Public Legal Education

There is a recognized need for information about the law as it affects NAN people and organizations. Canadian law is very complex and it is written in a legal language which sometimes requires the interpretation of a lawyer or an expert in legal issues. The Public Legal Education (PLE) program is a source of information which helps both youth and adults to learn, know and understand the laws that have a bearing on their lives.

Making the Justice System More Responsive

In an effort to make existing justice systems more responsive to the needs of the members of the Nishanwbe Aski Nation, the PLE program implemented by NALSC is designed to :

(a)   teach NAN people about aspects of the Euro-Canadian criminal, civil and administrative law system, and

(b)   teach about the traditional justice systems.

There is an important connection between customary law and Public Legal Education. NAN people want and need information about their own justice system. As a result, the traditional justice system is just one of the many topics which will be explored by the upcoming PLE workshops. The aspects of customary law will be conveyed in comparison with information about the Euro-Canadian system of justice.

For more information about alternative justice, please refer to the Talking Together and Restorative Justice sections found on this website, under "Programs".