Indigenous People have long been over-represented in the criminal justice system, but they haven’t been able to match that representation in its governing body.
In the 137 year history of the Law Society of BC, only two total Indigenous benchers had ever been elected, until today.
But, after a recent historic vote, five Indigenous lawyers have been elected as benchers for the Society.
Benchers serve as regulators and directors for the Society and for lawyers across BC in general.
19 slots were up for grabs in the election, and an incredible 5 winners are of Indigenous descent, including: Gitxsan Hereditary Chief Brian Dybwad, Shuswap lawyer Katrina Harry, Haida lawyer Kelly Russ, and two Métis representatives, Lindsay LeBlanc and Geroges Rivard.
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