25 Indigenous Human Rights Program with Pro Bono Students Canada and other organizations to assist Indigenous com- munity members. “We help them with advice, guidance, and if necessary, taking them to the tri- bunals for hearings,” says Brown. The firm also has an Indigenous speak- ers’ series, which brings in experts from various fields to spark discussion. Aaron Runge, managing partner of MLT Aikins LLP in Western Canada, says his firm has also “embraced the direction from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.” A key priority for the firm is education, specifically ensuring that lawyers and staff learn about the historic injustices towards Indigenous people. His firm hosts events showcasing Indigenous speakers and perspectives and shares educational resources with its lawyers and staff. There’s also an online resource centre, which includes recom- mended readings, films, podcasts and courses. On September 30, Truth and Reconciliation Day, the firm closes its offices to give employees an opportunity to continue their education on Indigenous issues. MLT Aikins LLP is also looking to increase equitable access to jobs by cre- ating an Indigenous scholarship designed to reduce barriers for Indigenous students pursuing legal careers. Runge says that a commitment to truth and reconciliation makes sense from both a moral and a business perspective. “First, we think it's the right thing to do. As lawyers, we have an important role in access to justice and a professional moral obligation to support Indigenous communities,” he says. “If you look at the Indigenous popula- tion which is one of the fastest growing in Canada, from a business perspective, we recognize the strength and influence that Indigenous communities are having now and will have on the future of busi- ness in Canada.” Runge says his firm also serves as legal counsel to Indigenous clients. “Indigenous communities have devel- oped into very sophisticated institution- al clients and significant players in mul- tiple sectors in the Canadian economy, and they require sophisticated legal advice to navigate complex transac- tions,” he says. For other firms, especially smaller ones, looking to increase their commitment to truth and reconciliation with Indigenous people, Runge recommends starting with education on topics such as uncon- scious bias, and learning about historical injustices. However, he cautions that law firms need to ensure that their efforts are not simply performative. For example, if a firm shares educational resources but does not take any other steps to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action. “Focus on how to hire and retain Indigenous lawyers and staff,” Runge says. “You can’t really learn from Indigenous peoples if they’re not in the room with you.” Theodore says that her firm treats the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action as an obligation. “As leaders in our communities, lawyers have the ability and the obligation to help make things better,” she says. This article was written by Caroline James and originally included in the Canadian Bar Association’s National Magazine. You can find it at http://www.nationalmaga- zine.ca/en-ca/articles/legal-market/law- firms/2024/concrete-steps-towards-recon- ciliation Caroline James is a lawyer with Marcotte Law in Prince George, B.C. Disease Facts and Figures). Estate planning is not the most popular topic of conversation. However, your family pet and family members deserve a well thought out transition plan. Doing so will not only help protect what, and who, matters most to you by creating an efficient wealth transfer, it will also ease the burden on your loved ones. Things may be very messy if you don’t plan ahead. “Animals are sentient, intelligent, per- ceptive, funny, and entertaining. We owe them a duty of care as we do our chil- dren.” - Michael Morpurgo, author of War Horse Sandra L. Pierce is The Bag Lady of Bay Street, a TEDx Speaker and Senior Portfolio Manager at RBC Dominion Securities. This article was originally posted at www.allaboutestates.ca and can be found on The Bag Lady’s Blog at https:// ca.rbcwealthmanagement.com/pierce.fox/ blog CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23
