As part of the Law Society’s strategic priority to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, efforts have focused on strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities, improving access to justice, and addressing systemic barriers within the legal system. Since 2022, this work has included advocacy for permanent funding of the Gladue Writer Pilot Project, delivered by the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network, as well as ongoing education on Gladue and related access-to-justice initiatives. Efforts have also included enhancing Indigenous cultural competency within the Bar Admission Course through Indigenous-led programming and educational opportunities for students.

In 2026, the Law Society continued these efforts through outreach in Labrador, including visits to Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Nain, where representatives met with Indigenous governments, community organizations, service providers, educators, and members of the judiciary to discuss the unique challenges facing Labrador communities and opportunities for collaboration. In partnership with the Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Law Society also delivered legal clinics in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Nain, assisting more than 20 individuals on matters including family law, criminal law, wills and estates, employment law, and long-term disability insurance.

During the same visit to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the Law Society also had the honour of recognizing a historic milestone for the legal profession in the province. Newfoundland and Labrador’s first Innu lawyer, Jolene Ashini of Sheshatshiu, was called to the Bar at a ceremony held in the community.

Her admission represents an important moment in the continued growth of an inclusive and representative legal profession in the province. The Law Society extends its warmest congratulations to Jolene and wishes her every success as she begins her career in the legal profession.

Together, these initiatives highlighted significant barriers many Labrador residents continue to face in accessing legal information and representation, particularly in remote communities, and reinforced the important role the Law Society can play in supporting access-to-justice initiatives, fostering meaningful relationships, and advancing reconciliation.

Posted: 3 June 2026