken out of the Euro-Canadian justice system. Statistics for certificates issued are included with this report. When a person qualifies for a Legal Aid Certificate, a certificate is issued to the lawyer of their choice from a list of lawyers willing to accept this work. The certificate is then issued to the lawyer who bills Legal Aid Ontario directly. While we issue the certificates, the lawyers are paid by Legal Aid Ontario not by Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services. Legal Aid Lawyers Lawyers apply to have their names added to our panel of lawyers and must qualify and be approved by the Area Director. In addition to panels for criminal and family matters, we also have a panel of senior lawyers who are qualified to take on very serious matters. This ensures a high standard of representation for individuals who face significant periods of incarceration if convicted. At the present time, senior lawyers throughout Ontario are boycotting Legal Aid Ontario as the rate of pay is insufficient to enable them to take on these cases. At the present time all NAN clients facing this type of matter are represented by senior lawyers however, this could change if the boycott continues for any significant period of time. When a person qualifies for a Legal Aid Certificate, a certificate is issued to the lawyer of their choice from a list of lawyers willing to accept this work. The certificate is then issued to the lawyer who bills Legal Aid Ontario directly. While we issue the certificates, the lawyers are paid by Legal Aid Ontario not by Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services. Duty Counsel Nishnawbe-aski Legal Services continues to ensure that both a family lawyer and a criminal lawyer are available in the communities on both the advance and court days. These lawyers are available to provide advice, assist in court for remands and to make submissions when an individual wishes to enter a plea. They can also provide help when a person does not have a lawyer but wishes to have a trial. This assistance is limited to explaining procedure as duty counsel do not do trials.

8 Page 5 Report of the Area Director LAO Courts The schedule for courts is set by the judiciary and while every effort is made to have regularly scheduled courts, this can change. Every effort is made to respect the needs of the communities when there is a death and of course there is always the issue of weather. On those occasions when there are no pleas or trials, the court may function by video for the sole purpose of remanding people to the next date. There is some discussion with respect to expanding the role of the video courts and we will be seeking direction and advice from the communities with respect to this issue prior to any changes being implemented. Legal Aid Staff In addition to myself as Area Director, our Area Office staff includes Heather Baillie, Legal Aid Coordinator, Doreen Stone and Mary Kakepetum, Assessment Officers, Rose Mae Poster, Legal Aid Assistant and Marceline Muckuck, General Office assistant (temporary). In addition to applications taken in person or by telephone, we also receive video applications from individuals in custody in Kenora, Thunder Bay and Monteith. Community Legal Workers A list of the Community Legal Workers (CLW s) including the communities they serve is attached to this report. Over the past year they have received training in a variety of areas including understanding Gladue issues in sentencing; the role of the Coroner and the Coroner s Act, the Office of the Registrar General regarding birth registrations, collection agencies, bankruptcy and other issues of concern in the communities they serve. Sioux Lookout Office We share an office with Legal Aid Ontario and four CLW s work from this location. We also share the services of Andreas Asmus, staff lawyer LAO. He assists by accepting our certificates for family and child welfare matters and providing summary advice and brief services to NAN members. A copy of his statistics for are attached. Summary Advice A Duty Counsel lawyer is present in the Thunder Bay office three afternoons per week to provide summary advice and brief services to members who either attend in person or reach us by calling our toll free number. This lawyer is not employed by Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services. The lawyer bills Legal Aid Ontario directly and the role is similar to Duty Counsel in a court but provides assistance and advice from our office. A Duty Counsel lawyer is present in the Thunder Bay office three afternoons per week to provide summary advice and brief services to members who either attend in person or reach us by calling our toll free number. This lawyer is not employed by Nishnawbe Aski Legal Services. The lawyer bills Legal Aid Ontario directly and the role is similar to Duty Counsel in a court but provides assistance and advice from our office.

9 Page 6 Report of the Area Director LAO Court Charters We are now part of Ontario Shared Services with respect to charter aircraft. Legal Aid Ontario pays a per seat cost for lawyers, CLW s and some other NALSC staff with the remaining seats being billed to other government agencies. As Nishnawbe Aski Legal Services does not pay the cost of seats on the charter, we are unable to transport anyone other than those connected to the court party or Legal Aid. Future Plans We will be focusing on improving our internal processes and in particular in-house referrals to other programs so we decrease members involvement in the Euro-Canadian justice system. The recession is, of course, impacting everywhere including Legal Aid Ontario and we are struggling to cope with cutbacks to our certificates while attempting to improve access to justice for members of NAN First Nations. Lawyers are now receiving an additional five hours on criminal certificates to address what are called Gladue issues. This refers to a decision of the Supreme Court of Canada and the Criminal Code that require courts to take into account special concerns when sentencing Aboriginal offenders. Aboriginal people continue to be over-represented in custodial institutions and more must be done to find alternatives to incarceration. As always your advice and guidance throughout the year is very much appreciated. Respectfully submitted, NISHNAWBE-ASKI LEGAL SERVICES MARY JEAN ROBINSON Area Director Legal Aid Ontario Lawyers are now receiving an additional five hours on criminal certificates to address what are called Gladue issues. This refers to a decision of the Supreme Court of Canada and the Criminal Code that require courts to take into account special concerns when sentencing Aboriginal offenders. Aboriginal people continue to be overrepresented in custodial institutions and more must be done to find alternatives to incarceration.

