DEFEND PROGRESS: IBA & NILSA URGE LAW FIRMS to STAND FIRM ON DEI COMMITMENTS

JOINT STATEMENT FROM
INDIGENOUS BAR ASSOCIATION
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

In light of the ongoing disparities faced by Black and Indigenous communities within the justice system, we call for the urgent protection of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These initiatives are crucial to addressing the disproportionate representation of Black and Indigenous persons in the justice system and the persistent economic disparity faced by marginalized groups.

We express deep concern over recent reports indicating that some law firms are succumbing to political pressures or other influences that may lead them to withdraw from positive initiatives supporting an equitable justice system in Canada.

Black and Indigenous persons continue to be overrepresented in the justice system, facing higher rates of arrest, conviction, and incarceration compared to their counterparts. This systemic issue not only highlights the need for comprehensive reform but also underscores the importance of implementing DEI initiatives to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all individuals.

The lack of equal economic success among Black and Indigenous communities due to systemic colonial policies further exacerbates the challenges they face within the justice system. Economic disparities limit access to quality legal representation, education, and employment opportunities, creating a cycle of disadvantage. DEI initiatives are essential in addressing these differences and in fostering and promoting  equity.

In recent years, many law firms have made significant strides in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organizations and the broader legal community. These initiatives have been crucial in creating more equitable opportunities and promoting substantial positive change to access to justice issues. 

We would like to highlight the positive work being done by firms such as Bennett Jones (the Future Leaders in Law Scholarship Program), MLT Aikins LLP (the MLT Aikins Indigenous Scholarship), Pape Salter Teillet LLP (The Charles Vincent Indigenous Law Student Scholarship), First Peoples Law (the Indigenous Law Student Scholarship), Cochrane Sinclair LLP (Summer Internship Program and the largest Indigenous-led law firm in Canada), Blakes (Blakes-Level Partnership), Fillmore Riley LLP (the Indigenous Student Scholarship and Part-Time Internship), the various scholarship partners who fund scholarships and programming directly through Law Schools across Canada and the numerous partners to the Avenue: Black and Indigenous Undergraduate Law Internship Program. 

It has come to our attention that certain external pressures may be causing some firms to reconsider their commitment to such critical programs. This trend is alarming and poses a significant threat to the progress that has been made in advancing the rights and representation of minority groups.

We urge all stakeholders to join us in this critical effort. Together, we can create a justice system that not only addresses the disproportionate representation of Black and Indigenous persons but also promotes equal economic opportunities for all.

“We urge law firms to remain steadfast in their commitment to diversity and inclusion,” says Drew Lafond, President of the Indigenous Bar Association. “Succumbing to political pressures or other external influences undermines the integrity of the legal profession and the essential work being done to support diverse communities.”

Kate Anderson, President of the National Indigenous Law Students Association, states,

"DEI initiatives are crucial to uplifting BIPOC voices, promoting justice, and maintaining the health of the legal profession. We call on law firms to not only continue holding space, but to actively seek out and create new spaces for Black and Indigenous students and lawyers”.

We call on all law firms to reaffirm their dedication to these initiatives and to resist any attempts to roll back the progress that has been achieved. It is imperative that the legal community continues to lead by example and uphold the principles of justice and equality for all.

The IBA is the national non-profit organization representing Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, and Inuit) lawyers (practicing and non-practicing), judges, legal academics and scholars, articling clerks and law students, including graduate and post-graduate law students and paralegals in Canada. The IBA’s mandate includes, inter alia, advocating for the recognition of Indigenous laws, legal traditions, protocols and processes; promoting the reform of policies and laws affecting Indigenous peoples in Canada; and fostering public awareness within the legal community in respect of legal and social issues of concern to Indigenous peoples in Canada. For more information, please visit www.indigenousbar.ca.