As part of the 2026 Bar Admission Course, the Law Society will host an Indigenous Cultural Competency Day on Friday, October 2, 2026, anticipated to run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (with a break for lunch). The Law Society is pleased to make the presentations available by Zoom to all members who wish to attend, at no charge.
Planned speakers include Angelina Amaral, Brad Evoy, Mark Gillette, Mary Pia Benuen, and Nina Rumbolt Pye. The day will provide members and Bar Admission Course students with an opportunity to hear directly from Indigenous leaders and representatives from across Newfoundland and Labrador.
While each speaker will determine the focus of their presentation, topics may include the history and contemporary experiences of Indigenous communities in Newfoundland and Labrador; relationships with governments and the legal system; Indigenous rights, governance and legal traditions; the continuing impacts of colonialism and residential schools; experiences with the justice, child protection and other public systems; barriers faced by Indigenous people in accessing legal services and the justice system; and practical considerations for lawyers working with Indigenous clients and communities. Speakers may also address reconciliation and the role that lawyers and the legal profession can play in building respectful and effective relationships with Indigenous peoples.
Members are welcome to attend some or all of the sessions and are not required to participate for the full day. Attendance will qualify for CPD credit based on the amount of time attended.
Format for Members: Zoom
Cost: No charge
Members interested in attending are asked to contact Temi Oje at toje@lsnl.ca.