10 Page 7 Report of the Area Director LAO NISHNAWBE-ASKI LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION LEGAL AID ONTARIO-SUMMARY ADVICE STATISTICS April March 2009 Statistics TOTALS Criminal 128 Phone 425 Males 263 Family 148 Call Employment 27 Females 311 Civil 132 Walk In 144 Estate 24 First Nation 10 Follow Up 6 Treaty 2 Other 104 MATAWA 196 WINDIGO 41 Aroland 11 Bearskin Lake 15 Constance Lake 30 Cat Lake 6 Eabametoong 52 Koocheching 2 Ginoogaming 7 North Caribou Lake 9 Hornepayne 1 Sachigo Lake 5 Long Lake #58 26 Slate Falls 4 Neskantaga 27 Whitewater Lake 0 Nibinamik 17 WABUN 32 Webequie 25 Beaverhouse 4 IFNA 38 Brunswick House 6 Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug 12 Chapleau 0 Lac Seul 14 Matachewan 13 Muskrat Dam 3 Mattagami 7 Pikangikum 4 Wahgoshig 2 INDEPENDANTS 78 MUSHKEGOWUK 46 Mishkeegogamang 37 Attawapiskat 7 Flying Post 1 Chapleau Cree 0 Marten Falls 17 Fort Albany 20 Mocreebec 0 Kashechewan 2 Sandy Lake 16 Missanabie 3 Weenusk 7 Moose Cree 12 Moose Factory 1 KEEWAYTINOOK OKIMAKANAK 39 Taykwa Tagamou 1 Deer Lake 21 SHIBOGAMA 18 Fort Severn 8 Kasabonika Lake 10 Keewaywin 12 Kingfisher Lake 0 MacDowell Lake 0 Wapekeka 2 North Spirit Lake 3 Wawakapewin 1 Poplar Hill 6 Wunnumin Lake 5 Other 80 TOTAL CLIENTS ASSISTED = 574

11 Page 8 Report of the Area Director LAO NISHNAWBE-ASKI LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION CERTIFICATES ISSUED Applications Issued Variance to Target # (over)/under Criminal Homicide Sexual Assault (27) Narcotics = Cocaine & Heroine Robbery Break & Enter (17) Weapons Offences (23) Assault (210) Theft (57) Threatening Death/Bodily Harm (10) Fraud Impaired Driving (22) Other Vehicle Offences 5 12 (7) Mischief (3) Other Drug Offences 3 4 (1) Fail to Comply (95) Other (17) Subtotal Criminal (479) Family Family Law/Children's Law Reform (59) Child and Family Services Act Divorce 1 3 (2) Other Domestic Subtotal Family (49) Other Civil Mental Health Prison Civil Tribunal Civil Litigation 0 2 (2) Other Civil Subtotal Other Civil TOTAL (519)

12 Page 9 Report of the Area Director LAO Stats for Andreas Asmus from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009 Month Number of Files opened Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Certificates only Summary Advice Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services areas only April 4 8 May 1 14 June 3 12 July 1 8 August 0 16 September 6 1 no certificate CAS matter October 6 13 November 7 9 December 1 10 January 5 13 February 6 18 March 8 8 Total New files breakdown by location Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Pembroke (Lac Seul member) Cat Lake 1 Pikangikum 6 Deer Lake 2 Poplar Hill 5 Fort Severn 2 Sandy Lake 2 Kasibonika 3 Sioux Lookout 15 Keewaywin 1 Wapekeka Lac Seul 2 File breakdown by type Custody, Child Support, Access 31 Weagamow Lake 3 Wunnumin 1 Advice only Family Matters 10 Tikinagan/Kenora-Patricia Family Services 3 Advice only CAS Matters 2 Divorce 2

13 Page 10 Report of the Area Director LAO Community Legal Workers Community Legal Worker Location Communities Serviced Don Sainnawap Sioux Lookout Kasabonika Lake, Kingfisher Lake, Wapekeka, Wawakapewin, Wunnumin Lake Evelyn Boissoneau Timmins Beaverhouse, Brunswick House, Chapleau Ojibway, Matachewan, Mattagami, Wahgoshig Gideon Kakepetum Sioux Lookout Deer Lake, Fort Severn, Kee-Way-Win, McDowell Lake, North Spirit Lake, Poplar Hill, Sandy Lake Irene Spade (part-time) Mishkeegogamang Mishkeegogamang Jacob Mekanak Sioux Lookout Bearskin Lake, Cat Lake, North Caribou Lake, Sachigo Lake, Slate Falls Maggie Beardy Sioux Lookout Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Muskrat Dam, Lac Seul Madelaine Kioke Moose Cree Moose Cree, Moosonee Lisa Echum Ginoogaming Aroland, Constance Lake, Ginoogaming, Hornepayne, Long Lake #58 Robert Moonias Thunder Bay Eabametoong, Neskantaga, Marten Falls, Nibinamik, Webequie Stella Kiokee-Koostachin Attawapiskat Attawapiskat, Fort Albany, Kashechewan, Peawanuck Vacancy Pikangikum Pikangikum

14 Page 11 Report of the Restorative Justice Coordinator Derek E. Lyons Over the past few years we have seen much growth and expansion in the Restorative Justice Program. From 3 fulltime workers serving 14 communities back in 2003, we have expanded our youth/adult programs to 7 full-time staff serving a total of 33 NAN communities. In addition, we have developed a new program which works closely with probation services and various community service providers for the sake of youth ages 12 to 17. This program is community based and has 7 full and part-time staff serving youth in 8 NAN communities. We are very excited to have been given the opportunity to service more NAN communities and look forward to reporting the many successes and overcoming the various challenges that are yet to come. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Restorative Justice Program Under Resolution 90/26, Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation received direction from the Chiefs of Treaty No. 9 to strive in creating and promoting alternative and community based justice systems. We are very excited to have been given the opportunity to service more NAN communities and look forward to reporting the many successes and overcoming the various challenges that are yet to come. The Department of Justice (DOJ) established the Aboriginal Justice Strategy (AJS) in 1996 to address the overrepresentation of Aboriginal peoples in the criminal justice system. The AJS focuses on strengthening the capacity of Aboriginal communities in order to reduce victimization, crime and incarceration rates through increased community involvement in the local administration of justice. The original mandate of the AJS was renewed and expanded in 2002 to allow for increased training and support to community programs and increased capacity building in the local administration and enforcement of Aboriginal laws. The DOJ Restorative Justice Program is for both adults and young persons and services 21 NAN First Nations with 4 Restorative Justice Workers, 1 Coordinator and 1 Assistant to the Coordinator. The model adopted by the program in discharging its service to the communities is called Community Accountability Conferencing (CAC). Restorative Justice serves to put responsibility for maintaining community peace, harmony and control back into the hands of the First Nation community. Generally, upon receiving a diversion from the Courts, a circle is set-up which allows offenders and his/her supporters, the victim and his/her supporters, community Elders, local front-line workers and community members to meet and discuss how the wrong has affected others and to ultimately determine, as a group, how the harms can be repaired for the benefit of not only the victim but for the community at-large. Ultimately, the diversion program aims to give the community more empowerment over crime and its resolution by diverting criminal offences to the Restorative Justice Program. This past year, the DOJ program has facilitated 100 circles in the 21 communities serviced under this initiative, almost double from the previous year.

