Anishinabek Nation Elders recognized for exceptional justice champions

By Rick Garrick

THUNDER BAY— The Elders’ Council of 13 Indigenous Elders from across Ontario was recently recognized with the 2020 Guthrie Award by the Law Foundation of Ontario. The Guthrie Award is the Foundation’s signature award to recognize exceptional access to justice champions.

“It’s a great honour to get this [award] along with the other 12 Elders on the Council,” says Fort William Elder Marlene Pierre, who was appointed to the Elders’ Council in 2016. “One of the most exciting [highlights of our work] is the Bimickaway training that has been developed by knowledgeable people in relation to the justice delivery system in Ontario. Bimickaway training has been offered now to over 5,900 workers, including crown attorneys and judges, about our way and that has made a significant difference in their point of view about our people and our involvement with the law.”

The Elders’ Council co-facilitates the award-winning 17.5-hour Bimickaway Indigenous cultural competency training sessions for justice sector workers. Bimickaway means to leave footprints in Anishinaabemowin.

“The Guthrie Award is a prestigious award so it just feels very good to be recognized for the work we do as a Council,” says Wiikwemkoong Elder Donna Debassige, who was also appointed to the Elders’ Council in 2016. “(The Bimickaway training) is one of the highlights we’ve accomplished over the past years — it helps because we were able to speak about all of the colonial (impacts) that we’ve had to live with, such as the residential schools. By educating the people that work in that (justice) system, it enables them to understand more, especially with our young people that appear in the court before them.”

Debassige, who also serves on the Anishinabek Nation Kwe-Wuk Advisory Council, says the Elders’ Council has also been working on bringing Eagle Feathers into the courtrooms.

“Each courtroom, hopefully at some point, will have their own Eagle Feather that they can use during courtroom sessions for our people,” Debassige says. “It depicts truth that you’re speaking your truth, and it gives you courage. It’s also in line with the Seven Grandfather Teachings.”

The Elders’ Council has also provided formal advice directly to three attorney generals for Ontario over the years as well as to staff at all levels of the provincial government across various ministries and divisions.

“We have a direct ear to the attorney general,” Pierre says. “We provide advice and so forth with the attorney general and we have the capability of reaching out to other ministries.”

The Elders’ Council was nominated for the Guthrie Award by Kimberly Murray, assistant deputy attorney general, Indigenous Justice Division.

“The Elders change the hearts and minds of government employees by creating respectful forums for dialogue,” Murray says. “In all of its work, the Elders’ Council has had a deep and transformative impact on everyone with whom they have interacted.”

The Elders Council consists of Elders from across the province, including Atikameksheng Anishnawbek Elder Waasaanese (Alex Jacobs), Matachewan Elder Barney Batise, Mohawks of Akwesasne Elder Katsi Cook, Sachigo Lake Elder Helen Cromarty, Six Nations Elder Janice Longboat, Métis Nation of Ontario Senator Verna Porter-Burnelle, Saddle Lake Elder Pauline Shirt, Naicatchewenin Elder Gilbert Smith, Baker Lake Elder Sally Webster and Tuapait Elder Sytukie Joamie.

“As an Anishinaabe from Wiikwemkoong, the importance of Elders in guiding our work is vitally important,” says Marian Jacko, children’s lawyer for Ontario. “We have always been taught to include and consult with Elders in our work as their guidance, sharing of knowledge and experience is critical. The Elders’ Council increases access to justice for Indigenous communities and people. The Council does this by sharing their knowledge and personal experience with participants in Bimickaway, by providing spiritual and emotional support to families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, providing support to families during coroner’s inquests, and providing guidance and advice on law and policy at the highest level within the Ministry of the Attorney General.”