The recent discovery of the remains of 215 residential school students at the Kamloops Indian Residential School site has provided an opportunity for some sober reflection. We acknowledge that our office is located on the traditional territory of the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc people, and we wish to express our support to their community at this difficult time.

Over the years, Paul & Company has represented survivors, as well as children and grandchildren of survivors of the colonial residential school system in criminal, family, and child protection matters. Currently we hold a contract to defend youth in the foster care in the youth criminal justice system.

Too many of our youth clients have stories that parallel the story of Skye, a youth in care who was recently the subject of a report by BC’s Representative for Children and Youth. A copy of Skye’s story can be found here.

https://rcybc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/RCY_Skyes-Legacy-June2021_FINAL-1.pdf

Change is needed at the systemic level in our child welfare and criminal justice systems.

We are hopeful that the discovery here in Kamloops will instigate some positive changes. We hope to be a part of that change. Throughout the process, we will continue to listen carefully to our Indigenous clients and zealously advocate on their behalf.

By Jeanine Ball