15 Page 12 Report of the Restorative Justice Coordinator MCYS YOUTH JUSTICE Restorative Justice Program The Youth Justice Initiative began serving youth in April 2006 and currently services 12 NAN communities with 3 Community Youth Justice Workers, 1 part-time Coordinator and 1 part-time Assistant to the Coordinator. Not unlike the Department of Justice program, this program uses the Community Accountability Conferencing (CAC) Model. Generally, this initiative s objectives are; To acknowledge the effects of crime on victims by making young persons aware of the consequences of their actions and to make these same young persons accept responsibility for their actions. To provide collective support for the victim. To replace ineffective conventional court systems and processes with a more people based Community Accountability Conferencing Model. To allow participants to repair the damage that was caused by the offender and to minimize further harm that may be caused by the offender. The conference agreement comes from the participants, not the facilitator. To provide community-based alternative interventions to reduce re-offending rates and address prevention, rehabilitation, integration and reparation of harm in the Treaty # 9 area. Young persons age years at the time of pre-charge or post-charge of an offence are eligible to participate in the program. Facilitators, through the involvement of victims, offenders and the community identify and address the needs that result from an offence and seek resolution through the Restorative Justice Circle that affords reparation, healing and successful reintegration while preventing further harm. Interventions are focussed on repairing the harm caused by crime while holding the young person accountable for his/her actions in a manner consistent with local culture. Referrals will generally be made through the Crown Attorney, the police, probation officers or community. Follow-up to monitor the completion of the restorative measure is conducted in all cases. Facilitators, through the involvement of victims, offenders and the community identify and address the needs that result from an offence and seek resolution through the Restorative Justice Circle that affords reparation, healing and successful reintegration while preventing further harm. Once the terms of the Circle Agreement have been fulfilled a final report is sent back to the referral source for ultimate disposition at Court. Most diversions result in stays or a complete withdrawal of charges. This past year we have facilitated over 60 Restorative Justice Circles centered around youth between the ages of 12 and 17 years of age.

16 Page 13 Report of the Restorative Justice Coordinator MCYS YOUTH JUSTICE Youth Intervention Program In late 2005, the Ministry of Children and Youth Services and NAN Legal began discussions to develop and implement a youth specific program which would assist NAN youth who have outstanding probationary orders. Setting up and maintaining community linkages for these youth was the general objective with positive and meaningful experiences being the ultimate goal. The program commenced in the spring of 2006 and has since assisted over 110 youth in finding meaningful placements for various community service orders. It has also assisted these same youth in establishing a path for their future. This program has 7 full and parttime staff servicing 8 NAN communities. The overall objective of this initiative is to work with and assist in the provision of services to support NAN youth in conflict with the law, and his/her family, in meeting case management plan expectations and to assist with their rehabilitation and reintegration pursuant to the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). Unlike the Community Youth Justice Initiative (above MCYS YOUTH JUSTICE Restorative Justice Program ) this program operates as a linkage between current probation services and the community working together for the sake of the youth. Success and the effectiveness of this initiative will always depend on the continued support and direction from both probation and the community. The Community Intervention Workers (CIWs) are responsible for helping develop, organize and supervise activities for youth clients and monitor the terms of all court ordered dispositions. Ongoing updates to the Probation Officers/Case Managers will be made until the terms of court ordered dispositions have been met. Some of the expected activities that may be developed for youth under this local initiative could include the young person cutting wood for an Elder or assisting a local Elder with household chores. Other activities may include participating in community green-days (i.e. clean-up days) or working on the development and coordination of local cultural days. Essentially, the idea is for that young person to gain a better understanding about how his/her behaviour affected others in the community and to make reparations by giving back to the community in a meaningful way or doing something for the victim directly. Young persons will gain new insight into the cause and effects of their behaviour, but the process may also lead them to develop new skills, interests or to seek out further training opportunities. The overall objective of this initiative is to work with and assist in the provision of services to support NAN youth in conflict with the law, and his/her family, in meeting case management plan expectations and to assist with their rehabilitation and reintegration pursuant to the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). Case referrals are received from Probation Officers and/or Case Managers. Once referrals have been made, the case will be screened to determine its suitability for the program. The Probation Officer or Case Manager and CIW will be responsible for deciding whether or not the young person is suitable to participate in the intervention program. If there is no willingness to be accountable by a young person referred to the program, and there is lack of progress made with service orders the matter may be referred back to its referral source as a last resort.

