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 Nishnawbe Aski Nation, the PLE program implemented by NALSC is designed:

(a)   to teach NAN community members about the Euro-Canadian criminal, civil and administrative law system; and,

(b)   to teach NAN community members and others about the traditional justice systems.

There is an important connection between customary law and Public Legal Education. NAN community members 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 PLE workshops. The aspects of customary law will be conveyed in comparison with information about the Euro-Canadian system of justice.


For information about alternative justice, please refer to the Talking Together and Restorative Justice  programs.