17 Page 14 Report of the Restorative Justice Coordinator COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS & EDUCATION One of the key objectives of each of the above programs is to continuously provide onsite community visits. In furtherance of this objective, we have recently developed a new position (funds permitting) called the Restorative Justice Community Development Liaison. Since the establishment of this position our new worker has visited over 26 of the NAN communities conducting Restorative Justice Workshops and information sessions. As well, this new worker has promoted the programs and the corporation through 17 radio broadcasts on local media (Wawatay) to bring more awareness to the NAN communities of our Restorative Justice Program. In addition to these efforts, each of our Restorative Justice Workers continue to facilitate workshops and develop local justice committees in the communities that they each service. PROTOCOL DEVELOPMENT Numerous protocols have been drafted between NAN Legal and other partners/interested parties. Some of the most important protocols developed in the past year or so include the following: Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre The protocol between the Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre and NAN Legal has been finalized. It was signed in early September, The purpose of the protocol is to ensure NAN youth that have charges before the court have the option of dealing with their offence in either Thunder Bay or in the community in which they currently reside. Ministry of the Attorney General The protocol with the Ministry of the Attorney General requires much negotiation; however, a draft has been presented to all programs in Ontario. A meeting to discuss the protocol took place on November 19 th, 2008, in Toronto at the Ministry of the Attorney General s Offices. Overall, the meeting went well. We had an opportunity to review the document in its entirety and to express our concerns and thoughts for revisions. We expect a follow-up meeting early this fall. Protocol with Timmins Police The Timmins Chief of Police, having heard about our protocol with the OPP, has expressed an interest in entering into a similar protocol for pre-charge diversions in the Timmins area. This project is new and will be worked on over the coming months. Once signed, this new partnership should increase our program s presence in the City of Timmins and outlying area. To date, we have received a draft from the Timmins Police and are currently reviewing it...we have recently developed a new position (funds permitting) called the Restorative Justice Community Development Liaison. Since the establishment of this position our new worker has visited over 26 of the NAN communities conducting Restorative Justice Workshops and information sessions. As well, this new worker has promoted the programs and the corporation through 17 radio broadcasts on local media (Wawatay) to bring more awareness to the NAN communities of our Restorative Justice Program.

18 Page 15 Report of the Restorative Justice Coordinator NAPS and NAN Legal Protocol An overall general protocol between NAN Legal and NAPS is being discussed. This new protocol would encompass all of NAN Legal s programs including Restorative Justice. We hope to develop this protocol (renewed partnership) over the coming months and have it effective as soon as possible. OVERALL STATISTICAL TRENDS Over the past year we have seen an increase in the number of referrals to our program and, as well, the number of facilitated circles. We continue to strive to facilitate as many circles as possible, with particular emphasis on those cases where the greatest positive impact on the accused, victim and community as a whole can be achieved. The number of circles for young persons versus adults is generally the same and the difference between gender referrals is approximately 50/50. We are seeing more referrals being made for more serious offences such as aggravated assaults and domestic assaults, however, the majority of referrals continue to be those offences that are generally less severe. Respectfully submitted, Over the past year we have seen an increase in the number of referrals to our program and, as well, the number of facilitated circles. We continue to strive to facilitate as many circles as possible, with particular emphasis on those cases where the greatest positive impact on the accused, victim and community as a whole can be achieved.

19 Page 16 Report of the Restorative Justice Coordinator Restorative Justice Program Annual Statistics Fig. 1 Community Training Workshops Cases Diverted* Charges to RJ Circles Held Ongoing Brunswick House Chapleau Matachewan Mattagami Wahgoshig Outreach Eabametoong Marten Falls Neskantaga Nibinamik Webequie Outreach Bearskin Lake Cat Lake Mishkeegogamang Muskrat Dam Weagamow Lake Outreach Poplar Hill N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A North Spirit Lake N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Keewaywin N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Deer Lake N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A McDowell Lake N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Fort Severn N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Outreach N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A TOTAL Young Offender Diversions Zone 1 Outreach Communities: Attawapiskat, Moose Factory, Timmins, Chapleau Cree, Cochrane, and Iroquois Falls Zone 2 Outreach Communities: Big Trout Lake, Bearskin Lake, Kasabonika Lake, Pikangikum, North Spirit Lake, and Constance Lake Zone 3 Outreach Communities: Sandy Lake, Keewaywin, Pikangikum, Deer Lake, Pelican Falls, North Spirit Lake, Big Trout Lake, Wapekeka Zone 3 Outreach Communities: Sandy Lake, Pikangikum, Big Trout Lake *Cases Diverted = court referrals + community referrals (Adults & Youth) N/A No worker in place

20 Page 17 Report of the Restorative Justice Coordinator Restorative Justice Program Annual Statistics Fig. 1 continued Community Circles Cancelled Victim Contacts Files Closed ** # of Circle Participants Brunswick House Chapleau Matachewan Mattagami Wahgoshig Outreach Eabametoong Marten Falls Neskantaga Nibinamik Webequie Outreach Bearskin Lake Cat Lake Mishkeegogamang Muskrat Dam Weagamow Lake Outreach Poplar Hill N/A N/A N/A N/A North Spirit Lake N/A N/A N/A N/A Keewaywin N/A N/A N/A N/A Deer Lake N/A N/A N/A N/A McDowell Lake N/A N/A N/A N/A Fort Severn N/A N/A N/A N/A Outreach N/A N/A N/A N/A TOTAL Zone 1 Outreach Communities: Attawapiskat, Moose Factory, Timmins, Chapleau Cree, Cochrane, and Iroquois Falls Zone 2 Outreach Communities: Big Trout Lake, Bearskin Lake, Kasabonika Lake, Pikangikum, North Spirit Lake, and Constance Lake Zone 3 Outreach Communities: Sandy Lake, Keewaywin, Pikangikum, Deer Lake, Pelican Falls, North Spirit Lake, Big Trout Lake, Wapekeka Zone 3 Outreach Communities: Sandy Lake, Pikangikum, Big Trout Lake *Cases Diverted = court referrals + community referrals (Adults & Youth) N/A No worker in place

21 Page 18 Report of the Restorative Justice Coordinator Youth Justice Initiative Annual Statistics Fig. 1 Zone Training Workshops Cases Diverted* Charges Circles Held Ongoing Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Sandy Lake Pikangikum Outreach Moose Cree Fort Albany Attawapiskat Kashechewan Outreach Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug n/a n/a 0 2 n/a n/a 0 3 n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 0 1 n/a n/a 0 3 Kasabonika n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 0 0 King Fisher Lake n/a n/a 3 1 n/a n/a 6 6 n/a n/a 6 0 n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 6 6 Pikangikum n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 0 2 n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 0 1 n/a n/a 0 2 Wunnumin Lake n/a n/a 3 0 n/a n/a 3 0 n/a n/a 6 0 n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 2 0 Outreach n/a n/a 2 0 n/a n/a 2 1 n/a n/a 0 1 n/a n/a 0 1 n/a n/a 0 1 TOTALS *Cases Diverted = court referrals + community referrals N/A No worker in place

22 Page 19 Report of the Restorative Justice Coordinator Youth Justice Initiative Annual Statistics Fig. 1 continued Zone Circles Cancelled Victim Contacts Files Closed # of Circle Participants Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Sandy Lake Pikangikum Outreach Moose Cree Fort Albany Attawapiskat Kashechewan Outreach Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 0 6 Kasabonika n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 0 0 King Fisher Lake n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 1 1 n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 0 0 Pikangikum n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 1 0 n/a n/a 0 4 Wunnumin Lake n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 1 0 n/a n/a 0 0 Outreach n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 0 0 n/a n/a 2 0 n/a n/a 0 22 TOTALS *Cases Diverted = court referrals + community referrals N/A No worker in place

23 Page 20 Report of the Special Projects Manager Arlene M. Dodge I was hired as the Special Projects Manager in January At this time of hiring, there were 2 vacancies and the program was at a critical juncture in its development. The Program has not received the referrals that it had originally envisioned nor has the Program reached its potential within the communities. In addition, the Program has endured a high rate of turn over in its personnel and management. In spite of the programs trials, the Talking Together team remains confident. The team has been invited to Dilico to provide training regarding the Aboriginal Dispute Resolution process. And, the team has also provided training on 3 separate occasions for the new Dilico family service workers regarding the Talking Together process. To date, we have 2 Facilitators. We have Susan Chokomolin in the Timmins area and Ralph Taylor in Sioux Lookout. Our Thunder Bay Facilitator has resigned and the position has been posted. The Facilitators have been extremely busy. The Facilitators ensure that through the Circle process we can improve communication between the worker/ client relationship, reduce conflict and increase cooperative problem solving, and create the stability for children sooner by resolving placement disputes in a timely way. The following are some highlights of Program Activity for the past fiscal year. There have been 85 inquiries There have been 83 referrals largest referral is the Children s Aid Societies Total Opened Files is 83 There have been 203 families served There have been a total of 64 circles that have been facilitated by the Facilitators for the fiscal year. The total number of circles, where an agreement has been reached is 51. This number represents the number of circles where a plan was developed and signed by the parties to the circle. When this number is compared to the total number of circles, the success rate is 80 percent where a plan has been developed with the participation and to the satisfaction of the parties to the circle. Our goal is to keep children within Aboriginal families and the success rate of maintaining Aboriginal children with Aboriginal families is 43.5 percent as a direct result of the activities of the TTP. There have been a total of 42 workshops and outreach activities that have been conducted by the Facilitators for the fiscal year. Purpose of the Program: The Talking Together Program provides an important service to the families who have become involved with a Children s Aid Society. It is imperative that this process gives the parents a voice within the Circle process. Unfortunately, the referral process has been slow due to staff turnover. Our team plans to access as many Child and Family Service Organizations and support services as possible to discuss our program and the benefits of mediating their disputes.

24 Page 21 Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation Talking Together Program Statistics Community Total # of Inquiries Total # of New Referrals Total # of Opened Files Total # of Files Where No Circle Occurred & Why Total # of Families Served Total # of Children Served Total # of Circles CAS/ CFS BR/C PO CA FM CM C IA O CC AC W NS SC O Age 0-5 Age 6-12 Age Total Initial Follow-Up Final Total Thunder Bay Moose Cree Wabun Timmins Moosonee Attawapiskat Deer Lake Red Lake Sioux Lookout Mishkeegogamang Ignace Lac Seul Bearskin Lake Cat Lake North Caribou Wunnumin Lake Constance Lake Cochrane Pikangikum Wapekeka Chapleau Ojibway Mattagami Saugeen Totals Legend # of New Referrals # of Files Where no Circle Occurred & Why CAS/CFS CAS or Child and Family Service Agency CC Client Cancelled BR/C Band Rep/Council AC Agency Cancelled PO Police NS No Show CA Community Agency W Weather FM Family Member SC Scheduling Conflicts CM Community Member O Other C Client (self) Referral IA Intra-Agency (LAO) O Other

25 Page 22 Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation Talking Together Program Statistics Community Total # of Total # of Circles Participants Where in Circles Agreements Reached Total # of Circles W/O Agreements Reached Total # of Files Where OCL Involved Total # of court ordered Circles Total # of Agreements Filed With Court * Total # of Agreements Where Children are Maintained in Families Total # of Agreements Where Child Was: Total # of Clos ed Files Workshops/Outreach PA PSM DO NS O SP SM SS P O FH EX:F C SC/ NF GH EX:D C NAF/ DC AFF/ DC GC AOH O Workshops Outreach Total Thunder Bay Moose Cree Wabun Timmins Moosonee Attawapiskat Deer Lake Red Lake Sioux Lookout Mishkeegogamang Ignace Lac Seul Bearskin Lake Cat Lake North Caribou Wunnumin Lake Constance Lake Cochrane Pikangikum Wapekeka Chapleau Mattagami Saugeen Totals Legend # of Circles W/O Agreements Total # of Agreements Where Children are Maintained in Families Total Agreements Where Child Was: PA Participants Animosity SP Agreement Was Met/Achieved FH returned back to family home PSM Pertinent Stakeholders Missing SM Agreement is Being Maintained EX:FC placed with extended family members in same community DO Differences in Opinion SSP Support Systems in Place SC/NF placed in same community with non-family members NS No Show O Other GH placed in group care in home community O Other EX:DC placed with extended family members in different community NAF/DC placed with non-family Aboriginal foster family in different community AFF/DC placed with Aboriginal foster family in different community OCL Office of Children's Lawyer GC placed in group care home AOH placed in agency operated home * Note 1 UK Unknown O Other

26 Page 23 Report of the Public Legal Education and Communications Officer Claudia C. Belda April 1, 2008 October 31, 2008 The year was a busy one for the PLE program and for me personally as I was getting ready to go on maternity leave. We continued to work on existing partnerships and were also busy winding down other projects. For example, this time period marked the end of our government funding for Indian Residential School workshops. Nonetheless, we continued to provide our services to all who called or dropped by the office. We also managed to secure some IRS binders which helped us provide some of our clients with information on their time at the Indian Residential Schools. Similarly, this was also the end of NALSC s Law Library Project. With our funding exhausted, I am happy to report that our law library is now equipped with updated and relevant legal information which allows our staff to provide our clients with the legal information they need. We also continued with our ProBono Law Telejustice Project. We recruited more lawyers and continued to explore a way to open up our legal information website to the public, while continuing to write articles that answered some of the questions most frequently asked by our clients. The Public Legal Education Program also participated in other partnerships. One of these includes being part of a Public Education Advisory Committee that included the Ontario Native Women s Association (ONWA), the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC), Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) and Family Law Education for Women (FLEW). Together we developed a series of information booklets specifically geared towards aboriginal women, dealing with issues such as child and spousal support, marriage and divorce, child protection and more. In addition, we also participated in another advisory committee in partnership with METRAC, dealing with the re-launch of the pamphlet Swimming with Sharks, which is a helpful pamphlet for women experiencing violence. However, since my pregnancy limited my travel and because I was getting ready to pass the program to my replacement, Bruce Beardy, I could not do as many visits as I had planned to do in those six months. Nevertheless, I still participated in as many projects as I could and travelled as permitted. Public Legal Education takes many forms at Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services. All activities are aimed at promoting a better understanding of the legal system and the provision of legal information for Nishnawbe Aski Nation communities, community members, service providers and justice personnel as well as the general public.

27 Page 24 Report of the Public Legal Education and Communications Officer The following are some events and visits carried out in the first half of the fiscal year: Event Location Date Native Cultural Awareness Queen Elizabeth School, May 12, 2008 Week / Career Fair Sioux Lookout Public Awareness Day Hornepayne May 16, 2008 CLW Training Thunder Bay May 21-22, 2008 Thunder Bay Law Association Career Day Career Fair Thunder Bay May 22, 2008 Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug May 28-29, 2008 Globe and Mail interview Thunder Bay June, 2008 on ill effects of IRS money on reserve Gathering of Our People Moosonee July 30-31, 2008 Conference call with the Law Commission regarding IRS lessons, possible legislation, education efforts, etc. Gang Awareness Presentations 2nd Annual ProBono Conference (speaker) Anishnawbe Mushkiki Open House booth Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) Conference (speaker) Aboriginal Interagency Council booth Thunder Bay July 31, 2008 Eabametoong August 19, 2008 Vancouver September 17-20, 2008 Thunder Bay September 19, 2008 Toronto October 6-7, 2008 Thunder Bay October 22, 2008 Overall, the PLE program has continued to provide legal information and awareness to all of our clients in the NAN communities and Thunder Bay, while continuing to advocate for change in the legal arena. The Public Legal Education Program also participated in other partnerships. One of these includes being part of a Public Education Advisory Committee that included the Ontario Native Women s Association (ONWA), the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres (OFIFC), Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) and Family Law Education for Women (FLEW). I look forward to continuing to provide such services next year. Thank you, Claudia C. Belda Public Legal Education and Communications Officer

28 Page 25 Report of the Public Legal Education and Communications Officer Bruce K. Beardy October 14, 2008 to March 31, 2009 While Claudia was preparing to take her maternity leave from the Public Legal Education and Communications Officer position, I was hired as her replacement in mid October 2008 and my report for the fiscal period covers October 14, 2008 to March 31, My first 2 weeks as the new PLE involved training and generally getting to know the program. During the remainder of the fiscal year, PLE continued to assist NAN members with CEP applications, questions and answers. PLE responded to and distributed Reconsideration and IAP applications as requested, including referrals to lawyers who are responsible for IAP lawsuits. PLE also continued to update the library books and when requested posted job advertisements on the NAN Legal website. PLE program continued to help the field staff with the NALSC promotional materials. Promotional and gift items were ordered and restocked. Our winter newsletter was completed and distributed to NAN communities and to other interested members and organizations associated with NALSC. Because of the high costs to publish the newsletter in full colour, a decision was made to limit the number of colours down to a maximum of 2. This move saved the organization more than half of what it would cost to print it in full colour. Similarly, the spring newsletter and annual report were completed in this manner. PLE met with the Thunder Bay Police Services Aboriginal Liaison and with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Services Community Initiatives Coordinator on different occasions. Discussions focused on some of the legal issues that the NAN high school students face when they leave their communities to come to larger urban centres like Thunder Bay. A meeting was also held with the principal and a counselor from the Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School. The overall idea is to develop curriculum and present these issues to grade 7 and 8 students in their communities for their awareness and intervention before they leave for high school. Much of the NALSC school curriculum documents on legal issues are outdated and need to be revised and updated. Several new PowerPoint presentations were also developed and were presented to school age children in their communities. The topics presented included self-esteem, solvent abuse, and break and enter (stealing). PLE program continues to be active in public places by promoting, presenting and displaying the NALSC. PLE participation highlights the following (next page):

29 Report of the Public Legal Education and Communications Officer Workshops, Training, Forums, Presentations, Promotion and Displays Date Location Purpose Oct /08 Thunder Bay - NALSC Boardroom NALSC Orientation Page 26 Oct. 22/08 Thunder Bay - Victoriaville Festival of Services Oct. 23/08 Thunder Bay - Travelodge CLW workshop Nov. 4/08 (a.m.) Thunder Bay - Dilico Dilico & NALSC protocol training Nov. 4/08 (p.m.) Thunder Bay - Travelodge-Airlane NAN Forum Data management Nov. 5/08 Thunder Bay - Prince Arthur NAN Forum Data management Nov. 6/08 Thunder Bay - Prince Arthur NAN Forum Education, Governance and Data Management Nov. 19/08 Constance Lake First Nation- Health Career Fair Mamawmatawa Holistic Education Centre Nov. 25/08 Thunder Bay - Victoriaville NALSC presentation to Ontario Works students Foundations for Success Jan. 14/09 Ogoki School Grades K-8 classroom presentations on bullying and vandalism Jan. 20/09 Sandy Lake elementary school Grades 3 and 4 classes presentation on bullying Jan. 21/09 Sandy Lake elementary and high schools Grades 5 and 6 classes presentation on bullying; Grade 7 and 8 classes presentation on bullying; Attended court in the afternoon Attended the 7 Sacred Teachings Workshops; promotion and display of NALSC Attended the 7 Sacred Teachings Workshops Jan. 28 & 29/09 Thunder Bay - Bestwestern Nor wester Jan. 30/09 Thunder Bay - Bestwestern Nor wester Feb. 10/09 Thunder Bay Valhalla Inn Attended the Chiefs Forum: Answering the call for help; Reducing prescription abuse in our communities Feb. 11 & 12/09 Thunder bay Valhalla Inn Attended the Chiefs Forum: Answering the call for help; Reducing prescription abuse in our communities. Volunteered for translation service for the elder. Attended workshops. NALSC promotion and display. Feb. 20/09 Sioux Lookout Pelican Falls Attended the Pelican Falls Career Fair March 24/09 March 4/09 March 26/09 March 27/09 Thunder Bay Bestwestern Nor wester Sachigo Lake Martin McKay Memorial school Wunnumin Lydia Beardy Memorial school Wunnumin Lydia Beardy Memorial school Promotion and display of NALSC for the NAN Women and Youth Gathering Attended the Career Fair at the school Presented Solvent Abuse to grades 3 to 8 Presented Self-esteem and Break & Enter (stealing) to grades 7 and 8 class. The lawyer (Matthew Angeconeb) presented Youth Justice to grades 7 and 8 class and to the high school students. Attended court in the afternoon. PLE suggested to the principal of the school and to the high school teacher to attend the video court in the community. A teacher and 6 civics class students came to listen and observe the court proceedings. It was a good learning experience for the students.

30 Page 27 Report of the Victim Witness Liaison Michelle Donio-King It s that time of year again to enlighten others as to what the Victim Witness Liaison has been doing for the past year. I am happy to be able to report on a full fiscal year this time round!!! I have been extremely busy covering the entire NAN region, with a focus on Zone 2. I am happy to be able to announce the Victim Witness Liaison Expansion Proposal was partially successful as we have been approved funding to obtain one more Victim Witness Liaison worker!!! This potential new Victim Witness Liaison worker will be located in Zone 1 and they will hopefully be in place for the summer of I will be providing the training and become a mentor for this exciting and much needed new staff member. Internal and External Referrals continue to increase as the Victim Witness Liaison s presence has continued to be known throughout the NAN communities. I meet with Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) Constables in various detachments as often as possible to ensure Victim Witness Liaison materials are well stocked and distributed. I have also formed a comfortable working relationship with the Ministry of Attorney General (MAG) Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) staff in the Thunder Bay courthouse, who, in turn have begun to refer Zone 2 members to my program as well! My caseload has steadily increased and in July 2008 the VWL program introduced a Brief Intake to be able to capture statistics that utilized time, but did not warrant the opening of a full Client Intake file. To ensure thorough case management of client files, a complete File Review of all Active Files is performed on a regular basis. Articles submitted this year for the NALSC Newsletter include Victim Impact Statements and the Community Forum on Violence and Health. The mandate of the Victim Witness Liaison is to improve the quality of service to victims / witnesses of crime using a wholistic approach, to encourage, empower clients in a non-intrusive manner and provide alternative justice options such as the restorative justice process. I remain actively involved on the Aboriginal Domestic Violence Committee (ADVC) and enjoy attending their monthly meetings, when I am not attending Court. I continue to remain connected with METRAC (Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children). I have voluntarily joined the Matawa Native Crisis Response Team as well! I have become well known throughout the office for promoting and encouraging Recycling, office waste as well as equipment waste. If anyone has questions they tend to seek me out and ask me for my opinion!!! On August 21 st 2008 I was honoured to be included in a meeting with Ministry of Attorney General (MAG) Facilities Management Branch personnel to provide input regarding aboriginal components for the new Courthouse to be built in the upcoming future.

31 Page 28 Report of the Victim Witness Liaison Training / Workshops / Events attended: May 21 st & 22 nd 2008 Restorative Justice Victoria Inn May 29 th 2008 June 5 th 2008 June 6 th 2008 June 19 th & 20 th 2008 August 11 th 2008 September 15 th 2008 September 18 th & 19 th 2008 October 15 th 2008 October 16 th 2008 October 22 nd 2008 October 23 rd 2008 November 4 th 2008 National Day of Action march participant Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) Banquet & Gala Dilico Anishnawbek Family Care and NALSC Protocol Signing Ceremony for the Talking Together Program Community Forum on Violence & Health in Dryden, ON Met with Walk4Justice Walkers Full Moon Memory Walk participant METRAC final consultation / meetings in Toronto book launch for the Swimming with Sharks Starting the Healing Journey from Assault *VWL Presentation for new staff members Kanawayhitowin: Taking Care of Each Other s Spirits Facilitator Victoria Inn NALSC Display Victoriaville Mall with Public Legal Education (PLE) Community Legal Worker Travelodge (Gladue Reports) NALSC Display Airlane Hotel for NAN Data & Information Management Forum with PLE November 9 th to 12 th 2008 Remembering, Honouring Our Past gathering by Creating Hope Society in Enoch, Alberta November 20 th 2008 November 21 st 2008 November 25 th 2008 December 5 th 2008 Psychological First Aid Valhalla Inn Self Care, Staff Wellness, Self Awareness and Modeling Anishnawbe Mushkiki Aboriginal Community Health Care Centre *VWL Presentation for Ontario Works Foundations for Success program NAN Executive Committee Dinner & Valhalla Inn Internal and External Referrals continue to increase as the Victim Witness Liaison s presence has continued to be known throughout the NAN communities. I meet with Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) Constables in various detachments as often as possible to ensure Victim Witness Liaison materials are well stocked and distributed. December 10 th 2008 January 27 th 2009 February 9 th & 10 th 2009 Staff & Board Christmas Airlane Talking Together Program Valhalla Inn Prescription Drug Abuse workshop volunteered as a runner

32 Page 29 Report of the Victim Witness Liaison Community Court Visits: Fort Hope / Eabametoong First Nation (x7) Ogoki Post / Marten Falls First Nation (x5) Lansdowne House / Neskantaga First Nation (x3) Summer Beaver / Nibinamik First Nation (x1) Client involvement has included the following NAN First Nations members: Fort Hope / Eabametoong, Ogoki Post / Marten Falls, Wunnumin Lake, Webequie, North Caribou Lake / Weagamow Lake / Round Lake, Poplar Hill, Attawapiskat, Constance Lake, Summer Beaver / Nibinamik, Sandy Lake, North Spirit Lake, Osnaburgh / Mishkeegogamang, Muskrat Dam, Ginoogaming, Lac Seul, Peawanuk / Weenusk, Keewaywin, Kasabonika Lake, Pikangikum, Lansdowne House / Neskantaga, Sandy Lake, Savant Lake / Saugeen, Fort Albany, Big Trout Lake / Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug, Longlac #58, Kingfisher Lake, Bearskin Lake, Cat Lake, Fort Severn, Taykwa Tagamou, Brunswick House, Sachigo Lake, and Fort Albany!!! (Last report included 19 communities in a 9 month time span; this fiscal year the Victim Witness Liaison assisted 33 NAN community members!!!) I have continued to provide assistance with Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB) applications, Victim Impact Statements (VIS), support letters and being a liaison between Crown Attorney s and victims / witnesses. I continue to accompany clients to Court, make appropriate referrals and provide ongoing support and information throughout the Court process. Safety Planning, Counselling and advocacy remain a priority and I am very pleased with the increase in services to victims available. Until next time, take care and stay safe! I have continued to provide assistance with Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB) applications, Victim Impact Statements (VIS), support letters and being a liaison between Crown Attorney s and victims / witnesses. Thank You / Meegwetch, Michelle Donio King Victim Witness Liaison NWAC President Bev Jacobs with Michelle

33 Page 30 Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation Staff and Board BOARD OF DIRECTORS Morris Wapoose, Chairperson...Matawa First Nations Management David Thompson, Vice-Chairperson..Keewaytinook Okimakanak Shawn Batise, Secretary Treasurer.....Wabun Tribal Council Simon Winnepetonga... Shibogama First Nations Council Jim Beardy.... Independent First Nations Alliance Chief Glen Whiskeyjack Windigo First Nations Council Mary Jane Metatawabin Mushkegowuk Council Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose (ex-officio). Nishnawbe Aski Nation Greg Koostachin, Elder East Gabriel Echum, Elder Central Abe Kakepetum, Elder.West Vacant...Independents ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT STAFF Larry W. Jourdain.....Executive Director Mary Jean Robinson....Area Director/ LAO Area 48 Suzanne Withenshaw Finance Manager Derek E. Lyons......Restorative Justice Coordinator Arlene M. Dodge.. Special Projects Manager Claudia C. Belda...Legal Education and Communications Officer Bruce K. Beardy..Communications and Promotions Michelle Donio-King Victim Witness Liaison Fred Jacob...Community Development Liaison Carolyn White....Finance Clerk Jennifer Mckenzie Executive Assistant Heather Baillie.....LAO Coordinator Doreen Stone.....LAO Assessment Officer Mary Kakepetum...LAO Assessment Officer Cheryl St. James.....Special Projects Assistant Chantelle Johnson......RJ Assistant Rose Mae Poster..... LAO Assistant Sheba Fox... Receptionist/Assistant Marceline Muckuck Office Assistant Stella Vallelunga Advice Lawyer LAO

34 Page 31 Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation Staff and Board COMMUNITY LEGAL WORKERS Don Sainnawap.....Shibogama Communities Robert Moonias...Matawa Fly-In Communities Evelyn Boissoneau Wabun Communities Gideon Kakepetum...Keewaytinook Okimakanak Communities Irene Spade Mishkeegogamang Jacob Mekanak......Windigo Communities Stella Kiokee Koostachin Mushkegowuk Communities Lisa Echum... Matawa Drive-In Communities Maggie Beardy/June Trout.....IFNA Communities Madelaine Kioke/Gloria Sutherland..Moose Factory/Moosonee RESTORATIVE JUSTICE WORKERS Leahan Parrott......Zone 1 Betty Achneepineskum Zone 2 Bobby Binguis Zone 3 Angela Sinclair-Wood......Zone 3 COMMUNITY YOUTH JUSTICE WORKERS Sandra Quequish.... North Caribou Lake Norah Johnson Sioux Lookout Deanna Heyde Timmins COMMUNITY YOUTH INTERVENTION WORKERS Peter Meekis..... Sandy Lake Ryan Sakakeep.....Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Crystal Flammand Pikangikum Darren Kejick.....Pikangikum Justin Sakaney Fort Albany Peggy Formsma.....Attawapiskat TALKING TOGETHER FACILITATORS Susan Chokomolin Wahgoshig Ralph Taylor Sioux Lookout Madeline Chokomolin..Timmins